A “snail mail” pen pal project may seem outmoded for middle schoolers, with their brains wired for the instant gratification of texting and social media. And yet, as Scott Bonito discovered, having a mystery pen pal can make eyes light up and adolescent brains go into overdrive.
Whether they’re annotating for current engagement or as preparation for discussion and writing assignments, students benefit from knowing the purpose of their notes. Seventh grade teacher Laurie Miller Hornik shares steps to help students understand the power of annotation.
Many educators believe we can increase engagement and improve attendance by expanding choice electives for their middle schoolers. But school and system wide? What about scheduling? What about staffing? Jen Schwanke walks us through her district’s transformation step by step.
“The Classroom of Choice” is perfect for teachers seeking ways to strengthen their classrooms and curriculum using Choice Theory so students thrive as learners and humans, says MS teacher and NBCT Angela Lee. Each chapter has specific, ready to use, research based strategies.
Motivation and Engagement / New Teacher Tips
by Curtis Chandler · Published 01/11/2026 · Last modified 01/29/2026
When we provide learners with both the spark to start and the tools to keep going, we help each student move one step closer to becoming self-directed learners who view challenges as opportunities to grow. Curtis Chandler shows how motivation and engagement work together.
Kathie Palmieri’s fifth graders loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into an opportunity for authentic inquiry. It shows that even the simplest materials can lead to big scientific thinking – especially when paired with a question that invites wonder.
When teachers design classrooms around how students think and engage – not just what they’re expected to know – we unlock a learning environment where curiosity replaces compliance, and excitement replaces dread, writes middle grades educator and NBCT Kathleen Palmieri.
Students who struggle with academic reading can benefit from “a compass of sorts” to help them navigate texts. To accomplish this, educator Ron Klemp developed a four-step quickwrite protocol that’s been “extremely effective” in boosting their engagement and understanding.
What can you and your students accomplish the last few weeks of school? In this MiddleWeb resource educators share activities that align learning with fun, offer ideas for responding to stress, and suggest strategies to help sustain your classroom community.
New Teacher Tips / Stealth Learning
by Curtis Chandler · Published 02/23/2025 · Last modified 04/27/2026
Stealth learning and assessment blur the boundaries between learning, assessment, and fun. Teacher educator Curtis Chandler shows how simulations and practical projects help students across subjects gain knowledge while enjoying the process. Included: some lesson design tips.
