Giving students tools to slice into a text and formulate specific thoughts backed with evidence has transformed NBCT Marilyn Pryle’s classroom discussions. “Instead of tentative guesses from a few, we now have detailed conversations that draw the whole class in.”
Respectful, fruitful collaboration among students is not “nice” for kids to master before they make their own way in the world – it is absolutely necessary. It’s especially needed when problems arise. Dina Strasser suggests co-creating norms that serve the whole child.
The First-Year English Teacher’s Guidebook is a trustworthy resource that is well-balanced, effective, and research-based. Preservice ELA teacher Tara Sherman expects early career educators (and experienced instructors) will find it easy to use and “wholly recommends it.”
Julie M. Wilson explains how to lead educators through change and also looks at how leaders can sustain their effort by taking her readers on a leadership version of The Hero’s Journey. Principal Michael Whisler particularly liked her Strengths-based Conversation script.
Create Compose Connect / Motivating Readers
by Jeremy Hyler · Published 03/27/2019 · Last modified 11/28/2019
After many discussions and short student surveys, Jeremy Hyler has drawn some conclusions about ways to encourage middle school readers. His three top strategies: offer them choices, have them conduct authentic conversations, and give them regular reading time in class.
Assessment / It's Not Easy Being Tween
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 03/26/2019 · Last modified 04/16/2024
Formative assessment can be fun. Yes, FUN, writes teacher Cheryl Mizerny. How to turn all those frequent checks for understanding into activities students can enjoy? Cheryl shares her go-to’s, both tech enhanced and tech free. Why not give Incredible Shrinking Text a try?
Accessibility / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Valentina Gonzalez · Published 03/24/2019 · Last modified 12/11/2019
Simply making content available to students is not enough. We have to make it accessible to each and every one, including English learners. Specialist Valentina Gonzalez offers ways to identify obstacles to accessibility and create paths to learning in every subject.
“My learners are young and impressionable,” writes grade 4 teacher Mary Tarashuk. “Teaching them true respect, for themselves and for others, just might get us on the path to improving some bigger problems we see around us.” Learn how Room 4T’s Pay It Forward project supports that goal.
Math Activities / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 03/18/2019 · Last modified 12/03/2019
Michelle Russell says her classes were beginning the slide into pre-Spring Break slump when she opted to try some math games she’d been squirreling away for “later.” Both the Math Card War and One Incorrect activities proved engaging and useful as formative feedback.
With this volume of their Jacob’s Ladder program Joyce VanTassel-Baskel and Tamra Stambaugh have devised a way to garner the most impact from nonfiction mini-lessons while allowing for flexibility and choice within the texts, says educator Erin Corrigan-Smith.
