MiddleWeb

Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Articles / Summer Learning

Have a Summer of Fun Reading & Writing with Kids

Mike Fisher, a middle grades teacher turned literacy and tech integration consultant, suggests ways parents can involve their kids in reading and writing throughout the summer months, on their own and with family members. At his house, it’s Harry Potter time!

Math Talk / Meaningful Math

Card Sorts Can Promote Meaningful Math Talk

Math teachers looking for ways to promote deeper student “math talk” might consider team card sorting, says Michelle Russell, author of MiddleWeb’s new “Meaningful Math” blog. Among her tips: resist jumping in to help – and always have a culminating activity.

Assessment / Book Reviews

Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless

Using hacks from her mostly AP and high school classes, Starr Sackstein makes the case for moving beyond traditional grading to concentrate on students learning. Reviewer Toni Rose Deanon sees herself using the suggestions to begin conversations and respond to pushback.

Book Reviews / Leadership

Excellence through Equity: Courageous Leadership

With their strong focus on the presentation of real school stories blended with research based strategies, Alan Blankstein, Pedro Noguera and Lorena Kelly offer practical solutions leading to an equitable, high quality education for every student, says Tamekia McCauley.

Articles / Professional Learning

Why Becoming an NBCT May Be Right for You

NBCT Amber Chandler looks at three factors that might be holding teachers back from pursuing National Board Certification – finding time, covering the cost, or “already being a good teacher” – and offers her reasons why you should move beyond all three obstacles.

Articles / Teaching Practice

12 Daily Touchstones Can Improve Our Teaching

Bryan Goodwin & Elizabeth Ross Hubbell make a compelling argument that teachers can improve their impact on student learning by using a “do-confirm” checklist based on 12 essential daily touchstones that represent current research on what works best. Pilots do!

Articles / Media Literacy

Media Literacy: Learning about Product Placement

As product placement ads invade more of our visual space, educators can use the trend as a hook to engage students in critical thinking about what it means to be media literate. Expert Frank Baker uses the NBA’s 2016-17 plans for jersey advertising as an example.