Starting with a grant for 1:1 iPads, teacher Matthew Gillispie traces his school’s progress to iPads for everyone. He shares advice for getting started and includes numerous lessons. Reviewer Laura Von Staden says it’s for ELA and beyond.
Student disengagement is a major challenge for middle school teachers, says NSF-funded researcher Jennifer A. Fredricks, who offers strategies to build community and craft learning opportunities that encourage students to actively participate and succeed.
Narrative writing and figurative language are not just for English class anymore, says teacher-author Heather Wolpert-Gawron. “Narrative strategies infuse content with creativity and with an added layer of student personality that aids in ownership.” She shares a science example.
Expert Frank W. Baker wants to convince teachers that toy advertisements are a great media literacy teaching tool. Video clips and colorful ‘print’ ads abound on the Internet and are sure to engage students. Baker provides some good discussion questions & lesson ideas to get started.
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/12/2014 · Last modified 11/22/2019
Karen Bromley guides educators to “The Next Step in Vocabulary Instruction” by uncovering the “why” of teaching vocabulary and its role in comprehension and fluency. Reviewer Linda Biondi highly recommends the book’s extensive strategies and activities.
Want to improve relationships between families and school? Teachers benefit when learning is reinforced and supported from home. Consultant Barbara Blackburn has tips on how to PAIR with parents and avoid school-side mistakes that weaken engagement.
If politicians have a “license to lie” in campaign advertising, how are our students going to know who and what to believe? Critical thinking skills are paramount, says media literacy consultant Frank Baker, who shares insights and resources tied to Common Core and social studies standards.
If you are looking for detailed, richly resourced content ideas on how to integrate technology, Literacy Lessons for a Digital World is for you. The book does not emphasize how to work with the software and programs, says Sandy Wisneski.
Literacy expert Laura Robb offers her research-based argument for refocusing American school reform on strategies to strengthen support for teachers and promote opportunities for all children to become creative, divergent thinkers and problem solvers.
Kids on the Cusp / Parent Engagement
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 09/23/2014 · Last modified 11/21/2019
As a 4th grade teacher, Mary Tarashuk is responsible for helping her students begin the transition from early to more independent learning. At Back-to-School Night, Tarashuk talked with parents about why kids will benefit from some academic struggle.
