Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Math Workshop in Action: Strategies for Gr K-5

Nicki Newton’s comprehensive book guides educators through setting up a Math Workshop, beginning with creating a community of learners in a math-rich classroom. Linda Biondi likes her “practical and specific ways to become the math teacher you always wanted to be.”

Students Can Battle the Longhorned Beetle

Help middle graders take the next step in environmental studies & awareness. Using USDA resource materials, students can join the effort to uncover and eradicate the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle which threatens 70% of the tree canopy in the United States.

Develop Thinking and Writing with Argument

In “Argue with Me” Deanna Kuhn et al present a full curriculum on teaching argument, informed by their research in low income schools. Used in full or in part, the process can benefit thinking & writing skills, says Mary Langer Thompson.

BYOD in the Classroom: Necessary or Nice?

How can we judge the effectiveness of students bringing their own electronic devices to class? Matt Renwick’s checklist looks at whether devices meet all students’ needs, how they are involved in choosing devices, and whether they’re able to collaborate in class and beyond.

STEM & Visual Learning: A Vital Combination

In focusing on traditional text-based knowledge & skills, we miss the key role visual tools play in STEM exploration and innovation. Recognizing the ways scientists and engineers use visuals with text can help us better support students in every classroom, writes author/illustrator Roger Essley.

An Unhelpful Guide for Special Ed Teachers

For teachers considering a career in Special Education, an area of critical need, reviewer Laura Von Staden fears that those readers may not finish That’s Special feeling equipped or encouraged to teach this group of students and may decide not to enter the field.

The 6 Characteristics of Effective Praise

Most educators use praise in their classrooms. However, students can interpret praise positively or negatively and teachers need to know the difference. Author and consultant Barbara Blackburn looks at six characteristics of effective praise that can motivate students to strive and thrive.