Middle School Math Teacher Blog

http://letsplaymath.net/

This is a great resource for challenging and fun games and mnemonics to make math more accessible to students. It fits into TWB because it applies to teacher leadership and organization. This is an easy way for teachers to not only receive ideas, but to also pass them on. We all have the same goal in mind, right? All educators want their students to be as successful and knowledgeable as they can be. That may mean taking and giving advice. 


Shay Eddings

Solar System Webquest

http://teach.fcps.net/trt8/SolarSystem/Planets.htm

This is a webquest about the solar system. It fits into TWB because it is very visually pleasing and easy to navigate... which fall under teacher effectiveness. They have you fill out a worksheet as you go through the webquest, but it could also be used for quizzes, tests, etc. It would be an excellent review resource. This webquest is OUT OF THIS WORLD ;)

Shay Eddings

Middle School Fears Video

http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?title=Middle_School_Transition&video_id=43265

Students discuss fears they had prior to entering middle school in this video. It applies to This We Believe because it has to do with teacher effectiveness. It really opened my eyes because before watching this video, I always thought of teacher effectiveness as it deals with academics only. For instance I would think of teacher effectiveness being the way we present lessons, handle discipline problems, etc. However, I now realize it is so much more than that. These kids are scared to death about the littlest things.  They are worried about not making it to class on time among other things. It is our job to prepare them for life...preparing them for the middle school transition is a part of that.

Shay Eddings

Middle Level Webquest

http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/memorial/franchise/ 

This webquest is geared towards students in 6th- 8th grade.  Students investigate different franchises and decide which one they want to invest in.  After they select a franchise, they will prepare a business plan and try to convince their classmates to invest in their franchise through a slideshow presentation.  A rubric is given so students know what is expected of them.    This webquest fits within the scope of This We Believe through several characteristics under Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.  Students are engaged in active, purposeful learning.  Students are definitely at the center of the learning process when working on this project.  The curriculum is also challenging and exploratory.  Students are not listening to teacher lecture but are required to learn independently by researching different sites to find information about franchises and business plans.  Furthermore, different teaching and learning approaches are being used.  The students are divided into groups of three and each assigned a responsibility.  After all of the research has been completed students present a slideshow presentation.  This project incorporates technology and also appeals to visual learners.   I think this would be a great activity to try in the classroom.  ~Wendy Marney

Awesome Website for Middle School Students and Those About to Start in the Fall

http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/index.html 

I am familiar with pbskids.org because my children have grown up watching public television.  However, I was stunned to find this awesome website that is perfectly tailored for students getting ready to enter middle school this fall.  I don't know if the website will change as the school year progresses (hopefully) or if it remains this transitional tool.  This website has it all, games, chats and "tests".  This website fits perfectly within the scope of This We Believe.  The overall look is super friendly and welcoming.  The site addresses every listed interest and concern of the middle school student; family, friends, emotions,body, home, school and money.  Not only does this website present information, it empowers the students to make their voices heard by blogging, voting and chatting.  Although there is no substitute for a live adult as an advocate and mentor, this website offers advice and contact information to hotlines, organizations and volunteer opportunities.  You can even see the entire site in Spanish.  This website was truly made for the student transitioning into middle school.  Way to Go PBS!!!!!                      Gina Elliott

Middle Level Article

http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleGround/Articles/February2011/Article3/tabid/2328/Default.aspx

Differentiate Teaching and Learning with Web 2.0 Tools

I really enjoyed reading this article on differentiating instruction.  In this article, several middle level teachers talk about their favorite tech tools for differentiating class instruction.  One of the tools mentioned in the article was Audacity.  My multimedia kids use Audacity for several projects and really enjoy it.  The article also mentioned several tools for students who have difficulty taking notes, have difficulty reading, and who are visual learners.   I found several tools that I will try to incorporate into my classroom.  This article fits within the scope of This We Believe under multiple learning and teaching approaches.  All students learn differently and as teachers we need to incorporate different approaches that will accommodate all students.  Technology is one of the many ways to do that and seems to get students excited about learning.    ~Wendy Marney

Middle School Article

www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/education/22middle.html?ref=thecriticalyears

This article discusses the difference between two schools in New York. One school ranges from Kindergarten to 8th grade while the other ranges from 6th to 12th grade. The article focuses on whether it is beneficial to have a middle school program to prepare students for the future or if it would simply be better to allow them to stay in their elementary school for an additional three years where they are comfortable. This article fits into the scope of This We Believe because it addresses the essential attributes because the 6th-12th grade school is challenging the students to look forward to their futures. It also empowers them to be ready for college. This article also addresses culture and community because the kindergarten-6th grade school had an adult advocate (Randi Silverman) that a boy knew he could always count on. I really enjoyed this article because it discusses some of the things we have even talked about in our chat sessions about middle school. 

-Shay Eddings

Middle Level Website

http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/index.html

This website is a great tool for educators, families, and students.  For educators, it gives sample lesson plans, helps locate resources aligned with state standards, and gives professional development ideas.  For families, the website offers downloadable activity sheets, videos, and suggests readings that parents can do with their kids.   For students, the website offers several different interactive learning games to play.  This website fits within the scope of This We Believe through leadership and organization and culture and community.  Teachers need to find as many professional development opportunities as possible so they can be better prepared to teach their students.  This website offers several professional development ideas.  This website encourages family involvement by finding reading materials that parents and children can read together as well as activity sheets they can do together.  Students need an adult to guide them and encourage their success especially at the middle level.  ~Wendy Marney

Group Project Article from NMSA

http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleLevelInsider/Articles/GroupProjects/tabid/2418/Default.aspx

There is a lot of good information in this short article from the May issue of Middle Level Insider.  Susan Mulcaire relates the benefits as well as the frustrations that we all encounter when attempting group projects.  The best part is that she gives several strategies for supporting our students in this endeavor.  This article fits within the scope of This We Believe because being able to work successfully within a group is a life skill that students need to function successfully at all levels of society.  This article pinpoints those life skills and provides resources for sharing them with our students.    Gina Elliott

Middle Level Podcast

www.anniefox.com/fc.html

I was actually looking for a middle school blog when I stumbled across this awesome podcast!! Annie Fox interacts with a variety of people about a variety of issues with middle school aged children. The issues range from ADHD to fitting in to moms seeking advice. I was blown away by the site because it is geared mainly towards parents. The name of the podcast is Family Confidential. This podcast can also speak to a variety of listeners as I am not a parent, but still found the issues addressed to be geared towards educators as well. This podcast fits into the scope of This We Believe because it addresses some curriculum related issues as well as behavioral issues, etc.

-Shay Eddings

Middle Level Webquest

13 Colonies 

This interactive Webquest fits within the scope of TWB through the characteristics of educators using multiple learning and teaching approaches and the curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and relevant.  

This Webquest is a great way to get students involved in their own learning. It is appropriate for middle school students because they are able to work more independently.  They are guided in the learning of the original 13 colonies are tested about their knowledge.  There are so many students whose learning styles are visual and virtual that Webquests are easy for them to understand.  They have fun while learning!  This Webquest is also challenging their knowledge because they are exploring the web to teach them about the colonies.  They are in charge....along with the guidance of the Webquest maker!

Sarah Shewmaker 

Middle Level Podcast

http://www.nassp.org/Content.aspx?topic=59203

For this podcast, Gayle (Davis) Andrews was asked to talk about significant lessons from the past that today’s middle level leaders must not forget as we move into the future. This podcast fits within the scope of This We Believe through several characteristics under all three areas: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Leadership and Organization, and Culture and Community.   Andrews states that we must not forget these three terms: voice, choice, and connection.   We need to be sure that we are building a curriculum around students’ interests, backgrounds, and culture.  Students need to be able to see the relevance and understand that what they are learning is important.  Middle schools need to build a collaborative community not just between teachers but between all faculty and students.  Teachers, administrators, nurses, and counselors must be readily available to help students.  Relationships are an essential part in getting anything accomplished at the middle level.  ~Wendy Marney

Middle Level Video

High School Graduation, Truancy, Drop Out, and Middle Level Education

http://www.schooltube.com/video/b3c4a98eb0a43b9f5faa/High-School-Graduation-Truancy-Drop-Out-and-Middle-Level-Education

This is a short video that shows the connection between effective middle level practices and their impact on student success in high school.  This video fits within the scope of This We Believe under Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as well as Culture and Community.  As teachers we need to be sure we are offering high quality academics that are appropriate and challenging for middle level students.   We need to motivate our students to succeed and want to do well in school.  Students need to feel that school is a safe and supportive place for them to come and enjoy learning.  The school should include community involvement to help prepare middle level students for high school, college, and their future.  ~Wendy Marney

Middle School How-To Website

This website is great for middle school teachers! It fits into the This We Believe because it provides several great ideas for organizing and executing the many responsibilities teachers have. I found many helpful resources while exploring this site including several "How-to" articles on the left side of the page. A link to the very helpful site Rubistar is posted. I had been introduced to Rubistar as a UCA student so I was excited to see it listed on the site. There is also a link for teaching forums, ready-made rubrics, and a broadcasting system that includes free lessons. All in all, I believe any middle school teacher would LOVE this website and find it most helpful!
Shay Eddings
http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/middle-school-web-resources

Homework Blog

http://kvmshomework.blogspot.com/

This is a great, simple little site from a Canadian school whose aim is twofold. 
The first is to help keep parents informed about homework assignments, upcoming projects and tests.  The second is to serve as a refresher and reinforcement for students regarding assignments and tests.  The layout is simple and straightforward, great for parents and students. 

This blog fits within the scope of This We Believe by empowering students to take responsibility for their assignments.  They can access the blog for more information on an assignment as well as due dates.  The biggest benefit I see in this blog is its ability to easily actively involve families in the education of their children.  I have been told that some parents are intimidated by teachers.  This site would allow families on their own time schedule and at their own pace to stay informed on the expectations placed upon their student.  This is a fairly easy way to for the school to take the initiative in involving and educating families without having to man a desk twenty-four hours a day. 
       -     Gina Elliott

Middle Level Website

MiddleWeb

This website for middle level is a resourceful tool for teachers and parents.  This website fits in TWB scope by providing ongoing professional development that reflects best educational practices. This is a website that gives teachers and parents lists of websites and articles that they can read to better their teaching skills.  Teachers can not only read articles about classroom management, but find the key to parent-teacher relationship success. This website should be bookmarked or added to favorites by every middle school teacher.  With one website, you are linked to a ton of other websites! Bettering yourself as a teacher will only better your students!

Sarah Shewmaker

Middle Level Podcast

Motivating Young Adolescents

In this podcast, Jack Berckemeyer is joined by Kim Campbell and they discuss ways to motivate middle school students.  

This podcast fits within the TWB scope.  The characteristic that it fits is that leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about this age group, educational research, and best practices.  As teachers we need to know the latest strategies in helping learners.  This podcast is teaching teachers about motivating their students. They need to know their students outside of academics, care for them, and be familiar with their culture.  Times are changing and so are the students.  Teachers need constant and updated professional development in order to keep up with the students ever changing attitudes and learning styles.  
Sarah Shewmaker

WOW Webquest!

http://www.can-do.com/uci/lessons98/Nutrition.html

What a great fun tool!  This webquest is like an interactive worksheet with internet research wrapped all in a neat little package.  The goal of this webquest is to help middle level students make wise choices about the foods they choose.  It doesn't lecture and tell them what is good and bad.  Instead, it leads them through the fast food chains websites to do their own research on the fat content of different food choices.  The student then compares their findings with how much fat is recommended per day and week for their specific age group and sex.  WHAT A GREAT USE OF MATH!
 
This webquest falls within the scope of This We Believe by empowering students to take responsibility for choosing healthy foods and knowing which choices are better than others.  This webquest is the epitome of student centered active learning.  Students are gathering information from different sites, analyzing the data and making cause and effect determinations.  This curriculum is challenging from the math standpoint and is a great use digital technology.  I want to go out and find more webquests that address other topics that fall within my lesson plans for next fall!        - Gina Elliott

Student Produced Video Promotes FBLA

http://www.thinkcybis.com/media/player_wide.cfm?video=FBLA-MLPROMO&title=FBLA%20-%20Middle%20Level%20Promotional%20Video

This exciting video offers middle level students the opportunity to join an organization which falls within the scope of This We Believe  due to the empowerment opportunities it provides for students.  FBLA activities provide students with varied activities in which to experience success and acquire the knowledge and skills they need to function in society. 

The video also shows how the club falls within the scope of "Culture and Community" within This We Believe.  FBLA provides opportunities for students to partner with businesses and charitable organizations within their community.  These partnerships allow students to take responsibility as a citizen and feel good about doing their part in making their community a better place to live.

A chapter of FBLA would be a great addition to the middle school family of  opportunites for success. 
- Gina Elliott

Middle School Journal Article

Teaching Mathematics and English to English Language Learners

In this middle school journal article, it discusses the many ways to help ELL students to comprehend math terms that are used in the classroom. This fits with the TWB characteristic about educators using multiple learning and teaching approaches to accommodate diverse learners.  In the article it stresses how teachers need to use a two-for-one teaching strategy to help ELL students learn content vocabulary.  ELL students along with other students need visual aids, manipulatives, and meaningful experiences. These strategies will not only help ELL students with their academic language but their social language as well. Students also need for teachers to preview the new vocabulary, validate their responses, and give feedback.  All these strategies will prepare ELL students for the lesson and help them better understand the new words taught.  Their learning environment is critical for the success of learning a new language.
Sarah Shewmaker