If Regie Routman had to name the most important mindsets and actions for a full and flourishing life, “I’d say gratitude and generosity are at the top and are especially essential for living and thriving in challenging times.” All of which gets her thinking about Thanksgiving.
Meaningful Math / Pandemic Teaching
by Michelle Russell · Published 05/26/2020 · Last modified 08/05/2020
When Michelle Russell dropped by her classroom last week, she was overcome with emotion. As her school year ends, she reflects on the depth of her gratitude for that room, her colleagues, her students and their families, her newfound clarity, and teaching itself.
Articles / Pandemic Activity / Social Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 03/29/2020 · Last modified 03/30/2020
For teachers to help students not only survive but also thrive through this frightening pandemic, we need to underscore both their and our fundamental need for kindness and gratitude. Author-educator Dr. Debbie Silver shares the science of anxiety and lots of options to help.
Educators in co-teacher relationships can strengthen their interactions by adopting a spirit of gratitude, says co-teaching coach Elizabeth Stein. Research supports the idea that “gratitude” can be a powerful energizer in challenging circumstances. Try her tips.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/02/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
The content of “Teaching Kids to Thrive” will help teach students positive ways to think, practice executive functioning skills, and create a culture of caring and responsibility. Linda Biondi describes why she found it to be one of the most empowering books she’s read.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 09/21/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Debbie Silver and Dedra Stafford offer a detailed look at social-emotional learning in Teaching Kids to Thrive. Veteran teacher David Bever finds the up-to-the-minute research coupled with extensive strategies a winning combination for boosting SEL practice.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/17/2017 · Last modified 11/19/2019
In Teaching Kids to Thrive, says special education teacher-coach Laura Von Staden, Debbie Silver and Dedra Stafford provide a great book, full of research and resources, that craftily ties together the theories and research on vital, overlapping SEL skills.
end-of-year learning / Spring Fever / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 04/03/2017 · Last modified 12/14/2019
As spring temperatures rise (and testing begins), students and teachers start to get antsy. What can we do to make end-of-year more productive and enjoyable while also saving our sanity? After 17 springs in the classroom, Amber Chandler has three ideas that may help relieve the jitters.
As winter break affords time for reading by the fire and reflecting on the teaching life, MiddleWeb offers a mix of blog posts and guest articles on what can make teaching a joy, where to look for New Year suggestions, and how to access some really deep laughs.
Co-Teaching & Gratitude / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 11/22/2015 · Last modified 11/06/2023
During a recent November Elizabeth Stein gave thanks for research she’d discovered showing the power of gratitude. No surprise, she shared ideas about using the research to strengthen co-teaching. Further, she invited readers to join her in being thankful for IDEA on its 48th Anniversary.
