Librarians do more than read with elementary kids, check out books to middle schoolers, or gather books for reshelving in high schools. The modern school librarian is an advocate for joyful reading and a provider of meaningful learning opportunities, writes Jennifer Sniadecki.
Two books from Jason McIntosh – one centering on PBL quests and the other on paleontology investigations – offer advanced students learning challenges not often found in middle grades books, writes Kim Rensch. The books include lesson plans – and a short novel by McIntosh!
For our students to be well educated, activist citizens who lead fulfilling lives, they need schools where fostering a culture of belonging becomes the character of the school, writes Regie Routman. It’s a place where every student feels safe, cared for, seen, heard and empowered.
Welcome to Teaching! does not just tell you how to teach. It shows you with lively illustrations and QR codes showcasing strategies in real classrooms and solutions to pitfalls often seen in classrooms of new teachers, writes PD leader Alison Prochaska. A “must-read” resource.
“Teacher Induction That Works: A Lasting Impact from Day One” by Tara Link and Beth Whitaker is for anyone involved in setting up or improving a mentoring program. Instructional coach Kathee Lamberies finds the book practical, engaging, and full of actionable ideas.
Sarah M. Zerwin’s “Step Aside” is full of ideas for secondary teachers ready to build a classroom that supports and encourages students to become involved, engaged, and in control of their literacy learning, writes instructional coach Kathee Lamberies.
Administrators and gifted and talented coordinators can include Creating Equity and Access for Gifted Learners with its introduction of the ExCEL Model as one part of a larger body of resources to support the implementation of problem-based learning, writes Kim Rensch.
Teaching dystopian fiction offers students a meaningful way to engage with literature and social issues while developing critical thinking skills. Kasey Short suggests discussion questions, activities, and a sample of dystopian novels and short stories to capture students’ attention.
Project-based learning’s mischievous sibling, problem-based learning, is once again gaining traction in the educational sphere. Kim Rensch, a district gifted services leader, likes that Todd Stanley’s book goes deep into assessment after a thorough look at inquiry learning.
What can you and your students accomplish the last few weeks of school? In this MiddleWeb resource educators share activities that align learning with fun, offer ideas for responding to stress, and suggest strategies to help sustain your classroom community.
