Class Apps / Reciprocal Teaching
by Curtis Chandler · Published 07/15/2018 · Last modified 12/05/2019
Reciprocal teaching (RT) helps students deepen their learning by teaching other students. Curtis Chandler shows how kiddos can tackle new texts and concepts by developing their ability to apply cognitive and metacognitive strategies. He includes helpful videos and online tools.
Middle school science educator and Albert Einstein Distinguished Education Fellow Joshua Sneideman and energy education specialist Erin Twamley share seven ways that teachers and schools can involve students in climate change studies. Included: Project ideas.
About Working Draft / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 06/27/2018 · Last modified 04/19/2020
After five years, 6th grade teacher and NWP activist Kevin Hodgson is retiring his popular Working Draft column for MiddleWeb. In entry 72 he shares links to favorite posts and highlights three central principles about writing that have guided his blogging and teaching.
With summer’s slower pace, some educators’ thoughts may be turning to classroom grant-seeking. Amber Chandler is always on the lookout for funding that helps her kids. She’s batting 20 percent (double the average) and is happy to share tips to boost your own success rate.
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.
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.
Heart of the School / Summer Family Contacts
by Rita Platt · Published 06/17/2018 · Last modified 11/13/2019
We work all year to build and nurture relationships with our students and families. Why stop over the summer? Rita Platt offers quick, low-stress ideas for teachers and principals to stay connected to during the summer months. Public library meetups are super simple!
How can you support your middle schoolers in peaceful and productive advocacy for equity and social justice? EL Education’s Anne Vilen shares the courageous story of immigrant Atak Natali to show how supportive teachers can help students come together to work for justice.
This summer, the week-long Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference will bring together writers, teachers, and students to model and practice great literate behaviors. Award-winning YA and tween authors will discuss their craft and their own literacy journeys.
Two Teachers in the Room by Elizabeth Stein explores how co-teachers can work together as effective partners to best serve all their students. Elizabeth OBrien recommends the book for people new to co-teaching and as a key resource in professional development settings.
