Team Building / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 08/07/2016 · Last modified 03/08/2021
Amber Chandler and her co-teaching colleague will use the One Word Challenge this fall to set the focus and tone for a cohesive classroom culture. After a trial run last January, they are confident it’s the perfect way to kick off the year. Tips & slides!
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/19/2015 · Last modified 11/12/2019
Especially to build awareness of the SEL needs of gifted students, but also to enrich the education provided to ALL students, I’m Not Just Gifted is a welcome resource to any teacher determined to make education socially and emotionally relevant, says principal Deb Hubble.
When bickering and bullying began to weaken her classroom culture, 6th grade teacher Mackenzie Grate tried a simple but powerful strategy involving pink and green sticky notes, 30 brown paper bags, and some brutal honesty. The results were impressive.
Mindful Co-teaching / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 09/01/2014 · Last modified 11/26/2019
This summer Elizabeth Stein provided PD support to colleagues during a successful “camp” that helped struggling students develop a growth mindset & more academic confidence. Reflecting back, she draws 3 connections between mindfulness & co-teaching.
Former principal Sue Stephenson describes how she and a team of teachers recently helped seventh graders prepare and perform standup comedy routines, all the while learning serious writing, speaking and personal living skills. Video link included!
How often do you share poetry with students? Reading interventionist and literacy coach Gwen Flaskamp shows how increasing students’ experience with poetry can build literacy, analytical and social-emotional skills and help meet Common Core standards.
This diary entry by a KY principal, from MiddleWeb’s early years, reminds us that the work of K12 educators encompasses much more than academics.
Articles / Teaching the Whole Adolescent
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/07/2013 · Last modified 12/03/2019
As he contemplates his new role as middle level division leader, Charlie Gramatges considers the middle school essentials that best serve young adolescents.
The Advisory Book: Building a Community of Learners (2nd Edition) by Linda Crawford is an excellent resource for specific ideas & activities as well as the research that supports Advisory, says teacher educator Amanda Wall.
When students feel they “belong” in school, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially & emotionally, says veteran teacher turned teacher educator Amanda Wall. She details actions that middle level schools can take to assure students are supported, including quality Advisory programs.
