Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Energize Your Teaching by Reframing Perspective

By developing the skill of reframing, teachers can navigate challenges with greater ease, foster a more positive mindset, and build resilience that benefits us and our students. Tools for changing our perspective include pausing, pondering, and persisting, writes Julie Hasson.

The Long & Winding Road to Women’s Rights

Women’s history is no longer in hiding, thanks to scholars who are documenting women’s impact on society. Middle grades teachers can help their students trace that history with these resources, just updated and expanded, for Women’s History Month and beyond.

Involving Kids in a Phone Free Policy that Works

Cooperation among teachers, parents, students, and administration has been key as Katie Durkin’s middle school has adopted a strict phone-free policy this school year. She cites three factors that she believes account for a smooth transition and shares her hopes for the future.

The Recharging Power of Relationships

Educators tend to think of building strong relationships as something we do to impact others, but we are also helping ourselves. Taking into account the challenges of relationships, Julie Schmidt Hasson looks into how connections with adults and students help us grow stronger.

Help Students Set Goals in All Subject Areas

Setting goals across all subject areas is an important practice that helps students at every grade level excel academically and nurtures essential life skills. Incorporating mindfulness into this process strengthens student focus and resilience, writes Kathleen Palmieri.

Expanding Our Teacher “Zone of Tolerance”

When you operate within your zone of tolerance, you are better able to manage the complex interplay of student needs, teaching demands, and life beyond the classroom. By staying in and expanding your zone, you can grow stronger and keep making an impact, writes Julie Hasson.