Author: MiddleWeb

The First 15 Days of Writer’s Workshop

In Write This Way from the Start: The First 15 Days of Writer’s Workshop Kelly Boswell gives educators the tools in the easiest workshop format to understand and emulate. Lisa Signorelli thinks the book is just what new and veteran teachers need.

Coaching PLCs to Grow as Collaborative Teams

To improve the effectiveness of PLCs, the four authors of Amplify Your Impact have created a framework for coaches to use to guide teachers in practicing effective teamwork. Educator Laura Cockman is already implementing elements of it with her PLC and recommends it.

Assess Students Using Projects & Performance

Whether it’s performing as a person from history or working on a community problem with others, an assessment that gets students to dig deep into content will result in more rigorous learning, writes consultant Barbara Blackburn. She shares examples to get kids started.

Could Doubt Be a Tool to Spark Student Learning?

Student discussions fueled by doubts and personal questions can push learning very deep, says teaching consultant Jackie Walsh. To set the stage, educators will need to address Teacher Mindset, Classroom Culture, Teaching Modeling, and Student Skills and Dispositions.

4 Ideas Help New ELA Teachers Start Strong

After considering his early years as an English teacher, looking at research and talking with teachers and administrators, teacher educator Sean Ruday shares four recommendations to help new ELA teachers’ first years in the classroom be as successful as possible.

A Helpful Field Guide for Beginning Teachers

Tina H. Boogren takes beginning teachers in their first years through the phases they can expect: anticipation, survival, disillusionment, rejuvenation, and reflection. Teacher educator Linda Biondi finds Boogren’s recollections of her novice teaching particularly helpful.

Creating New Scientists: Teaching with the NGSS

In Creating Scientists Christopher Moore helps readers better understand the reasoning behind the NGSS and how to implement the standards in classrooms. If teachers focus lessons with his goals in mind, says science educator Joyce Depenbusch, students will benefit.

Lesson Planning That Fosters Innovation

After reading “The i5 Approach” to lesson planning, middle grades teacher Joanne Bell can see that better thinking skills not only lead to a deeper understanding of big concepts, they can spark fresh innovations. Bell welcomes the integration of 21st century skills.