I am a certified teacher with 25 years of experience in public and private schools in the Seattle area teaching students with a variety of learning styles. That experience has taught me that students are successful when they gain awareness and understanding of their own thought processes. They participate in language arts, social studies, science, and math lessons that are structured based on best practices from brain research, including the use of graphic organizers, active engagement, and elaborative rehearsal strategies, to name a few. This is a great way to reinforce and strengthen learning skills with middle schoolers. Students are encouraged to use their creative talents to showcase their active learning through a variety of mediums including art, music, and movement. This is not reading the chapter and answering the questions at the end!