Sign-In
Cart
Hugging Porcupines: Month-By-Month Strategies to Support Our Most Challenging Students
Paperback
Publisher Price: $36.95
ISBN13: 9781416634478
Publisher: ASCD
Published: May 18 2026
Pages: 202
Weight: 0.55
Height: 0.61 Width: 5.91 Depth: 9.01
Language: English
Insightful strategies for reaching and teaching our porcupines--those students who struggle in school and challenge us most.
We've all known students who disrupt class, break the rules, and try our patience. Deep down, we know they're the ones who actually need extra love and support instead of time-outs or trips to the principal's office. In Hugging Porcupines, veteran educator Mike Anderson offers practical strategies for supporting these porcupines so they can be as successful as possible, both in school and beyond.
Anderson walks readers month-by-month through the school year, sharing strategies for setting up routines at the start of school, getting back on track after holiday breaks, and finishing strong. He addresses how to
- Develop relationships slowly early on, strengthen them throughout the year, and bring them to a positive conclusion in the spring.
- Maintain, and even build, relationships through effective discipline.
- Connect with porcupines' families.
- Foster porcupines' interpersonal skills.
- Facilitate effective problem-solving conferences.
- Support new students when they arrive mid-year.
- Support students' transition to the next year.
Hugging Porcupines will deepen K-12 teachers' understanding of why porcupines struggle academically and behaviorally in school and equip them to provide more appropriate support.
Also from
Anderson, Mike
What We Say and How We Say It Matter: Teacher Talk That Improves Student Learning and Behavior
Anderson, Mike
Paperback
Decide & Survive: The Battle of Gettysburg: Can You Turn the Tide of the Civil War?
Keene, Jarret
Paperback
Decide & Survive: The Destruction of Pompeii: Can You Change Pompeii's Fate?
Whitman, Sylvia
Paperback
Rekindle Your Professional Fire: Powerful Habits for Becoming a More Well-Balanced Teacher
Anderson, Mike
Paperback
What Every 4th Grade Teacher Needs to Know: About Setting Up and Running a Classroom
Anderson, Mike
Paperback
The Well-Balanced Teacher: How to Work Smarter and Stay Sane Inside the Classroom and Out
Anderson, Mike
Paperback
Learning to Choose, Choosing to Learn: The Key to Student Motivation and Achievement
Anderson, Mike
Paperback
Also in
Teaching Instruction
How to Educate a Citizen: The Power of Shared Knowledge to Unify a Nation
Hirsch, E. D., Jr.
Hardcover
Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope
Patterson, James
Eversmann, Matt
Hardcover
Teach Like a Champion 3.0: 63 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College
Lemov, Doug
Paperback
Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention
Bay-Williams, Jennifer
Kling, Gina
Paperback
The Power of the Socratic Classroom: Students. Questions. Dialogue. Learning.
Fischer, Charles Ames
Paperback
AI Literacy in Any Class: Preparing Students to Thrive in an AI Future in Any Grade Level or Content Area
Miller, Matt
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 2 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 4 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects
Sedita, Joan
Paperback
Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management
Frey, Nancy
Smith, Dominique
Fisher, Douglas
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 3 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level a: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
Schecter, Deborah
Charlesworth, Liza
Paperback
Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning
Wexler, Natalie
Paperback
Setting Limits in the Classroom, 3rd Edition: A Complete Guide to Effective Classroom Management with a School-Wide Disciplineplan
Stanzione, Lisa
MacKenzie, Robert J.
Paperback
Mtss for Reading Improvement: A Leader's Tool Kit for Schoolwide Success (Reading Science in Action: An Mtss Tool Kit)
Brown, Sarah
Stollar, Stephanie
Paperback
Math Practice Workbook Grades 6-8: 1000+ Questions You Need to Kill in Middle School by Brain Hunter Prep
Brain Hunter Prep
Paperback
Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction
Stollar, Stephanie
Winn, Kate
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 5 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope (Large Print Edition)
Patterson, James
Eversmann, Matt
Paperback
The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy: Integrating Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Instruction in Grades 5-12
Sedita, Joan
Paperback
A Visual, Step-By-Step Guide for Re-Envisioning Rigor: Powerful Routines for Promoting Learning at High Levels
McDowell, Michael
Eisberg, Aaron
Paperback
The Reading Strategies Book 2.0: Your Research-Based Guide to Developing Skilled Readers
Serravallo, Jennifer
Paperback
Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
Souers, Kristin
Hall, Pete
Paperback
Creating a Language-Rich Math Class: Strategies and Activities for Building Conceptual Understanding
Atkins, Sandra L.
Paperback
The Resistance Solution: Why Educators Resist Change and What They Need Instead
Silver, Becca
Paperback
Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives: How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do about It
Shanahan, Timothy
Paperback
Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction
Muhammad, Gholdy
Paperback
The Essential Homeschool Kindergarten Workbook: 135 Fun Curriculum-Based Activities to Build Reading, Writing, and Math Skills!
Lewallen, Hayley
Paperback
Enhancing Professional Practice: The Framework for Teaching
Danielson, Charlotte
Furman, Jim S.
Kappes, Lee
Paperback
Calligraphy Book for Beginners: Practice Workbook with Guide - Basic Techniques, Hand Lettering and Projects for Learning to Letter
Memoirs, Quillscribe
Paperback
Learn to Read Activity Book: 101 Fun Phonics Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read
Braun, Hannah, M. Ed
Paperback
Total Participation Techniques: Making Every Student an Active Learner
Himmele, William
Himmele, Pérsida
Paperback
Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning
Bowen, José Antonio
Watson, C. Edward
Paperback
Facing the Fantasy, Finding the Way Forward: Every Educator's Guide to Moving Beyond Behavior Management to Lasting Behavioral Change Using Neuroscien
Bowman, Doris
Bowman, Rick
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Reading for Fifth Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Levsey, Dylan
Kopp, Kathleen N.
Kopp, Kathy
Paperback
Making Things Right: Activities that Teach Restorative Justice, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Discipline That Restores Includes 32 De
Claassen, Ron
Claassen, Roxanne Harvin
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 1 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades
Hochman, Judith C.
Wexler, Natalie
Paperback
Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2, Bilingual Edition - English/Spanish
Fisher, Richard W.
Paperback
Greek Myth Plays, Grades 3-5: 10 Readers Theater Scripts Based on Favorite Greek Myths That Students Can Read and Reread to Develop Their Fluency
Pugliano, Carol
Pugliano-Martin, Carol
Paperback
Story of the World, Vol. 1: History for the Classical Child: Ancient Times
Bauer, Susan Wise
Paperback
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation: An Easy-To-Use Guide with Clear Rules, Real-World Examples, and Reproducible Quizzes
Straus, Jane
Kaufman, Lester
Paperback
Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading
Lindsey, Julia
Paperback
Thinking Critically about What Matters: A Punk Rock Guide
Klipfel, Kevin Michael
Klipfel, Lyndsay
Paperback
The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading: Translating Research to Reignite Joy and Meaning in the Classroom
Driggs, Colleen
Woolway, Erica
Lemov, Doug
Paperback
New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) Test Practice: Grade 4 English Language Arts Literacy (ELA) Practice Workbook and Full-length Online A
Learning, Lumos
Njsla Test Prep, Lumos
Paperback
Specially Designed Instruction: Increasing Success for Students with Disabilities
Beninghof, Anne M.
Paperback
New Art and Science of Teaching: More Than Fifty New Instructional Strategies for Academic Success
Marzano, Robert J.
Paperback
Explicit Direct Instruction (Edi): The Power of the Well-Crafted, Well-Taught Lesson
Hollingsworth, John R.
Ybarra, Silvia E.
Paperback
Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners
Hall, Pete
Souers, Kristin Van Marter
Paperback
The Active Learning Revolution: Dynamic Engagement Strategies for Every Classroom
Biegun, Daniel
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 7th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
Making Words Stick: A Four-Step Instructional Routine to Power Up Orthographic Mapping
Ness, Molly
Miles, Katie Pace
Paperback
Powerful Writing Structures: Brain Pocket Strategies for Supporting a Year-Long Writing Program
Gear, Adrienne
Paperback
The Megabook of Fluency, 2nd Edition: Strategies and Texts to Engage All Readers
Rasinski, Timothy V.
Cheesman Smith, Melissa
Paperback
Teaching Writing Through Differentiated Instruction with Leveled Graphic Organizers
Witherell, Nancy L.
McMackin, Mary C.
Paperback
Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator
Burgess, Dave
Paperback
Next Steps in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions
Smartt, Susan, PH. D.
Glaser, Deborah, Ed D.
Paperback
MARYLAND TEST PREP MCAP Practice Test Book English Language Arts Grade 5: Preparation for the MCAP ELA/Literacy Assessments
Donovan, Mitchell
Hawas, M.
Paperback
101 Answers for New Teachers and Their Mentors: Effective Teaching Tips for Daily Classroom Use
Breaux, Annette
Paperback
Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning
Fiarman, Sarah E.
Elmore, Richard F.
City, Elizabeth A.
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Reading for Fourth Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Slepian, Curtis
Kemp, Kristin
Paperback
Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Stier, Samuel Cord
Potter, Jean
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Multiplication & Division Grade 3 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The English Grammar Workbook for Adults: A Self-Study Guide to Improve Functional Writing
Digiacomo, Michael
Paperback
The Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers
Serravallo, Jennifer
Paperback
The Structured Literacy Playbook: Preplanned Lessons for Building Phonics and Fluency Skills
Osburn, Alexandria
Orkin, Melissa
Gannon, Sarah
Paperback
50 Graphic Organizers for Reading, Writing & More: Reproducible Templates, Student Samples, and Easy Strategies to Support Every Learner
DeVitis, Linda Irwin
Modlo, Marcia
Bromley, Karen
Paperback
Universal Design for Learning in English Language Arts: Improving Literacy Instruction Through Inclusive Practices
Parker, Brianne
Novak, Katie
Hinkle, Ryan
Paperback
The Fundamental 5 For Instructional Rigor: Five Fundamental Practices To Power Up Student Thinking
Cain, Sean
Paperback
The Empowered ELA Teacher: Be the Teacher You Want to Be, Do Great Work, and Thrive
Mitchell, Caitlin
Cannata, Jessica
Paperback
Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: 50 Amazing, Bubbly, and Creative Science Experiments to Do with the Whole Family
Calandrelli, Emily
Hardcover
Universal Design Daily: 365 Ways to Teach, Support, & Challenge All Learners Using UDL
Kluth, Paula
Paperback
Discipline with Dignity, 4th Edition: How to Build Responsibility, Relationships, and Respect in Your Classroom
Mendler, Brian D.
Curwin, Richard L.
Mendler, Allen N.
Paperback
The Science of Reading in Action: Brain-Friendly Strategies Every Teacher Needs to Know
Hollowell, Malia
Paperback
Executive Skills and Writing Instruction: Developing Self-Regulated, Thinking Writers
Laud, Leslie E.
Paperback
Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning
Nilsson, Peter
Bialik, Maya
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Reading for Second Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Schwartz, Heather E.
Sturgeon, Kristi
Schwartz, Heather
Paperback
Strive-For-Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension and Literacy
Cabell, Sonia
Zucker, Tricia
Paperback
Rock Your Literacy Block: Mighty Moves to Organize Your Day and Optimize Student Learning
Kemeny, Lindsay
Paperback
Grading from the Inside Out: Bringing Accuracy to Student Assessment Through a Standards-Based Mindset
Schimmer, Tom
Paperback
Interacting with Color: A Practical Guide to Josef Albers's Color Experiments
Horstman, Fritz
Paperback
Grade 6 English Language Arts Literacy (ELA) Practice Workbook and Full-length Online Assessments: STAAR Study Guide
Learning, Lumos
Staar Redesign Test Prep, Lumos
Paperback
7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-To-3 Reading Success
Kemeny, Lindsay
Paperback
Untangling Data-Based Decision Making: A Problem-Solving Model to Enhance Mtss (a Practical Tool to Help You Make Sense of Student Data for Effective
Potter, Jon
Harlacher, Jason E.
Collins, Adam
Paperback
50 Math Tricks That Will Change Your Life: Mentally Solve the Impossible in Seconds
Zakowich, Tanya
Paperback