What happened to classroom play and activities like dramatic storytelling? How do we bring it back? Kevin Hodgson finds answers in Kevin Cordi’s lively book Playing with Stories, which suggests ways to use storytelling as literacy and speaking practice.
The Power of Teacher Leaders will empower readers to mobilize colleagues to positively affect school change and student achievement through shared and collaborative practice. See it happen in case studies, says reviewer Linda Biondi. With an online study guide.
Exploring History / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 12/04/2014 · Last modified 12/03/2019
Teaching students to “think like historians” begins with making connections between past and present, says teacher Mary Tarashuk. As her 4th graders begin the Age of Exploration, she calls on a Tai Chi parent-expert to help bridge ancient and modern times.
Future of History / Lesson Planning
by Jody & Shara · Published 11/17/2014 · Last modified 12/02/2019
Last year Jody Passanisi concluded that her go-to lesson on types of government no longer gripped students’ attention. Here she evaluates the successes and challenges of a redesign: lots more student ownership, but is there enough understanding at the end?
Future of History / Parody for Synthesis
by Jody & Shara · Published 11/02/2014 · Last modified 11/26/2019
After watching a music video parody by history educator Mr. Betts, Jody Passanisi’s 8th graders begged to create their own parodies using American History topics. The resulting lyrics effectively synthesized the content and ideas they were studying.
Principal Matt Renwick says our definition of data has to broaden substantially if we expect to paint a complete picture of student learning. Renwick describes how two middle grades teachers are using technology to help meet the qualitative assessment challenge.
Whitewater rafting with 6th graders puts plenty of excitement into Experiential Learning. Just back from the river, Kevin Hodgson describes sharing the 10-mile stretch of “instructional space” with 75 kids. A must-read for anyone planning such a trip!
Literacy expert Laura Robb offers her research-based argument for refocusing American school reform on strategies to strengthen support for teachers and promote opportunities for all children to become creative, divergent thinkers and problem solvers.
Administrative Overload / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 10/08/2014 · Last modified 11/30/2019
Mary Tarashuk fantasizes about a reality TV show that features education policy makers who must survive for a month as classroom teachers without drowning in the paperwork or getting voted off the island by a misguided performance evaluation system.
Brief yet thought provoking, Short on Time is a worthwhile read for leadership teams, says principal Joseph D’Amato. Readers will find suggestions for managing priorities, maximizing learning, and growing through collaboration – plus a helpful list of action steps.
