Math Homework / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 11/12/2017 · Last modified 11/23/2019
This fall Michelle Russell implemented a new policy of assigning but not checking math homework, and then checking homework understanding with short quizzes. After 15 weeks of school, she’s ready to share the results so far. Learn her “good, bad, and ugly” findings.
Sixth grade ELA and social studies teacher Kathee Lamberies expects she will be using Teaching Literacy in the Visible Learning Classroom from Fisher, Frey, Hattie and Thayre and tabbing its pages for years to come. It is likely to become her new “bible” of teaching!
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Social-Emotional Learning
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 11/06/2017 · Last modified 12/15/2019
Off to a great start, Cheryl Mizerny continues to promote a Year of Kindness among her 6th graders and her school. Here she looks ahead and describes plans for the rest of the year. You’ll find lots of resources to promote kindness among your own students and community.
Some aspects of grading, such as whether to grade homework, are individual choices for a teacher. But never lose sight, says expert Barbara Blackburn, of seven essential practices that determine whether grading will be fair and meaningful – or ultimately pointless.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/02/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
The content of “Teaching Kids to Thrive” will help teach students positive ways to think, practice executive functioning skills, and create a culture of caring and responsibility. Linda Biondi describes why she found it to be one of the most empowering books she’s read.
Restorative Justice / Two Teachers in the Room
by MiddleWeb · Published 10/31/2017 · Last modified 03/04/2024
Restorative justice practices put students in control of behaviors, writes Elizabeth Stein. Rather than being separated from peers in punitive ways, students gain a collaborative perspective and feel more accepted, supported, and capable of making positive decisions.
Ad Techniques / Close Reading the Media
by Frank Baker · Published 10/31/2017 · Last modified 12/01/2019
In today’s advertising-saturated world, their attention may be the most valuable thing students own. Marketers want it and they’ll grab it anyway they can. It’s the job of educators to make sure kids understand what’s going on, media literacy expert Frank W. Baker says.
Full to the brim with useful information, master teacher Jim Burke’s book is a must-have for teachers who are looking for ways to unpack their literacy standards and find deeper meaning. Erin Corrigan-Smith says it’s also ideal for those who want quick access to the essentials.
Practical SEL / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 10/23/2017 · Last modified 11/13/2019
Integrating social-emotional learning into your classroom is necessary and practical, writes eighth-grade teacher, book author, and NBCT Amber Chandler, in a time when “loads of research tells us that kinder, gentler classrooms are better learning environments.”
Future of History / Historical thinking
by Lauren S. Brown · Published 10/17/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
There’s no perfect teaching recipe that balances patriotism and civic responsibility, says middle school history teacher Lauren Brown. But if educators attempt to ignore the low points in America’s past, they’ll insult students’ intelligence and lose their trust.
