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?
It’s at the precise moment when students are bombarded by facts, whether historical or current, that we need to be especially vigilant, writes American history and current events teacher Sarah Cooper, paraphrasing historian Sam Wineburg. Sifting through sources has become a life skill.
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.
In Reading with Presence discover how Marilyn Pryle gives students an opportunity to organize their thoughts, reactions, opinions, and questions in writing, so they’re prepared and even eager to participate in class discussions. Definitely a keeper, writes Anne Anderson.
In SPARK!, a book about quick writes, Paula Bourque offers a powerful teaching tool to help students find ideas, discover their voices and build confidence about writing. Teacher educator Linda Biondi notes the frequent, low-stakes writing can stretch across content areas.
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