Civics Lessons / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 08/29/2016 · Last modified 11/30/2019
This year, with an historic Presidential election in the making, civics studies take on a bit more relevance for Mary Tarashuk’s 4th graders. As she worked on her lesson plans this summer, she uncovered fresh resources to help her met five key teaching goals.
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Plagiarism
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 08/28/2016 · Last modified 11/26/2019
For Cheryl Mizerny, detecting plagiarism and determining consequences require more energy than proactively planning assignments that don’t lend themselves to copying. She shares strategies to support learning while making plagiarism less attractive to students.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/25/2016 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Gifted children’s intense behaviors sometimes create challenges in the classroom. Author Christine Fonseca gives teachers, parents and students coping strategies and coaching approaches. Teacher Amy Estersohn says the book is also a good choice for PTA book clubs.
Paraphrasing is the first step on Sarah Tantillo’s “stairway” to deep reading comprehension and needs to be deliberately taught early in the school year. She shares a two-step process that can help students paraphrase strategically and offers a tool for student practice.
First Days of Math Class / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 08/14/2016 · Last modified 11/20/2019
Before planning her first lessons, math teacher Michelle Russell came up with her three teaching goals for the year. Most of all, she wants to strengthen her student relationships and make learning about math more fun. See the survey she did on Day One.
Class Apps / Quick Communication
by Curtis Chandler · Published 08/07/2016 · Last modified 03/03/2024
With the goal of encouraging learning at school and beyond, Curtis Chandler describes two free tech tools to help get students and the school year off to a good start: Poll Everywhere will quickly spark discussion and the Remind app will keep everyone on track.
Book Reviews / Data-driven Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/03/2016 · Last modified 11/18/2019
Victoria L. Bernhardt’s suggestions in Data, Data Everywhere, when implemented with fidelity, will help leaders organize information, guide discussions, and, ultimately, lead to an improvement in student learning. Teacher Alex T. Valencic recommends the book.
With its comprehensive collection of CCSS-ELA graphic organizers, The Visual Edge provides a very visible way for students in grades 6-12 to approach Common Core-related standards. Teacher-reviewer Joyce Depenbusch has numerous suggestions for the next edition.
Articles / Back to School / New Teacher Advice
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/02/2016 · Last modified 11/12/2019
When you walk into your own classroom for the first time, options (and stressors) abound. Keying in on essentials and asking for help can help new teachers build a vibrant learning space. Veteran teacher trainer Laura Robb shares newbie tips to use or adapt.
Management in the Active Classroom is a unique behavior-oriented resource. Few other books offer specific strategies that help the teacher provide structure while still honoring the dignity of every student. Jodi and Matt Renwick recommend it for every school.
