Loaded with ideas for blending fun and joy into the serious business of learning, the new book Serious Fun: Practical Strategies to Motivate and Engage Students is easy to read and ready to use in the classroom, says reviewer Laura Von Staden.
Teachers who fail to actively involve students in learning experiences are mired in mediocrity, says educator Barbara Blackburn. The author of Rigor Is Not a 4-Letter Word shares five rules for student engagement she’s discovered, with examples from her own teaching and consulting.
In the 2nd edition of Deepening Comprehension with Action Strategies, Jeff Wilhelm offers theory-based drama techniques that can be used before, during, and after reading to deepen comprehension of fiction and nonfiction content, says reviewer Allyn Hunt.
Beninghof’s book of best practices is rich with examples of how to increase student participation, focus attention & strengthen memory, says Linda Biondi.
Book Reviews / Common Core Standards / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/08/2013 · Last modified 12/03/2019
This helpful book offers techniques for teaching 55 key words associated with K12 CC standards so they stick in students’ long-term memory.
Jack Berckemeyer’s book is so full of wonderful wisdom and advice, says our reviewer Alex Valencic, that he wonders how he’s managed without it so long.
Beyond its solid research, reviewer Jeremy Engebretson finds this Marzano book offers new & veteran teachers practical vignettes & on-target resources.
Articles / Teaching the Whole Adolescent
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/02/2013 · Last modified 07/14/2024
Eighth graders present a video and describe the creation of their “I AM Wall” – part of a project on stereotyping that included reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. “It seems that we keep discovering things about ourselves every day, so all we need to strive for is to be ourselves.”
In her review of Larry Ferlazzo’s Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation, Julie Dermody says, “Educators who read this book will become more effective teachers…better equipped to deal with daily challenges of motivating our students.”
Anne Jolly vows to continue working for a sustained, engaging process that leads to high quality student learning for every kid — even the kids like William.
