In summer, Mary Tarashuk carefully prepared her literacy hope chest for 2019-20. Now, after a month of school, it has somehow morphed into a Pandora’s box. Though she is sheltering hope in this new box, she feels challenged to meet kids’ needs and district time demands.
Close Reading the Media / Political Ads
by Frank Baker · Published 10/21/2019 · Last modified 11/14/2019
We know political advertising persuades and influences. When we use campaign ads in instruction and guide students through the analysis and deconstruction process, writes media literacy expert Frank Baker, we’re helping them become better critical thinkers and viewers.
International Mindedness / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 10/20/2019 · Last modified 11/24/2019
When Megan Kelly asked her students to paste sticky notes on a world map to show the setting of YA novels they were reading for pleasure, she quickly saw she needed to diversify her classroom library. See her list of 19 recommended “adds” and share your own favorites!
Inquiry-Based Lessons in World History is a practical set of adaptable lesson plans and ideas starting with early humans. The book is ready for the classroom. Social studies teacher Stephanie Gilbert recommends the book to fellow history teachers.
Who needs Working Hard, Working Happy? Happy teachers! They will feel validated when they recognize many favorite practices. Unhappy teachers! They can nurture a culture of joy in their classrooms with the practical strategies Rita Platt offers, writes Anne Anderson.
Inquiry Illuminated shows teachers how to blend personalized learning, content area instruction, and literacy instruction into a cohesive, manageable block of time where students are self-directed and the teacher is free to work with small groups, writes Paul Solarz.
Each year special ed teachers find themselves in a ‘dazed reality’ serving multiple grades and content areas and moving constantly from one class to the next. Are general ed teachers willing to help? To promote real partnership, coach Elizabeth Stein recommends “PCK.”
Like a rocket launch, learning math lingo requires plenty of ongoing, personalized checkpoints. Author and instructional coach Pam Koutrakos offers a streamlined, easily replicable process we can all use to help middle grades students prepare to take off with math vocabulary.
Students love when teachers share videos as part of a lesson in any subject. But they can be vague when asked to recall the rich details or ideas that were included. Sunday Cummins, author of Close Reading of Informational Sources, has five quick lessons that can help.
To ensure all your students benefit from frequent reading conferences, it’s important to keep them short, focused and effective. Author and literacy consultant Jen Serravallo shares 7 tips for being efficient with your time without sacrificing impact or feeling rushed.
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