Unlocking Complex Texts: A Systematic Framework
Teachers working to build complex texts into classes will welcome the framework for teaching comprehension in Laura Robb’s book, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
Tagged: middle grades
Let Them Read Whole Novels!
Ariel Sacks says that by teaching novels “whole” she has been able to ignite interest in books, deepen discussions & improve reading comprehension. In this informative article, Sacks shares her rationale, her method, and reactions from her middle school students.
Science in Morning Meeting: 150 Activities Connecting to Curriculum
Linda Biondi reports this book encourages teachers to integrate science into the daily schedule instead of “pigeonholing” the subject into a time slot.
Guided Math in Action: Building Proficiency with Small-Group Instruction
In an inviting style, Nicki Newton fully explains how to effectively engage grades 4-5 students in small-group math workshops, says reviewer Alex Valencic.
Strategic Writing Mini-Lessons
SpEd teacher Danielle McIntosh recommends these 22 mini-lessons with adaptations for struggling and advanced writers and English language learners found in Strategic Writing Mini-Lessons for All Students, Grades 4-8.
Better Than Book Reports
Teachers will find creative alternatives to the traditional book report that tap into student interests and creative writing in Ban the Book Report: Promoting Frequent and Enthusiastic Reading, says reviewer Nicole Warchol.
Crazy Good Teaching Stuff
The Collected Writings (So Far) of Rick Wormeli: Crazy Good Stuff I’ve Learned About Teaching Along the Way is a major collection of the author’s columns and articles on middle grades teaching practice and is indeed “crazy good stuff,” says reviewer Elizabeth Stein.
Arts Integration: Catch the Thrill!
In the middle grades, arts integration can deepen learning, address the Common Core, and spark academic progress across the curriculum.
Celebrate the Middle Grades!
Middle Level Education Month celebrates the education of young adolescents, often misunder- stood, misguided, and even maddening – but also magnificent.
Climbing Reading Ladders
Teacher Mark A. Domeier likes the concept behind Teri Lesesne’s reading ladders in Reading Ladders: Leading Students from Where They Are to Where We’d Like Them to Be, but he says they’ll have to be adapted to the realities of middle school class size.
