Future of History / Lesson Planning
by Jody & Shara · Published 11/17/2014 · Last modified 12/02/2019
Last year Jody Passanisi concluded that her go-to lesson on types of government no longer gripped students’ attention. Here she evaluates the successes and challenges of a redesign: lots more student ownership, but is there enough understanding at the end?
Afterschool programs are key to promoting STEM learning among diverse students, says Anne Jolly, provided they are in sync with a core school curriculum that integrates science, math & technology and emphasizes the engineering design process.
Kids on the Cusp / Teaching writing
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 11/05/2014 · Last modified 11/29/2019
Leaping into writing with students can be almost as thrilling as sky-diving, says Mary Tarashuk, who has now tried both. Here she describes how she is modeling “the writer as reader” with her 4th graders and shares their organizer for narrative writing.
Not only did teacher Kevin Hodgson get to talk about games and learning by keynoting at the K12 Online Conference, he and fellow presenters created a game for teachers who want to learn more about gamifying the classroom. Watch his keynote and play here!
Writing Pathways: Performance Assessments and Learning Progressions can help K-8 educators at the grade, school and district levels develop effective collaborative writing programs, says reviewer Linda Biondi. Teachers will find extensive resources to build student ownership of writing.
Want to improve relationships between families and school? Teachers benefit when learning is reinforced and supported from home. Consultant Barbara Blackburn has tips on how to PAIR with parents and avoid school-side mistakes that weaken engagement.
With Common Core discussions as a sturdy frame, Heather Wolpert-Gawron provides solid commentary about how writing and literacy relate to all curriculum areas, says reviewer Kathleen Pham. Central to the sample lessons: project based learning.
Mary Jo Fresch’s book not only gives practical suggestions for keeping students attentive, thoughtful, and inquisitive, but emphasizes ways to create classrooms filled with happiness and wonderment, says reviewer & district PD coordinator Rachael Harms.
Kevin Hodgson assumed his students would enjoy writing Six Word Memoirs, particularly within a comic site. What he didn’t expect was the level of enthusiasm, as even struggling writers dove into the concept, creating a wide range of (very) short stories.
Whether you’re a principal, staff developer or teacher leader, you’ll find ideas to convey your PD message effectively in this checklist adapted from “The Ten-Minute Inservice” by experts Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux. One tip: Walk your talk.
