The second edition of John F. Barell’s “Why Are School Buses Always Yellow?” shows teachers how they can inspire young minds to think beyond the text, to ask questions and to wonder, achieving inquiry learning while meeting standards, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
Close Reading the Media / Emotional Appeals
by Frank Baker · Published 02/19/2017 · Last modified 11/26/2019
That nostalgic Hallmark ad that touches your heart. A frightened woman stranded on a lonely road. What role does emotion play in media messages and how can educators help students recognize this powerful force? Media literacy expert Frank Baker has some answers.
Ariel Sacks says teachers who read The Flexible ELA Classroom will get to know “an enthusiastic, skilled teacher” effectively applying “many of the best current teaching trends.” Amber Chandler’s practical, student centered ideas include flexible differentiation, PBL infusion, family involvement and more.
Positive and constructive self-assessments are what Mary Tarashuk wants for her fourth graders. Recently they used reflective writing to consider their own progress (and the progress of their class) more realistically, and to learn to set personal goals for growth.
Rather than “covering” a curriculum with instruction that’s driven by the chapters in a textbook, Diana Fenton and Nancy Van Erp advocate student centered standards-based lesson planning, relying on frameworks like Understanding by Design and concept-based teaching.
Jackie Walsh shares resources and strategies teachers can use to partner with students and create new roles and responsibilities in classroom questioning. Replace traditional “interrogation” with methods of inquiry that reveal understanding and strengthen learning.
Media literacy expert Frank Baker offers a fresh idea for Black History Month – exploring the life, career and creativity of photographer, writer and director Gordon Parks, whose powerful images from the Segregation Era serve as iconic primary sources.
Co-teaching Success / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 01/30/2017 · Last modified 12/06/2019
Don’t just think outside the co-teaching box – get out of the box altogether, into a no-boundaries partnership. Coach & NBCT Elizabeth Stein shares several strategies, including informal, efficient co-planning and divergent thinking activities to spark creativity.
Family Engagement / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 01/29/2017 · Last modified 12/14/2019
Opening your classroom door to families for student presentations can be intimidating. Think gas leaks, mumbled swear words and flop sweat, says Amber Chandler. But it can also be the ultimate learning and bonding experience among families, students, and teachers.
In FAST Grading, says veteran science/math teacher Joyce Depenbusch, Douglas Reeves has reached his goal of inspiring teachers and administrators to rethink grading and use his FAST strategies (Fair, Accurate, Specific, Timely) to optimize student learning.
