Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

How Schools & Families Can Nurture Connection

“We are all lacking community, despite our illusion of connectedness,” writes teacher Amber Chandler. In her new book, she explores key issues by writing letters to five stakeholder groups she believes can help reclaim connection. Read what she says about school attendance.

‘We Joined Schoolwide Reads with Author Visits’

Well-planned schoolwide reads, paired with author visits, have the power to strengthen community, support belonging, and create shared experiences that extend beyond a single event. Kasey Short describes her school’s process and offers some tips for others who want to try it.

Preparing Students to Challenge Inequity

The authors of Educating for Justice provide a comprehensive framework for schools looking to move beyond superficial diversity initiatives and create meaningful, school-wide change that empowers students to critically engage with social injustices, writes Melinda Stewart.

How Do Your Students Get Their War News?

During military crises, we look for reliable news sources to stay informed. A high percentage of young people today rely solely on social media for their war news. With the advent of AI-generated images and video, says expert Frank Baker, media literacy skills become paramount.

A Principal’s Playbook for Conflict Management

Conflict in schools isn’t abstract – it’s lived daily. Offering tools, examples, and mindset shifts, veteran school leader Jen Schwanke helps principals understand and manage conflict and lead beyond it with clarity, empathy, and a steady hand, writes principal Dennis Schug.

Live Webcams Help Kids Slow Down and Wonder

Helping middle school students learn how to slow down, notice, and wonder may be one of the most important things we do. Kendra Cameron-Jarvis shows how teachers can use live worldwide webcams to spark small observation routines that build both attention and global awareness.