Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

The Recharging Power of Relationships

Educators tend to think of building strong relationships as something we do to impact others, but we are also helping ourselves. Taking into account the challenges of relationships, Julie Schmidt Hasson looks into how connections with adults and students help us grow stronger.

Expanding Our Teacher “Zone of Tolerance”

When you operate within your zone of tolerance, you are better able to manage the complex interplay of student needs, teaching demands, and life beyond the classroom. By staying in and expanding your zone, you can grow stronger and keep making an impact, writes Julie Hasson.

How Mentor Texts Help Kids Learn Grammar

By introducing students to grammatical concepts using mentor texts, we can help our classes see those concepts as tools for meaningful and effective writing that they can use for the rest of their lives. Educator Sean Ruday shares his own process.