Teaching poetry can give students a sense of connection, collaboration, and creativity as they express themselves and read the expressions of others. During National Poetry Month, teacher-author Marilyn Pryle shares fun activities from her classroom that touch on all three.
In an era of ‘writing to text’ and responding to prompts, students may not eagerly respond to our invitations to “write free!” ELA teacher and cartoonist David Lee Finkle uses an interest based mapping strategy to convince his writers they have something worth writing about.
Supports for ELs / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Tan Huynh · Published 04/04/2021 · Last modified 05/09/2021
Discover what educators and students can do when they believe success is possible for language learners. Tan Huynh highlights five research-based principles developed by Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, whose essential book includes effective teacher strategies from around the world.
“Let’s face it, adolescence isn’t plump full of safety and confidence. It’s a developmental stage in which students want and need to be connected and valued.” No wonder middle schoolers dread the “correction” approach to grammar. Jeff Anderson and Travis Leech have found a better way.
Sunny Nwazue discovers she is a witch in Nnedi Okorafor’s novel about how a girl raised amid Nigerian-American culture experiences tween life in Nigeria. Dina Strasser recommends the book for its overt tackling of racism, ableism, and sexism as well as its narrative magic.
Checks for Learning / Class Apps
by Curtis Chandler · Published 03/28/2021 · Last modified 10/19/2022
There will always be learning goals that call for written responses. But if we aren’t careful, we can end up turning our checks for understanding into tests of writing. Curtis Chandler shares tools and strategies he uses to make sure every student shows what they know.
Similar to the benefits of class read-alouds and independent reading, podcasts can be incorporated as a way to increase students’ understanding of stories and information, with kids often making “text to self” connections. Kathie Palmieri includes sources and favorites.
Student discipline is high on the job description of most assistant principals. After three years as an AP, here’s what DeAnna Miller has learned about this essential aspect of working with kids: (1) use it as a teachable moment, (2) make it fair, and (3) love them anyway.
Podcasts / Reading for the 21st Century
by Alex Valencic · Published 03/08/2021 · Last modified 03/09/2021
Professional books play an important role in every savvy educator’s growth and development. Podcasts can serve the same purpose, writes instructional leader Alex Valencic. Podcasts not only stimulate our thinking, they lead us to new authors and help us expand our PLNs.
In Unconventional Leadership, Minnesota principal Jessica M. Cabeen offers principals extensive resources to move beyond the office and become more connected, collaborative, and creative leaders, writes social studies teacher and school PD director Becky Johnson.
