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.
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.
Constructivist Thinking / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 11/26/2017 · Last modified 11/29/2019
How do teachers influence students’ opportunities to connect with themselves as learners on a deep level? Coach and NBCT Elizabeth Stein provides tips to shift away from a behaviorist pedagogy and toward strategies that have students actively seeking knowledge and strengthening 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.
Math Homework / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 11/12/2017 · Last modified 11/23/2019
This fall Michelle Russell implemented a new policy of assigning but not checking math homework, and then checking homework understanding with short quizzes. After 15 weeks of school, she’s ready to share the results so far. Learn her “good, bad, and ugly” findings.
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!
Kids on the Cusp / Passion-based Learning
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 11/06/2017 · Last modified 11/16/2019
When Mary Tarashuk opens herself to the teaching that matters most and invites the “kairos” into her 4th grade class, the learning is deep and lasting. Join her as she reflects on why and how to keep the “chronos” – the task lists and schedules – from nagging too loudly.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/02/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
The content of “Teaching Kids to Thrive” will help teach students positive ways to think, practice executive functioning skills, and create a culture of caring and responsibility. Linda Biondi describes why she found it to be one of the most empowering books she’s read.
Ad Techniques / Close Reading the Media
by Frank Baker · Published 10/31/2017 · Last modified 12/01/2019
In today’s advertising-saturated world, their attention may be the most valuable thing students own. Marketers want it and they’ll grab it anyway they can. It’s the job of educators to make sure kids understand what’s going on, media literacy expert Frank W. Baker says.
