Voices from the Middle, Vol. 7, No. 1, September 1999

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Social and Emotional Learning

• Hormone-Driven Kids: A Call for Social and Emotional Learning in the Middle School Years

  Robin Stern with Debra Rosenzweig

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  Abstract: Describes the basic tenets of social and emotional learning; discusses the emotional and social challenges that middle school children face; and provides suggestions for parents and teachers to help promote smooth sailing through these rocky middle school years.

  Keywords: Pedagogy, School-Community Relation

• Literature: Our Way In

  Kylene Beers

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  Abstract: Describes the many and varied emotional needs of teens, and the importance of dealing with adolescents' problems, so that they can learn. Suggests that, for language arts teachers, the way in is through literature. Discusses the role of literature, and offers a description of four themes and young adult novels on those themes.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy, Reading

• Coming of Age: Making connections

  Susan Hinebauch

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  Abstract: Describes how one 8th-grade English language arts teacher works to keep her students as the primary focus in her curriculum. Discusses how she uses a class council to connect with literature, discuss upsetting issues or incidents, and solve problems. Outlines activities that further the social and emotional learning component of her curriculum.

  Keywords: Middle, Literature, Pedagogy

• Music: The Sounds of Emotional Intelligence

  John Pellitteri, Robin Stern, and Luba Nakhutina

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  Abstract: Defines emotional intelligence. Considers why and how music can be a very useful educational medium for middle school children. Describes some musical activities used for emotional learning programs.

  Keywords: Middle

• Finding Common Ground

  Anne H. Kiemle

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  Abstract: Describes an exercise used successfully with a 5th- and 6th-grade classroom that helps students name their struggles and find common ground and even compassion.

  Keywords: Middle, Pedagogy

• Columbine's Challenge: A Call to Pay Attention to Our Students

  Robin Stern

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  Abstract: Presents a call to action to all adults who impact the lives of students to make the time to pay attention to students, encourage their strengths, promote their learning, and model considerate and pro-social behavior--to notice them and talk to them.

  Keywords: Middle, Pedagogy

• Message from the Editors

  Linda Rief and Maureen Barbieri

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  Abstract: Middle school language arts teachers have always known that we don't teach "English" or "Writing" or "Reading". We teach children. We hope that the articles in this themed issue, "Social and Emotional Learning," help empower you to help children learn to care for and appreciate themselves and others.

  Keywords: Middle

• Clip & File - Center Insert

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

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