Playing with Stories is THE book for those in love with stories and those who believe that we “think in story,” says reviewer, poet and retired principal Mary Langer Thompson. Author Kevin Cordi shares strategies for building stories solo, with a partner or within small groups.
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.
Formative assessment is good practice, as every teacher knows, says tech consultant Curtis Chandler, but finding time to measure individual student understanding is challenging. Chandler offers seven apps that can make the practice both routine and engaging.
Book Reviews / Professional Development
by MiddleWeb · Published 05/28/2015 · Last modified 06/11/2015
The breadth and depth of the topics covered by John Murray offer school administrators an excellent overview of what works when putting professional learning into practice, says reviewer Matt Renwick. “As straightforward as an educational resource gets.”
Educators who read policy pundit Rick Hess’s new book The Cage-Busting Teacher will find plenty to disagree with, says instructional specialist Curtis Chandler, but “they will also learn quite a bit about their potential and influence as an educator.”
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.
Although “You Can Do This” is targeted to 1st year teachers, experienced educators & new administrators can also benefit from reading about a novice teacher’s experiences through the lens of an accomplished instructional leader, says reviewer Jason Gordon.
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.
