Managing the Madness: A Practical Guide to Middle Grades Classrooms
Jack Berckemeyer’s book is so full of wonderful wisdom and advice, says our reviewer Alex Valencic, that he wonders how he’s managed without it so long.
Category: Book Reviews
Common Core English Language Arts in a PLC at Work
Even educators who don’t work in successful PLC environments will appreciate Fisher & Frey’s strategies to build students’ CCSS ELA proficiencies, says Joy Kirr.
Classroom Management Q&As: Expert Strategies for Teaching
“What does student engagement look like?” is just one of 14 questions Larry Ferlazzo & other experts answer in this new eBook reviewed by Julie Dermody.
Unlocking Complex Texts: A Systematic Framework
Teachers working to build complex texts into classes will welcome the framework for teaching comprehension in Laura Robb’s book, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
Fostering Grit: How do I prepare my students for the real world?
Thomas Hoerr’s brief book offers enough resources to start a conversation about student “grit” but not to add a focus on resilience into daily teaching, says reviewer Katie Gordon.
Assessment in Perspective: Focusing on the Reader Behind the Numbers
Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan analyze assessment and the data it produces to show how it can benefit instruction, not displace it or waste teacher time, says reviewer Sandy Wisneski.
Everything You Need to Become a Maker School
Look no further than Invent to Learn, by Sylvia Martinez and Gary Stager, for information on promoting the Maker Movement in your school, says reviewer Kevin Hodgson. Among many other useful ideas: How to involve students in staging a Maker Fair.
Helping English Language Learners Meet the Common Core
Teachers will find helpful discussions of CCSS listening & speaking standards & the CALL tool. Reading & writing are missing.
Making Thinking Visible: Promoting Engagement, Understanding & Independence
Writing in the voice of teachers, says reading coach Katie Gordon, the authors describe how to create classes “where thinking is valued, visible, and actively promoted.”
Teaching Reading in Middle School: A Strategic Approach to Comprehension
Reading teachers, rejoice! Laura Robb answers every question about teaching reading in middle school, says reviewer Laura Von Staden. And there’s a great CD.
