Integrating curriculum / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 04/15/2014 · Last modified 12/03/2019
Applying literacy workshop principles, Mary Tarashuk discovers new ways to blend ELA & social studies content. She describes how a novel about the Old West exploits of disguised woman Charley Parkhurst increased 4th graders’ interest in American history.
Future of History / Real world applications
by Aaron Brock · Published 04/13/2014 · Last modified 12/02/2019
There’s no room in an adolescent’s world view for the loftier goals of history study, says Aaron Brock. So when teaching about American rights of assembly and petition, Brock has students write petitions about issues close to their own school lives.
Too much close reading is boring, say Mike Fisher & Danielle Hardt, as students comb through fiction, constantly analyzing lots of text. Ask them to read and write digital microstories. They’ll build evaluation & synthesis skills and have some fun.
Book Reviews / English Language Learners
by MiddleWeb · Published 04/13/2014 · Last modified 12/05/2019
Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners by Jane E. Hill and Kirsten B. Miller is valuable for ensuring that English learners are challenged at Bloom’s higher levels of thinking and understanding, with the appropriate scaffolding, says reviewer Jennifer Underwood.
Todd Whitaker’s Shifting the Monkey can help principals make sure that the right people are taking care of problems and responsibilities (the monkeys) in the school, says reviewer Matt Renwick, freeing principals like himself to concentrate on their most critical duties.
Sixth grade teacher Kevin Hodgson uses What’s the Big Idea?, a philosophy website for middle schoolers, to guide his students through a close reading of movie and TV clips, exploring ethical questions and examining filmmaker’s intentions.
With its emphasis on building teachers’ confidence and capacity, Technology Together is a terrific resource for school & district technology and administrative leaders, as well as central office curriculum and PD staff, says reviewer and deputy superintendent Marilyn King.
Growth mindset / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 04/06/2014 · Last modified 11/29/2019
“William had a meltdown last week,” writes Elizabeth Stein. Right in the middle of class. How do we help students like this develop a growth mindset in an inflexible system? Elizabeth is having success with some students, including William.
Green STEM Projects / STEM By Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 04/06/2014 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Earth Day: Science educator Anne Jolly remembers her first and best STEM project, when disengaged 8th graders learned how cool math, science and engineering could be by constructing a wetlands to reduce the environmental impact of a new school.
Blending fiction, mystery and scientific investigation can be an effective way to excite tweens and young teens about science topics, says former teacher and NSTA trade book award winner Gail Hedrick, who shares her own writing & publishing story.
