Better Than Book Reports
Teachers will find creative alternatives to the traditional book report that tap into student interests and creative writing in Ban the Book Report: Promoting Frequent and Enthusiastic Reading, says reviewer Nicole Warchol.
Tagged: middle grades
Crazy Good Teaching Stuff
The Collected Writings (So Far) of Rick Wormeli: Crazy Good Stuff I’ve Learned About Teaching Along the Way is a major collection of the author’s columns and articles on middle grades teaching practice and is indeed “crazy good stuff,” says reviewer Elizabeth Stein.
Arts Integration: Catch the Thrill!
In the middle grades, arts integration can deepen learning, address the Common Core, and spark academic progress across the curriculum.
Celebrate the Middle Grades!
Middle Level Education Month celebrates the education of young adolescents, often misunder- stood, misguided, and even maddening – but also magnificent.
Climbing Reading Ladders
Teacher Mark A. Domeier likes the concept behind Teri Lesesne’s reading ladders in Reading Ladders: Leading Students from Where They Are to Where We’d Like Them to Be, but he says they’ll have to be adapted to the realities of middle school class size.
The Why and How of STEM
How to turn science, tech, engineering & math into problem- & project-based activities that simulate real-world R&D? Find the basics & the practice here.
Family Science Night Fun
Reviewer Catharine Pierce says the well organized fun found in Shelley S. Connell’s Family Science Night: Fun Tips, Activities, and Ideas can enrich after-school clubs and classroom teaching.
Welcome to Middle School and the Middle Grades!
MiddleWeb is all about middle school & the middle grades — with a sharp focus on teaching and learning in grades 4-8. Click to learn about our work and what we have to offer, and find out how to get involved.
Building Background Knowledge
Whether you want to differentiate or just learn more about building prior knowledge, Jill Spencer’s book, Ten Differentiation Strategies for Building Prior Knowledge, is a helpful quick read, says reviewer Lucille Schauer.
Inspiring the Adolescent Brain
Reviewer Diane Horban says Judy Willis succeeds in intertwining brain research with practical lesson ideas to ignite the thinking power of 10 to 14-year olds in her book, Inspiring Middle School Minds: Gifted, Creative & Challenging.
