When students can clearly see the path before them and how to get there, they can achieve the highest expectations, says language specialist Tan Huynh. His S.P.E.N.D learning tool (statistics, places, events, names, dates) brings clarity to research and writing.
After reflecting on her students’ decline in fluently recalling math facts and the lapses in her teaching flow, Kathie Palmieri knew it was time to make changes. First up: involving students in uncovering the roadblocks and taking a week to try out their fog-lifting ideas.
Working together in small groups using a book club model has helped sixth graders in Sara Kugler’s K-6 school shift from passive and disinterested to engaged and self-reliant. They’re eager to read and ready to “talk books,” writes the literacy coach and co-teacher.
In Love & Literacy, the authors walk readers through key priorities of literacy learning, offer examples of real teaching moments, and give teachers what they need to use their ideas. Veteran teacher Rebecca Crockett now sees engagement and student understanding in a new way.
Even if middle school students have no idea what careers they want to pursue, computer science helps them acquire skills they’ll need to be successful. Learn how 7th and 8th grade CS teacher Crystal Kistler uses coding and project learning to broaden their knowledge base.
To make sure that kids, teachers, and families have what they need to be successful and joyful, Stephanie Farley details how assistant principals can show up, listen deeply, and chill out. To start, spend time with students during lunch and find ways to do some teaching.
Middle grades math teacher Mona Iehl applies five of author Gholdy Muhammad’s strategies to unearth joy as her students experience the December classroom scramble. Mona suggests activities to help realize each strategy with your students. Try musical math and much more!
Richardson and Dufresne’s The Next Step Forward in Word Study and Phonics helps educators differentiate and imbed phonics and word study skills within a variety of literacy contexts. Reading specialist Beth Hassinger shares how she plans to use the book’s resources with real success.
With increasingly limited time in schools to support staff and students, curating a collection of concise strategies can facilitate deeper coaching conversations to improve the craft of teaching. Teacher and coach Amy Tucker has found a timely resource in The Instructional Playbook.
New Teacher Tips / Strong Class Starts
by Curtis Chandler · Published 12/12/2022 · Last modified 03/01/2024
Wrestlers – like Curtis Chandler’s youngest son – need a strong start to succeed in each match. Students benefit from strong starts each day too. Curtis shares tips for new and veteran teachers to begin every class: bait and switch, informational hooks, and many more.
