MiddleWeb
@middleweb.bsky.social
MiddleWeb.com – Resource for educators serving kids in grades 4-8. All 3600+ articles & reviews written by educators. Co-publisher of Middle Grades SmartBrief: https://edushare.ing/bR. We follow #edusky. Check out our Substack: middleweb.substack.com/about
New: OBSERVING INSTRUCTION WITH A CURIOSITY MINDSET.
The question isn't whether principals should observe classroom instruction, says coach Matt Renwick. "It's whether we can observe it with curiosity rather than judgment." #edusky @readbyexample.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52832/observ...
The question isn't whether principals should observe classroom instruction, says coach Matt Renwick. "It's whether we can observe it with curiosity rather than judgment." #edusky @readbyexample.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52832/observ...
Principals Observing Instruction with a Curiosity Mindset
The question isn't whether principals should observe classroom instruction, says Renwick. "It's whether we can observe it with curiosity rather than judgment."
www.middleweb.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 PM
New: OBSERVING INSTRUCTION WITH A CURIOSITY MINDSET.
The question isn't whether principals should observe classroom instruction, says coach Matt Renwick. "It's whether we can observe it with curiosity rather than judgment." #edusky @readbyexample.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52832/observ...
The question isn't whether principals should observe classroom instruction, says coach Matt Renwick. "It's whether we can observe it with curiosity rather than judgment." #edusky @readbyexample.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52832/observ...
"Fictional texts humanize facts by helping students better understand what it would be like to be a mathematical genius, live through an historical moment, experience the impact of science in space, create a great work of art, or immerse oneself in a different culture." #edusky #iteachscience
New: USING FICTION TO BUILD CROSS-CONTENT KNOWLEDGE.
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas –deepening understanding and sparking curiosity, says teacher leader Kasey Short. #edusky @shortissweet.bsky.social #iteachEnglish
www.middleweb.com/52811/using-...
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas –deepening understanding and sparking curiosity, says teacher leader Kasey Short. #edusky @shortissweet.bsky.social #iteachEnglish
www.middleweb.com/52811/using-...
Fiction Builds Background Knowledge Across the Curriculum
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas–deepening understanding and sparking curiosity–says teacher leader Kasey Short.
www.middleweb.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:05 PM
"Fictional texts humanize facts by helping students better understand what it would be like to be a mathematical genius, live through an historical moment, experience the impact of science in space, create a great work of art, or immerse oneself in a different culture." #edusky #iteachscience
New: USING FICTION TO BUILD CROSS-CONTENT KNOWLEDGE.
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas –deepening understanding and sparking curiosity, says teacher leader Kasey Short. #edusky @shortissweet.bsky.social #iteachEnglish
www.middleweb.com/52811/using-...
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas –deepening understanding and sparking curiosity, says teacher leader Kasey Short. #edusky @shortissweet.bsky.social #iteachEnglish
www.middleweb.com/52811/using-...
Fiction Builds Background Knowledge Across the Curriculum
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas–deepening understanding and sparking curiosity–says teacher leader Kasey Short.
www.middleweb.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:19 PM
New: USING FICTION TO BUILD CROSS-CONTENT KNOWLEDGE.
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas –deepening understanding and sparking curiosity, says teacher leader Kasey Short. #edusky @shortissweet.bsky.social #iteachEnglish
www.middleweb.com/52811/using-...
Fiction is a powerful tool to build foundational knowledge across subject areas –deepening understanding and sparking curiosity, says teacher leader Kasey Short. #edusky @shortissweet.bsky.social #iteachEnglish
www.middleweb.com/52811/using-...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
My STOP & THINK article is filled with links to additional classroom strategies. Check it out!
NEW: Let’s STOP and THINK about Those Exit Tickets
Learning scientist @drkarinhess.bsky.social shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards. #edusky #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52791/lets-s...
Learning scientist @drkarinhess.bsky.social shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards. #edusky #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52791/lets-s...
Let's STOP and THINK about New Ways to Use Exit Tickets
Karin Hess shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards.
www.middleweb.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:25 PM
My STOP & THINK article is filled with links to additional classroom strategies. Check it out!
Really interesting stuff...and you can both listen in and read an accompanying article!
Concept maps: simple but powerful learning tools. On the podcast this week, Dr. Kripa Sundar shares practices for making the most of them. Also joining us is Dr. Pooja Agarwal (@retrievelearn.bsky.social), editor of the book Smart Teaching Stronger Learning. www.cultofpedagogy.com/concept-maps/
November 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Really interesting stuff...and you can both listen in and read an accompanying article!
REVIEW: Tools to Fill Your Classroom with Joyful Learning.
Stephanie Farley’s book shows ways to achieve joyful learning through relationships, curriculum, assignments, assessment and grading, says reviewer Nicole Miller. #edusky @routledgebooks.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52805/tools-...
Stephanie Farley’s book shows ways to achieve joyful learning through relationships, curriculum, assignments, assessment and grading, says reviewer Nicole Miller. #edusky @routledgebooks.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52805/tools-...
Tools to Fill Your Classroom with Joyful Learning
Stephanie Farley’s Joyful Learning offers methods to achieve joyful learning through relationships, curriculum, assessment, grading, assignments, and direction.
www.middleweb.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
REVIEW: Tools to Fill Your Classroom with Joyful Learning.
Stephanie Farley’s book shows ways to achieve joyful learning through relationships, curriculum, assignments, assessment and grading, says reviewer Nicole Miller. #edusky @routledgebooks.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52805/tools-...
Stephanie Farley’s book shows ways to achieve joyful learning through relationships, curriculum, assignments, assessment and grading, says reviewer Nicole Miller. #edusky @routledgebooks.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52805/tools-...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
When a school struggles, do staff blame poverty? Attendance? "Those kids"?
The story a school tells about itself shapes everything—and leaders are the chief storytellers.
How to change the narrative: open.substack.com/pub/readbyex...
The story a school tells about itself shapes everything—and leaders are the chief storytellers.
How to change the narrative: open.substack.com/pub/readbyex...
November 1, 2025 at 9:08 PM
When a school struggles, do staff blame poverty? Attendance? "Those kids"?
The story a school tells about itself shapes everything—and leaders are the chief storytellers.
How to change the narrative: open.substack.com/pub/readbyex...
The story a school tells about itself shapes everything—and leaders are the chief storytellers.
How to change the narrative: open.substack.com/pub/readbyex...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
Literature and history books are full of retrograde messages. Ignoring them doesn’t help. Educators share advice for teachers. @larryferlazzo.bsky.social
How Should Teachers Deal With Problematic Language in Literature? (Opinion)
Offensive prose does show up in books. Ignoring it doesn't help students.
www.edweek.org
November 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Literature and history books are full of retrograde messages. Ignoring them doesn’t help. Educators share advice for teachers. @larryferlazzo.bsky.social
NEW: Let’s STOP and THINK about Those Exit Tickets
Learning scientist @drkarinhess.bsky.social shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards. #edusky #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52791/lets-s...
Learning scientist @drkarinhess.bsky.social shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards. #edusky #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52791/lets-s...
Let's STOP and THINK about New Ways to Use Exit Tickets
Karin Hess shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards.
www.middleweb.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:18 PM
NEW: Let’s STOP and THINK about Those Exit Tickets
Learning scientist @drkarinhess.bsky.social shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards. #edusky #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52791/lets-s...
Learning scientist @drkarinhess.bsky.social shows how STOP and THINK activities build a deeper, more meaningful understanding of skills and concepts than traditional end-of-class exit cards. #edusky #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52791/lets-s...
ASSIGNING HOMEWORK THAT ACTUALLY WORKS
Homework doesn’t have to be a nightly battle or meaningless routine. When designed with purpose, it can reinforce learning, strengthen memory & build habits of independence. The key is intention. #edusky #homework #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52799/assign...
Homework doesn’t have to be a nightly battle or meaningless routine. When designed with purpose, it can reinforce learning, strengthen memory & build habits of independence. The key is intention. #edusky #homework #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52799/assign...
The Evidence Is In: Assigning Homework That Actually Works
Curtis Chandler imagines homework as brain food. When it's rich in quality and purpose, it nourishes understanding. Otherwise, it’s just educational junk food.
www.middleweb.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:09 PM
ASSIGNING HOMEWORK THAT ACTUALLY WORKS
Homework doesn’t have to be a nightly battle or meaningless routine. When designed with purpose, it can reinforce learning, strengthen memory & build habits of independence. The key is intention. #edusky #homework #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52799/assign...
Homework doesn’t have to be a nightly battle or meaningless routine. When designed with purpose, it can reinforce learning, strengthen memory & build habits of independence. The key is intention. #edusky #homework #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52799/assign...
Review: 5 CRITICAL READING SKILLS HELP COUNTER DISINFORMATION
English teacher & PA TOY Marilyn Pryle provides a practical framework for cultivating critical readers in an age of misinformation overload. #edusky #medialiteracy #iteachEnglish @mpryle.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52787/critic...
English teacher & PA TOY Marilyn Pryle provides a practical framework for cultivating critical readers in an age of misinformation overload. #edusky #medialiteracy #iteachEnglish @mpryle.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52787/critic...
5 Questions: Critical Reading in the Age of Disinformation
In 5 Questions for Any Text Marilyn Pryle provides a practical framework for cultivating critical readers in an age of information (and misinformation) overload
www.middleweb.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Review: 5 CRITICAL READING SKILLS HELP COUNTER DISINFORMATION
English teacher & PA TOY Marilyn Pryle provides a practical framework for cultivating critical readers in an age of misinformation overload. #edusky #medialiteracy #iteachEnglish @mpryle.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52787/critic...
English teacher & PA TOY Marilyn Pryle provides a practical framework for cultivating critical readers in an age of misinformation overload. #edusky #medialiteracy #iteachEnglish @mpryle.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52787/critic...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
@sharemylesson.bsky.social @mindshift-kqed.bsky.social @larryferlazzo.bsky.social @thenaesp.bsky.social
AUTHENTIC INQUIRY USING GUMMY BEAR SCIENCE.
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Gummy Bear Science: Standards Come Alive Through Exploration
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into an opportunity for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
www.middleweb.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Review: UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF INDEPENDENT READING
Jarred Amato does a fabulous job explaining how to structure an independent reading program in middle school classrooms, writes Beth Hippen. #edusky #iteachEnglish #tlsky #tlskychat @corwinpress.bsky.social #literacy
www.middleweb.com/52765/unlock...
Jarred Amato does a fabulous job explaining how to structure an independent reading program in middle school classrooms, writes Beth Hippen. #edusky #iteachEnglish #tlsky #tlskychat @corwinpress.bsky.social #literacy
www.middleweb.com/52765/unlock...
Unlock the Magic of Independent Reading in Middle School
In "Just Read It" Jarred Amato does a fabulous job explaining how to structure an independent reading program in middle school classrooms, writes Beth Hippen.
www.middleweb.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Reposted by MiddleWeb
Here's how educator @bsmitheducator.bsky.social encourages Ss to deepen and extend their thinking – one step at a time:
#EduSky
#EduSky
October 29, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Here's how educator @bsmitheducator.bsky.social encourages Ss to deepen and extend their thinking – one step at a time:
#EduSky
#EduSky
And it's free!
Speed up rubric creationб format your Google Sheets to match Google Classroom’s rubric structure, then import directly when assigning.
workspace.google.com/marketplace/...
#EduSky #GoogleEDU #GoogleWorkspace
workspace.google.com/marketplace/...
#EduSky #GoogleEDU #GoogleWorkspace
October 29, 2025 at 2:29 PM
And it's free!
New: UP THE STUDENT TRUST QUOTIENT IN MATH CLASS.
If our goal in math class is developing problem solvers, we can't be the ones doing the solving. Math coach Mona Iehl shows how to shift from helping to empowering kids. #edusky #iteachmath @monamath.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52774/up-you...
If our goal in math class is developing problem solvers, we can't be the ones doing the solving. Math coach Mona Iehl shows how to shift from helping to empowering kids. #edusky #iteachmath @monamath.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52774/up-you...
We Can Trust Students to Figure Out Math. Nudges Allowed.
If our goal in math class is developing problem solvers, we can't be the ones doing the solving. Mona Iehl shows how to shift from helping to empowering kids.
www.middleweb.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:23 PM
New: UP THE STUDENT TRUST QUOTIENT IN MATH CLASS.
If our goal in math class is developing problem solvers, we can't be the ones doing the solving. Math coach Mona Iehl shows how to shift from helping to empowering kids. #edusky #iteachmath @monamath.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52774/up-you...
If our goal in math class is developing problem solvers, we can't be the ones doing the solving. Math coach Mona Iehl shows how to shift from helping to empowering kids. #edusky #iteachmath @monamath.bsky.social
www.middleweb.com/52774/up-you...
@sharemylesson.bsky.social @mindshift-kqed.bsky.social @larryferlazzo.bsky.social @thenaesp.bsky.social
AUTHENTIC INQUIRY USING GUMMY BEAR SCIENCE.
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Gummy Bear Science: Standards Come Alive Through Exploration
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into an opportunity for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
www.middleweb.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
AUTHENTIC INQUIRY USING GUMMY BEAR SCIENCE.
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Gummy Bear Science: Standards Come Alive Through Exploration
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into an opportunity for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
www.middleweb.com
October 26, 2025 at 4:21 PM
AUTHENTIC INQUIRY USING GUMMY BEAR SCIENCE.
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Kathie Palmieri's students loved her gummy bear activity. It transformed a standard lab into a conduit for authentic inquiry and real scientific thinking.
#edusky @kathleenpalmieri.bsky.social #iteachscience #teachersky
www.middleweb.com/52781/authen...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
Our latest MiddleWeb Substack describes some power moves teachers can use to launch their lessons.
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
Always Start Class with a Power Move
Like wrestlers in a match, teachers and students need to get off to a strong start. How we begin the lesson can make all the difference.
middleweb.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Our latest MiddleWeb Substack describes some power moves teachers can use to launch their lessons.
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
It's Black Speculative Fiction month!
All October, health allowing, I'll update this thread with fun recs for classic & current black spec fic & a bonus work of my own.
1. MY BONES & MY FLUTE www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bones-a...
2. A RUIN OF SHADOWS
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ruin-of-... 1/2
All October, health allowing, I'll update this thread with fun recs for classic & current black spec fic & a bonus work of my own.
1. MY BONES & MY FLUTE www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bones-a...
2. A RUIN OF SHADOWS
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ruin-of-... 1/2
October 1, 2025 at 4:07 PM
It's Black Speculative Fiction month!
All October, health allowing, I'll update this thread with fun recs for classic & current black spec fic & a bonus work of my own.
1. MY BONES & MY FLUTE www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bones-a...
2. A RUIN OF SHADOWS
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ruin-of-... 1/2
All October, health allowing, I'll update this thread with fun recs for classic & current black spec fic & a bonus work of my own.
1. MY BONES & MY FLUTE www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bones-a...
2. A RUIN OF SHADOWS
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ruin-of-... 1/2
Reposted by MiddleWeb
I had the pleasure of interviewing and chatting with Rob Walker -- author of The Art of Noticing -- for #writeout and that conversation aired last night. We chatted about intentionally noticing the world and using what we see for creativity.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZo9...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZo9...
The Write Time with Write Out Ambassador Rob Walker and Educator Kevin Hodgson
YouTube video by National Writing Project
www.youtube.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:28 AM
I had the pleasure of interviewing and chatting with Rob Walker -- author of The Art of Noticing -- for #writeout and that conversation aired last night. We chatted about intentionally noticing the world and using what we see for creativity.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZo9...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZo9...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
Just checked out @edutopia.org animations about education studies. I am going to add some of these to the ed tech graduate classes that I teach! #edusky #edtech
All in one place: Our popular collection of animations breaking down important education studies. 📊📽️
#EdResearch #EduSky
#EdResearch #EduSky
Research Animations for Educators
Our popular collection of animations that examine studies about learning and surface findings that matter for teachers and students, all gathered in one place.
edut.to
June 30, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Just checked out @edutopia.org animations about education studies. I am going to add some of these to the ed tech graduate classes that I teach! #edusky #edtech
Our latest MiddleWeb Substack describes some power moves teachers can use to launch their lessons.
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
Always Start Class with a Power Move
Like wrestlers in a match, teachers and students need to get off to a strong start. How we begin the lesson can make all the difference.
middleweb.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Our latest MiddleWeb Substack describes some power moves teachers can use to launch their lessons.
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
#edusky @sharemylesson.bsky.social #teachersky #teacher2teacher #educoach #iteachEnglish #iteachsocialstudies #iteachmath #iteachscience
middleweb.substack.com/p/start-less...
Reposted by MiddleWeb
A new study shows that feeding large language models low-quality, high-engagement content from social media lowers their cognitive abilities. www.wired.com/story/ai-mod...
AI Models Get Brain Rot, Too
A new study shows that feeding large language models low-quality, high-engagement content from social media lowers their cognitive abilities.
www.wired.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:06 PM
A new study shows that feeding large language models low-quality, high-engagement content from social media lowers their cognitive abilities. www.wired.com/story/ai-mod...
October 24, 2025 at 1:37 PM