When it comes to learning new words, a few minutes goes a long way, says author-consultant Pam Koutrakos. Teachers can jump-start word study at any point in the year. Use her “cycle” strategy to fit vocab into the daily lesson flow and build students’ curiosity about words.
Create Compose Connect / Digital Writing Portfolios
by Jeremy Hyler · Published 03/06/2019 · Last modified 12/05/2019
Although many of his colleagues disagree, middle school teacher Jeremy Hyler is convinced digital portfolios are the best way to measure student growth in writing skills over the whole school year. Learn why he thinks so, and how he does it, with plenty of useful tips.
Close Reading the Media / Government Hearings
by Frank Baker · Published 03/05/2019 · Last modified 06/10/2020
Exposing students to broadcasts and other news of past Congressional hearings brings those events to life and can help kids relate to current hearings. Media literacy consultant Frank Baker traces 60 years of hearing coverage, underscoring the vital role of a free press.
School leaders have likely dealt with someone who didn’t support a proposed change. But principals need to assure that schools provide students with quality education, a process often requiring change. Ronald Williamson and Barbara Blackburn show how to build support.
If literacy coach Pam Hamilton had to choose one word to describe Word Study That Sticks, a book about words, she would select “fabulous”! Hamilton finds it is also practical, teacher-friendly, and colorful with lessons and activities across content areas.
K-6 literacy coach and NBCT Paula Bourque brings an extra spark to quick-write activities, expanding the concept to include brief low-pressure assignments designed to ignite passion, creativity, and awareness in students and encourage them to become lifelong writers.
Service Learning / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 02/24/2019 · Last modified 11/13/2019
Incorporating more service learning in your teaching can offer opportunities for students to experience empowered citizenship. Megan Kelly shares how her 6th graders connected learning about the science of water and world-wide challenges with related Kiva fundraising.
Close Reading in Science / The Science Lady
by Kathy Renfrew · Published 02/13/2019 · Last modified 04/18/2020
Classroom studies should emulate what is happening in the real world of scientists, says NBCT Kathy Renfrew. This means students are not only questioning, investigating, talking and writing – they are reading about science. She suggests reading strategies and resources.
Lawnmower parents have an irresistible urge to clear away all the stress and struggle for their children. The result, says principal and NBCT Rita Platt, can be kids who don’t learn to mow their own paths. Read her tips for parents, educators, and the kiddos themselves.
Future of History / Making History Meaningful
by Lauren S. Brown · Published 02/03/2019 · Last modified 11/12/2019
Linking one event or person to later developments opens history students up to seeing how pieces of the massive puzzle of the past fit together and how the issues we face today developed. Lauren Brown shares several engaging strategies to help make those connections.
