Make a Difference Every Day with Middle-Level Students

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Make a Difference Day held on the fourth Saturday of October, celebrates the power of people to make a difference in the lives of others in their community. This past weekend millions of volunteers worldwide united in a shared mission to volunteer. Created in 1992 by USA Weekend magazine and co-sponsor Points of Light Foundation, … read more »


Choice Boards for the Classroom

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Over 20 years ago, as a new teacher, I struggled to grade 28 submissions for each assignment I gave my students. Finally, I realized that I had a choice to make. Do I continue with a one size fits all approach to learning in my classroom, or do I place more responsibility in the hands … read more »


Sustainable Development Goals in the Middle-Level Classroom

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Problem-solving is a crucial skill we teach our students through in-class experiences to prepare them for their future. One of the most critical problems our students can solve is the challenge of sustaining our planet for future generations. In 2015, leaders from the 193 countries of the United Nations created a plan with 17 interlinked … read more »


Creating a Sandbox of Innovation

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Spring signifies new beginnings, progress, and the blossoming of new things. But did you know that May is also National Inventors Month? If it weren’t for inventors, you might be receiving this post through the telegraph or the Pony Express! National Inventor’s Month recognizes the talents of people who have impacted our world with their … read more »


Math Awareness Month: Keeping the Focus

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Teachers and students often fear mathematics and poetry—complex math problems and poem interpretation present unique challenges. April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month and National Poetry Month. Albert Einstein wrote, “Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” Since mathematics governs the structure of poems like Haikus and sonnets, it’s a prime … read more »


Research Skills in the Classroom

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Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. Zora Neale Hurston Most known for writing and researching race, slavery, folklore, and the African-American experience, Zora Neale Hurston was a Harlem Renaissance writer and American anthropologist. While many students characterize research as daunting and many teachers find research skills challenging to teach, … read more »


Celebrate Middle-Level Education Month

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Every month of the school year is essential to a student’s development. The month of March is a time to celebrate the fantastic middle-level educators that empower students to reach their full potential.   The middle-level grades present many challenges and are a particular time in a student’s development. Physical, intellectual, and emotional developments underlie … read more »


Celebrate World Thinking Day

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“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” ― Albert Einstein A tradition since 1926, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides celebrate World Thinking Day on February 22, scouting founder Lord Baden-Powell’s birthday. The Girl Guides and Girl Scouts dedicated this day to thinking … read more »


Infusing SEL Into Everyday Instruction

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It is critical to teach students strategies to deal with emotions and interact respectfully with peers. As a father of six, life can be crazy. My wife, also a teacher, enjoys our bedtime routine of reading aloud to our children. Recently, we read Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes. Lilly brings a purple plastic … read more »


The Power of Parent Involvement

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Family engagement and developing a partnership with parents is the keystone for a successful classroom. A student’s family is the most influential partner, and fostering meaningful relationships is paramount to student achievement. Authentic connections between schools and families require both parties to put forth their best efforts for success. The work is worth the reward.  … read more »