Book Reviews / Common Core State Standards
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/16/2013 · Last modified 11/16/2019
In Big Skills for the Common Core: Literacy Strategies for the 6 -12 Classroom, Amy Benjamin & Michael Hugelmeyer provide Common Core literacy strategies with easy-to-use charts & guides for 6-12 students, say a pair of MiddleWeb reviewers.
Cemeteries: Alive with Learning, Barbara Kissling’s short book describing a PBL experience focused on old cemeteries, is a unique idea sure to engage middle schoolers, says reviewer Carolyn Baker.
STEM By Design / STEM Summer Activities
by Anne Jolly · Published 05/26/2013 · Last modified 12/11/2019
Anne Jolly is campaigning for a STEM summer in which kids ask questions, seek answers, & design solutions to problems. She has 9 ideas for parents & others.
Two Teachers in the Room / Universal Design for Learning
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/19/2013 · Last modified 11/26/2019
Framing lessons through the lens of the Universal Design for Learning isn’t about more time so much as it is about more strategic thinking, says Elizabeth Stein.
Author Sarah Tantillo shares a tool to help teachers analyze the trajectory of ELA Common Core standards so they know what to expect – and what to accomplish.
Closing the Achievement Gap / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 04/03/2013 · Last modified 11/18/2019
Elizabeth Stein & assistant principal Paul McNeil consider personal, classroom, and school strategies that can help close achievement gaps for students with disabilities, including peer tutoring and support for high expectations. It takes a team approach, and it takes time and patience.
Building Community / Two Teachers in the Room
by Laurie Wasserman · Published 03/17/2013 · Last modified 11/23/2019
After years without a homeroom, special educator Laurie Wasserman eagerly volunteered for one — and set out to build a real classroom community.
Raptors in the City opens a web portal on peregrine falcons living in a skyscraper during spring nesting season. Engaging ideas for science classrooms!
Positive discipline is supported by brain research about adolescent learning, say the authors of U-Turn Teaching. So demonstrate, facilitate, motivate.
In The Literacy Cookbook: A Practical Guide to Effective Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Instruction, Sarah Tantillo’s banquet of tasty recipes for good literacy instruction are also a helpful ELA Common Core resource, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
