Making Number Talks Matter guides teachers in implementing frequent 15-minute conversations that help students make sense of math relationships and apply strategies to manipulate numbers mentally. Reviewer Jennifer Druffel is planning Number Talks in her classroom next year.
As the year comes to a close, wouldn’t you actually like to be able to savor it? Frank Buck has 3 suggestions that can help leaders overcome May stress through organization. Try them now; implement for years to come. You and your school will be glad you did.
Co-Teaching / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/24/2015 · Last modified 12/10/2019
If you find yourself moving from one co-teaching situation to the next or being placed in a co-teaching situation for the first time, read veteran special educator Michele Simonetty’s useful advice for successful adaptation that assures all kids will learn.
It remains unclear to Mary Tarashuk how rampant standardized testing is actually helping her fourth graders become successful and enthusiastic learners. As she prepares for her own evaluation, Mary shares pushback from parents, students, and HBO’s John Oliver.
Professional Development / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/10/2015 · Last modified 11/25/2019
It can be a challenge to find time for co-teachers to attend a traditional workshop with their colleagues. Fortunately, workshops are not the only way to learn about effective co-teaching! Expert Anne Beninghof shares eight great time-saving alternatives.
Understanding Race / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 05/06/2015 · Last modified 12/03/2019
When one of Kevin Hodgson’s 6th graders asked about using the “n” word, his class fell silent. In this Working Draft post, he shares the mini-lesson he responded with and also the resources he’s since found to help students build an understanding of racism and the evolution of language.
In today’s budget-conscious and time-stressed schools, virtual field trips are a great way to excite students without leaving the classroom. Teaching expert Barbara Blackburn shares a sample lesson idea and some good places to hunt for relevant field trips.
Media literacy educator Frank Baker wants “to help today’s media-saturated students realize the lengths that political consultants will go to get (and keep) our attention.” As the “polioptic” presidential race begins, Baker shares insights and lesson ideas.
If you need content-rich short nonfiction texts to support social studies lessons, this spiral bound book is for you. “The American Revolution and Constitution” also provides online access to a ‘trove’ of lesson-ready images and resources, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
As science teachers pursue Next Generation Science Standards, many wonder how STEM and NGSS match up. Can a good NGSS-aligned science lesson be a good STEM lesson too? Anne Jolly and guest Marsha Ratzel offer insights via the Matchstick Rocket Challenge.
