Each of these 20 English Language Arts-oriented articles (dating back to 2012) has enjoyed thousands of reads since it was first published at MiddleWeb. From closer reading to better writing, we hope you find some helpful ideas and inspiration for the new school year!
When you think of Greek and Latin roots, you think high student engagement, right? No? ELA teacher Amber Chandler plans to make all those old roots rock this fall as she introduces the concepts of language development and acquisition to her students.
Novice and veteran teachers who are looking for real text for students to read to build vocabulary and understanding will find fully developed, brief daily lessons in Laura Robb’s book. Reviewer Cindi Syverson also recommends the quality online resources.
Character Building / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 04/08/2015 · Last modified 12/01/2019
We can teach students the value of speaking out on critical issues while meeting curriculum standards, says Mary Tarashuk, who shares her 6-day unit inspired by the 1992 speech of 12-year old environmentalist Severn Suzuki before global leaders.
Stressing the need to provide wide fiction and informational text choices, the authors consider the needs of all readers while offering extensive activities for all classrooms. Reviewer Jenni Miller found the book “wonderful” – both informative and encouraging.
Ready for fresh math bellringers? Reviewer Lynne Menechella highly recommends Math Lesson Starters for the Common Core. Arranged by CCSS-M domains, the compact book “does a wonderful job of providing ready-to-use problems that work as formative assessment.”
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 12/17/2014 · Last modified 11/24/2019
When teachers across the content areas put the ideas in Janet Allen’s Tools for Teaching Academic Vocabulary to work, their students will feel as if they truly own their vocabulary and want to share and celebrate it, says teacher-reviewer Linda Biondi.
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/01/2014 · Last modified 12/05/2019
While introducing vocabulary takes only a few minutes, true comprehension requires time. What’s a teacher to do? Reviewer Beth Morrow suggests picking up a copy of Marilee Sprenger’s Vocab Rehab for a succinct guide to research based activities.
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.
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.
