Close Reading the Media / Pop Culture
by Frank Baker · Published 05/07/2018 · Last modified 11/21/2019
One way to reach and connect with today’s adolescents is to bring their pop culture into the classroom. Fads and favorites can be hooks to boost media literacy – from a hip-hop song to a clip from a popular TV show, a trending commercial or snippet from a current movie.
This summer, the week-long Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference will bring together writers, teachers, and students to model and practice great literate behaviors. Award-winning YA and tween authors will discuss their craft and their own literacy journeys.
The elements of good instruction can be found in many experiences that are already a part of daily life. NBCT Roxanna Elden suggests real-life activities that might improve teaching more than the PowerPoint-driven professional development in the auditorium.
Articles / Games & Learning / Wide Open Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 04/29/2018 · Last modified 09/13/2023
End of year is an ideal time to try something new. Teachers and students have a lot of material to review, but also need to be engaged and energized. Why not stage a breakout game? Teacher Megan Kelly shares tips and says breakouts also make good school year starters!
Kids develop STEM habits in the classroom, but they spend most of their time outside of school. That’s where parents and other adults can help to inspire, support, and continue their children’s STEM learning. Anne Jolly’s tip-filled letter to caregivers can help.
Communication is central to an educator’s role as an advocate. Of particular importance, say the co-authors of Advocacy From A-Z, is the ability of school and teacher leaders to communicate with the school board to advocate for an issue. These nine principles can help.
Dyslexia / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 04/17/2018 · Last modified 11/24/2019
What is the one thing that you would say challenges you the most as a teacher in an inclusive setting? Teaching coach Elizabeth Stein says her own experience with teachers and students this year brought dyslexia to the forefront. Learn how to meet the dyslexia challenge.
During the barrage of mandatory assessments each spring, it can be tempting to “decide to do very little with our students” between tests, says Curtis Chandler. But why not make every minute count? Teachers can do just that with these engaging cross-curricular activities.
Future of History / Student Research
by Sarah Cooper · Published 04/10/2018 · Last modified 03/30/2024
As students research US history for Sarah Cooper, they are used to trying search terms on a screen. But when assignments require them to wander the stacks for books, sometimes they don’t know where to begin. Answering their questions has given her ideas to share here.
English teacher David Slater identifies school reform ideas that he believes are wrong-headed or frequently misapplied, leading to ineffective education across the country. Retired educator Mary Langer Thompson agrees with some of his solutions but finds others lacking.
