It's Not Easy Being Tween / Personalized Learning
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 12/18/2016 · Last modified 11/24/2019
In Cheryl Mizerny’s view, authentic “personalized education” would have skilled teachers navigating as students powered their own learning. It would be a practice and not the product being sold by digital LMS companies as an acceptable substitute for teacher talent.
Don’t try to subdue your STEM students’ post-holiday energy – use it! Anne Jolly’s strategy? Kick off the class with an entertaining, hands-on problem that allows kids to be active while reengaging with STEM ideas. Check out the “Stop, Drop, Don’t Pop!” STEM launcher.
Christopher Danielson used to hate teaching geometry. Now he sees it as a playground of mathematical ideas for middle schoolers, with opportunities for exploration, wonder, and smart conversations. Here Danielson shares ideas and images teachers can use to begin the fun.
Building on her 1999 best seller, Georgia Heard shares 20 stories and templates in her new book “Heart Maps.” Each map is supported by tips, genre ideas, student samples and mentor texts. Long-time devotee Linda Biondi celebrates Heard’s latest accomplishment.
Students who write in class every day become more skillful at expressing what they feel and what they are learning, says NBCT Mary Tedrow. Using prompts that connect content and personal experience helps students “write their way to an understanding of curricula.”
Meaningful Math / Reviewing for Tests
by Michelle Russell · Published 11/06/2016 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Michelle Russell set out to improve her formative assessment practices but soon found herself thinking about summative assessment too. What are the best ways to make math test review both engaging and effective? Learn about her Gallery Walk and other experiments.
The Flexible Classroom / Vocabulary / Vocabulary
by Amber Chandler · Published 11/06/2016 · Last modified 11/28/2019
Instead of just saying “study your vocabulary,” Amber Chandler is trying out Quizlet Live, an online team-based game that has students begging for more. She says the easy tech tool promotes collaborative competition, meets SEL needs, and requires little extra work.
Hands-on teaching has always involved kids in “making.” But today’s focus on maker spaces is pushing making to a whole new level, nurturing students’ curiosity and creativity. Anne Jolly shows how combining maker activities and STEM lessons can boost learning.
For teachers who have considered implementing a Genius Hour program but haven’t quite made it to launch, passion-based learning experts and #geniushour chat leaders Gallit Zvi and Denise Krebs have organized a wealth of tips and resources to get you started.
Design Thinking / Future of History
by Jody & Shara · Published 08/21/2016 · Last modified 11/26/2019
Can history teachers apply Design Thinking ideas to a subject often taught as a progression of facts? Jody Passanisi thinks so. “What could be more relevant than looking for solutions to challenges that were created in the past and are still having impact today?”
