Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Writing Good Objectives: Purpose Is Paramount

Sarah Tantillo offers more sage advice on how to write lesson objectives that get students’ brains racing. In this post, the literacy consultant explains why objectives must always have a compelling purpose – offering two stories from her own classroom observations.

Descriptive Writing: Just Right for Science Class

Narrative writing and figurative language are not just for English class anymore, says teacher-author Heather Wolpert-Gawron. “Narrative strategies infuse content with creativity and with an added layer of student personality that aids in ownership.” She shares a science example.

10 Ways to Sabotage Your Classroom Management

Even with all the usual basics in place, the small things novice teachers do could be wreaking havoc on your whole classroom management system. Middle school veteran Jennifer Gonzalez identifies unproductive habits, along with more effective alternatives.

Giving Parents Accurate and Honest Assessments

With the fall marathon of parent-teacher conferences finally done, Mary Tarashuk logs onto the district portal to input student grades for the first marking period. And then she finds herself pausing to wonder what authentic assessment truly means – when we’re talking to the people who care most.

Student Choice: MINDful Reading in Content Areas

Stretching Beyond the Textbook develops a MINDful reading unit, from an initial focus question to students’ culminating dialogue. Although the post-literature-circle techniques suit in most content areas, the book relies on social studies examples, says reviewer Abbey Graham.

Using Toy Ads to Build Media Literacy Skills

Expert Frank W. Baker wants to convince teachers that toy advertisements are a great media literacy teaching tool. Video clips and colorful ‘print’ ads abound on the Internet and are sure to engage students. Baker provides some good discussion questions & lesson ideas to get started.