New Literacies: Scriptwriting
Media literacy consultant Frank Baker makes the case that students should be writing scripts and screenplays as part of their schoolwork.
Category: Articles
The Future of History
In a new MiddleWeb blog, three outstanding middle grades teachers explore the Future of History in a connected world, from multiple perspectives.
How to Get Your Students Blogging!
Blogging is essential in Pernille Ripp’s classroom. “It’s a way to check their emotional temperature & for them to talk to the world.” Here’s her 10-step process.
Teacher-Driven Observation: Deprivatizing the Classroom
When teachers design their own observations, colleagues can help them zero in on key questions and gather helpful data to improve practice.
Class Fiction: History+Mystery!
Historical mysteries that lure reluctant readers & boost comprehension are great for classroom libraries, says teacher-author Elizabeth Varadon.
The WOW Factor App
A new web tool, designed just for education, can help promote student creativity and innovative thinking, says ed consultant & former MS teacher Mike Fisher.
Analyze the Trajectory of an ELA Standard
Author Sarah Tantillo shares a tool to help teachers analyze the trajectory of ELA Common Core standards so they know what to expect – and what to accomplish.
6 Tips to Boost Learning on Class Field Trips
Teacher educator Amanda Wall describes how she’s blended specific learning activities into class field trips and shares 6 tips to help teachers plan. “It’s certainly true that planning field trips can be challenging, detail-intensive and time-consuming,” she says, “but there is always a reward in student learning.”
Who Are You to Tell Me What to Do?
Four years after becoming an instructional coach, Elena Aguilar once again found herself in front of a class of 8th graders, looking for trusting relationships. “Within just five minutes, I was humbled. Who did I think I was that I could incur their trust that fast? I wanted to bow down to the teacher—Oh, yes, this is so hard.”
Visual Literacy & Politics
Media expert Frank Baker offers examples of political stagecraft at the highest levels and suggests several visual literacy lesson ideas.
