Middle School Motivators!


Book Description

These tried-and-true learning structures encourage all students to do their best learning, stay fully engaged, and work with one another in dynamic, purposeful, and respectful ways. Discover new ways to meet the developmental needs that young adolescents have for movement and socializing while helping them meet lesson objectives in any content area. Samples of learning structures include: Consensus Mapping: Small groups of students work together to identify and reach agreement on the main ideasDebate Duos: Pairs of students learn to respectfully debate both sides of an issue and consider multiple perspectivesJigsaws: Small groups of students explore content in greater depth and then share their new knowledge with others Book features: Step-by-step instructions for every structureBrief descriptions of each structure in actionExamples of learning goals for each structureVariations and reproducible handouts for many structuresA quick guide so you can easily find the right structure for your lesson




Refocus and Recharge! 50 Brain Breaks for Middle Schoolers


Book Description

These quick, easy-to-learn activities give students much-needed mental and physical breaks, plus safe, structured ways to interact with peers. As a result, students are refocused and recharged and can more fully engage with the content you teach. Some brain breaks, like "In the Bag," are calming and reduce stress; others, like "Twisted Brain," energize bodies and minds. And you can use brain breaks anywhere, anytime! This handy book includes: Clear, easy-to-follow instructionsTips for successSample words and actionsSuggested variationsReproducible handouts




The Power of Our Words for Middle School


Book Description

When the language we use with our students is positive, clear, and purposeful, our classrooms are transformed. This practical book focuses on five types of positive teacher language: Envisioning languageReinforcing languageReminding languageRedirecting languageOpen-ended questions Book features: Guidelines for using each type of languagePractical tips to strengthen your use of languageNumerous examples to use as modelsCharts to help you track your progress




Seeing the Good in Students


Book Description

Middle school students are at an age when it's natural to test limits and try out aspects of adulthood. However, they still need (and crave!) the presence of caring adults who can help them develop healthy identities, relationships, and behaviors. This book shows educators how to tap into young adolescents' desire for autonomy in order to help them become self-motivated to behave in productive and positive ways to benefit themselves, their peers, and the greater school community. Filled with practical advice and real-life insights from middle school teachers, this book includes information on how to help students set meaningful personal goals and discover how school rules can help them meet those goals, build a strong and supportive learning community, respond to common misbehaviors and ongoing pr




Motivating Defiant and Disruptive Students to Learn


Book Description

How to stay calm, cool, and in control of your classroom Today′s teachers face more challenges than ever before in managing student behavior in the classroom. New teachers often find themselves underprepared for the realities of hard-to-engage students and increased class size. Rich Korb brings extensive teaching and administrative experience to his collection of strategies designed to keep you and your students focused on learning. This accessible, step-by-step guide for new and veteran teachers offers easy-to-implement methods that help you: Motivate and engage students Set up your classroom to prevent disruptive behavior Stay calm in the face of adverse situations Reduce the effect of misbehavior on other students′ learning Respond to inappropriate behavior effectively Avoid burning out This powerful staff development program is filled with strategies you can read today and apply tomorrow. They have been classroom tested and praised by teachers looking for guidance when they wanted to scream, yell, or cry. This book will reignite your love of teaching as you reap the rewards of a well-managed classroom.




Motivating Students Who Don't Care


Book Description

This book is a comprehensive and practical guide for reconnecting with discouraged students and reawakening their excitement and enthusiasm for learning. With proven strategies from the classroom, Dr. Mendler identifies five effective processes you can use to reawaken motivation in students who aren’t prepared, don’t care, and won’t work. These processes include emphasizing effort, creating hope, respecting power, building relationships, and expressing enthusiasm.




Tackling the Motivation Crisis


Book Description

"Mike Anderson explores incentive systems, which do not motivate achievement or a love of learning, and the six intrinsic motivators that lead to real student engagement"--




The Responsive Advisory Meeting Book


Book Description

Transform Advisory into Responsive Advisory Meeting with structured, purpose-driven plans to build relationships, develop communication and social skills, and support and extend academics.Developed from research with middle school students and teachers in rural, suburban, and urban public middle schools, each plan is designed to meet students' needs for belonging, significance, and fun while helping them build skills and explore their interests.




Responsive Classroom for Music, Art, PE, and Other Special Areas


Book Description

Responsive Classroom practices have helped thousands of special area teachers for more than 30 years. Here you'll find practical suggestions, charts, planners, and examples from experienced special area teachers who use Responsive Classroom practices every day. You'll learn how to: Open and close each period in calm, orderly waysSet students up for success by modeling and practicing skills and routinesUse positive teacher languageEngage students more deeplyRefocus and recharge students with quick, fun, movement breaksRespond to misbehavior to get students back to learning




Energize Your Meetings!


Book Description

Run meetings that educators look forward to and leave feeling invigorated. Interactive structures make staff meetings, study groups, and other PD sessions more engaging, meaningful, and productive. Easy to do and to lead, the learning structures in this book have been honed by facilitators in Responsive Classroom workshops. You'll find ideas for large-group brainstorming, small-group problem solving, partner idea exchanges, and much more. Use them to: Introduce new materialDeepen understandingReflect on learning and develop action stepsAssess comprehensionSolve problems collaboratively Includes a guide to help you choose the best structure for the adult learners in your group, practical tips for success, variations to keep things lively, and examples showing each structure in action.