Grading student writing in the traditional manner takes too much time and yields too little learning. Literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo offers three better ways to give students effective feedback – with all the tips and how-to teachers need to make the switch. Act now. Save your weekends.
Communications / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 09/05/2018 · Last modified 11/21/2019
Elizabeth Stein launches into the new school year with strategies to help co-teachers evaluate their current relationships and begin strengthening the one-on-one communication that is essential to provide learning opportunities for everyone in the classroom.
Healthy Teaching / It's Not Easy Being Tween
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 08/26/2018 · Last modified 11/24/2019
In a post that’s jam-packed with teaching ideas, veteran middle grades educator Cheryl Mizerny declares her intention to keep her classes “on the move” more often this fall, using a variety of strategies for individual, group, whole class and whole room activities.
A new school year brings excitement and organizational challenges. Expert Frank Buck suggests ways to streamline online communications, simplify classroom policies through teacher collaboration, and help kids develop as responsible members of a purposeful community.
Collaborative Writing / Create Compose Connect
by Jeremy Hyler · Published 08/15/2018 · Last modified 11/24/2019
There are good reasons to have students do collaborative writing, writes teacher Jeremy Hyler, who uses the strategy in his classes to encourage team brainstorming and to let each students “write to their strengths.” Included: Using mystery puzzles for argument writing.
What STEM lessons will you try with students this year? There’s no one, die-cut STEM curriculum that every classroom should be using, says Anne Jolly. But as teachers search for, adapt, or design projects, it helps to consider what an “ideal” STEM lesson might look like.
When it comes to vocabulary instruction, teachers have many, many questions, for example: “How can I fit vocabulary in? How should I pick the words? What should my quizzes look like?” Literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo provides answers to these questions and more.
Current Events / Future of History
by Sarah Cooper · Published 07/29/2018 · Last modified 12/14/2019
When Sarah Cooper launches an op-ed writing project, students respond best if they have wide latitude to choose a topic, picking an issue that sparks a personal connection. Beyond research and writing, the highlight for kids is sharing their op-eds with an audience.
Close Reading the Media / The Emmy Awards
by Frank Baker · Published 07/25/2018 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Studying TV in the middle grades might seem frivolous, writes media literacy expert Frank Baker, but when teachers engage kids through popular culture, they meet them where they are. The Emmys is a perfect example. Baker has background and teaching ideas to get started.
If you’re having tough times at school this year, new teachers and veterans alike can relieve some of the stress that comes when everything seems to be going wrong. Tested advice and actionable ideas from author, veteran teacher, and classroom survivor Julia Thompson.
