Self-check classroom and school “real estate” to make sure you’re organized to showcase, celebrate, and convey messages and content that invite all learners to joyfully learn more, writes author Regie Routman. In particular, critically examine your classroom libraries.
Close Reading the Media / Weight-Loss Ads
by Frank Baker · Published 01/02/2018 · Last modified 11/13/2019
In the wake of holiday indulgences, ads for weight-loss products snowball in January. Many contain outright falsehoods, the FTC warns. By inviting students to investigate, teachers can sharpen media literacy skills and explore persuasive vs. argumentative writing.
As you watch kids pile back into the classroom after a holiday break, you may notice that they need to engage in some active lessons to work off excess energy and get back into the swing of learning. Try this fun STEM launcher activity shared by Anne Jolly.
Today’s students have to learn to shift their writing styles to meet different real-life purposes, says ELA teacher-author Jeremy Hyler. Teachers should understand the different contexts (school, work, and personal) and help students learn to “code switch” as needed.
Co-teaching Reflections / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 12/24/2017 · Last modified 12/05/2019
Successful co-teaching is quite simple, says coach Elizabeth Stein. “All you need to do is keep them engaged.” Engagement begins by caring about what students think and feel as you design and deliver instruction – accepting ownership of your personal role in their success.
Each day in Sarah Cooper’s 8th grade U.S. history class, they begin with a 5-minute discussion of current events. The sheer number of mass attacks in the United States this semester has pummeled Sarah and her students. She ponders how she and other teachers can continue to respond.
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.
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.
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.
Sixth grade ELA and social studies teacher Kathee Lamberies expects she will be using Teaching Literacy in the Visible Learning Classroom from Fisher, Frey, Hattie and Thayre and tabbing its pages for years to come. It is likely to become her new “bible” of teaching!
