Embracing Technology / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 02/19/2014 · Last modified 02/20/2014
“It’s hard to come to terms with the digital dinosaur in myself,” writes 5th grade teacher Mary Tarashuk, who’s been asked to help create online courses. “Technology benchmarks are a bit vague for this novice traveler on the Information Superhighway.”
Reviewer and middle grades teacher Judi Holst strongly recommends Troy Hicks’ Crafting Digital Writing to any teacher who uses writing in their classroom and is ready to more deeply engage today’s digital-savvy students. It’s easy to read and full of ideas, she says.
For teachers who have not used Singapore math strategies before but want to give them a go, Jana Hazecamp’s book Why Before How is a great place to start, says former 4th grade math teacher Jennifer Underwood, who adds some tech ideas of her own.
Our chief guideline is the same for articles, book reviews and interviews: Tell our visitors what YOU would want to know if you were the reader, not the writer, and you are looking for ideas, practical tips, inspiration and collegiality.
Teach Smart by PJ Caposey and Todd Whitaker lays out an easy to use guide for how to help each teacher get better at the craft, says reviewer Stephanie Rosch. The short book includes “real life examples of classrooms, practical strategies for any grade level, and black line masters for some of the strategies.”
Bringing iPads and apps into your classes? Having author Lori Elliott along is like having a technology mentor in the room, says Laura Von Staden.
Authors Yeap Ban Har & Lorraine Walker show how teachers can apply Singapore concepts to help students develop mathematical thinking. “A goldmine!” says reviewer Sandy Wisneski, who found the book to be the perfect resource to engage and challenge students.
For the 2013 EduBlog Awards we’re defining “best” as among the “especially interesting & attention-worthy.”
Book Reviews / Tablets in the Classroom
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/15/2013 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Teaching with Tablets, says reviewer Joy Kirr, is a brief, useful guide from Frey, Fisher & Gonzalez describing how to leverage the increasing availability of tablets and iPads by tying their use to best instructional practices.
Beninghof’s book of best practices is rich with examples of how to increase student participation, focus attention & strengthen memory, says Linda Biondi.
