Consultant Jen Serravallo often hears teachers say they’re uncomfortable teaching writing. Her solution: promote student engagement and independence. As kids become more excited, she says, “that enthusiasm will spill over to you.” Here are five ideas to get started.
Student Change Agents / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 02/19/2017 · Last modified 12/05/2019
“We want our students to pursue the possibilities of a better world,” writes Kevin Hodgson, and not just “hope that a better world appears.” He shares the inspiring story of the international student-run Kids Tales program and what kids in his own school are doing.
Current Events Humor / Future of History
by Sarah Cooper · Published 01/24/2017 · Last modified 11/12/2019
Discussing political news in class continues to feel like “walking on glass barefoot,” says Sarah Cooper. She’s drawn toward humorous interpretations of current events to reduce tensions. After some trial and error, Cooper uses four criteria for video selection.
After much discussion, Kevin Hodgson and his colleagues decided to have students watch the Inaugural Address and then respond to it. The 6th graders used sketchnoting to listen, then discussed their observations in the context of earlier studies about civic issues.
Sean Ruday’s practical ideas and teaching strategies for narrative writing should reduce the stress levels of writing teachers all across the country, writes consultant Anne Anderson. To speed things along, he has included excerpts from the mentor texts he features.
Class Apps / The First 5 Minutes
by Curtis Chandler · Published 01/15/2017 · Last modified 03/06/2024
To improve student outcomes, says teacher educator Curtis Chandler, it’s important to invest extra attention in the first five minutes of class. He shares a variety of techy and not-so techy ideas to ignite student interest and energy for whatever else is to follow.
“Equal parts how-to and shopping list,” teacher Amy Estersohn says Ruth Culham’s Dream Wakers will help any middle grades ELA or social studies teacher add more Latino voices and mentor texts – especially in classrooms with a writer’s workshop teaching approach.
Now that the blizzard of late semester papers has (probably) diminished, do you feel the need for a quick fix to your class organization regimen? Author/educator Roxanna Elden avoids excessive precision in structuring a practical 5-tray process to get you started.
Class Apps / Cultural Awareness
by Curtis Chandler · Published 12/19/2016 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Teaching expert Curtis Chandler sees an urgent need for educators to help students become more aware, understanding, and appreciative of other nations and cultures. Here he offers a rich collection of web resources that can bring global diversity into the classroom.
No school or district is immune from a future defined by declining resources. Leadership consultants Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn share four research-based strategies to help educators make the most of a challenging financial climate and serve all kids.
