Read Alouds / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Valentina Gonzalez · Published 12/03/2017 · Last modified 11/25/2019
Teacher read alouds work with middle graders, too. Literacy specialist and ELL coach Valentina Gonzalez describes why and how reading fiction, nonfiction, even picture books, aloud to young adolescents can advance learning. Included: specific strategies and resources.
Practical and conversational, the ideas in Powerful Partnerships will inspire teachers and school leaders to examine family engagement practices and build partnerships that are collaborative, interactive, and learning focused, says literacy specialist Lisa Maucione.
Science educator Alan Colburn skillfully applies the idea of learning by doing to make a very useful resource for teachers. Joyce Depenbusch praises the way he weaves in NGSS practices and provides directions for grades 3-8 activities that are easy to follow and do.
K-12 and higher education veteran M. Scott Norton has written a book about the human resources role of principals. Retired principal Mary Langer Thompson finds the resources on school climate helpful, but disagrees that principals should take on major HR responsibilities.
Close Reading the Media / Literacy and Film
by Frank Baker · Published 11/28/2017 · Last modified 11/28/2019
Film, video and television media are powerful engagement tools for literacy teachers. Author and media consultant Frank W. Baker shares lots of ideas about using screenplays, closed captioning, and media-related projects to boost reading and other literacy skills.
Constructivist Thinking / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 11/26/2017 · Last modified 11/29/2019
How do teachers influence students’ opportunities to connect with themselves as learners on a deep level? Coach and NBCT Elizabeth Stein provides tips to shift away from a behaviorist pedagogy and toward strategies that have students actively seeking knowledge and strengthening skills.
Future of History / Writing in Social Studies
by Lauren S. Brown · Published 11/26/2017 · Last modified 12/12/2019
Lauren Brown’s eighth grade classes are undergoing a “writing revolution” since she discovered the ideas and strategies of Judith Hochman. Thanks to writing templates and explicit instruction, students are beginning to write more complex answers to history questions.
Maps and mapmaking can help bring visual “connector points” to ELA lessons, says teacher Kevin Hodgson, serving as writing prompts, aids in teaching novels, reflection/assessment tools, and more. Learn some of the ways he uses both digital and hand-drawn maps in class.
Heart of the School / Stress Avoidance
by Rita Platt · Published 11/19/2017 · Last modified 01/31/2024
Teaching truly is a never-ending job. You can’t stop time, but there are simple strategies to help you save time and decrease stress. Rita Platt offers 10 ideas to help put yourself in a teaching sweet spot instead of constantly struggling in a frantic survival zone.
Ralph Fletcher’s approachable book offers useful, practical guidelines on how to implement effective writing teaching. ELA teacher Erin Corrigan-Smith notes his emphasis on choice, voice, purpose and play will help students enjoy the daily writing he recommends.
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