Articles by Topic

Making Meaning with Films

Films can—and should—be more than time-killers in your classroom. We all know the stereotypical image of the teacher who, tired of direct instruction, dims the lights, turns on the DVD player, and sits quietly while students stare at the screen. The problem here is not that students are watching a film in class—it’s that the

Read More… from Making Meaning with Films

Do Teachers Remain Neutral or Share their Beliefs with Students?

Politics, Racism, Religious, Classism, Sexual Orientation: Do Teachers Remain Neutral or Share their Beliefs with Students? I struggle to respect the opinions of those who believe the earth is only 6,000 years old and dismiss evolution as having no factual basis. I am sad for the irrational nature of their thinking and the missed opportunities

Read More… from Do Teachers Remain Neutral or Share their Beliefs with Students?

Develop community and encourage students to build positive relationships with one another throughout the school year

We often focus on “getting-to-know-you” activities during the first weeks of school yet what are some ways I can develop community and encourage students to build positive relationships with one another throughout the school year? Developing and maintaining a positive, safe learning environment and community is essential during the middle school years. The young adolescents

Read More… from Develop community and encourage students to build positive relationships with one another throughout the school year

What We Say Matters

Invest in daily positive talk for lasting returns. As educators, articulating our thoughts to middle school students can be one of the toughest things to do. There is a delicate balance between saying what we mean and saying the right things to produce positive outcomes. A simple slip of the tongue can turn the intentions

Read More… from What We Say Matters

Restorative Practices

The new 3 Rs—respect, responsibility, and relationships. What does discipline look like in your classroom? In your school? How do those who have been harmed have a voice in the discipline process? How do students with repeated behavioral issues get support? What Is Restorative Practices? Restorative Practices is a framework of addressing school discipline and

Read More… from Restorative Practices

Trending Topics

AMLE Celebrates Inaugural Schools of Distinction

AMLE recognized its inaugural class of Schools of Distinction earlier this month, in conjunction with the organization’s 49th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The twelve schools were selected for their fervent commitment to implementing the essential attributes and characteristics of successful middle grades schools. In addition to being celebrated during a special awards ceremony, each

Read More... from AMLE Celebrates Inaugural Schools of Distinction

Reimagining School – What should it look like and who is it for?

Cornelius Minor and Kass Minor help #AMLE22 attendees find their bottom lines as educators Cornelius and Kass Minor believe that kids don’t just learn in school. They become. It’s an attitude reflective of what we know about middle grades best practice, making them the perfect keynoters for #AMLE22 and our return to in-person conference. We

Read More... from Reimagining School – What should it look like and who is it for?

Kindness is harder than it looks.

Houston Kraft reminds #AMLE22 attendees that connection doesn’t happen by accident. Houston Kraft, author and co-founder of CharacterStrong, took the main stage at #AMLE22 yesterday for his keynote address on Deep Kindness. From the outset, he made clear that he had a mission for those in attendance. “If we want more kindness on our campus,

Read More... from Kindness is harder than it looks.