The Genius Hour Guidebook by Denise Krebs & Gallit Zvi provides a practical guide for teachers who want to encourage students to pursue their passionate interests and expand their 21st century skill set. Reviewer Laura Von Staden also recommends the companion website.
Civics Lessons / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 08/29/2016 · Last modified 11/30/2019
This year, with an historic Presidential election in the making, civics studies take on a bit more relevance for Mary Tarashuk’s 4th graders. As she worked on her lesson plans this summer, she uncovered fresh resources to help her met five key teaching goals.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/25/2016 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Gifted children’s intense behaviors sometimes create challenges in the classroom. Author Christine Fonseca gives teachers, parents and students coping strategies and coaching approaches. Teacher Amy Estersohn says the book is also a good choice for PTA book clubs.
Why should we use performance tasks in math class? How do we adapt them for formative or summative assessment? How do we create effective rubrics? The authors provide answers in a step-by-step guide featuring many examples, says veteran math teacher Jan Roberts.
Psychotherapist Noah Kempler presents ways to help kids develop five core skills: understanding feelings, communication, flexibility, respect, and problem solving. Retired principal Mary Langer Thompson finds his discussion about temperament particularly valuable.
For teachers who have considered implementing a Genius Hour program but haven’t quite made it to launch, passion-based learning experts and #geniushour chat leaders Gallit Zvi and Denise Krebs have organized a wealth of tips and resources to get you started.
Transformational leaders know how to invite conversation and listen deeply, writes middle school assistant principal Mike Janatovich. They use this skill to grasp and understand a school culture, building trust and helping shape a successful school community.
Design Thinking / Future of History
by Jody & Shara · Published 08/21/2016 · Last modified 11/26/2019
Can history teachers apply Design Thinking ideas to a subject often taught as a progression of facts? Jody Passanisi thinks so. “What could be more relevant than looking for solutions to challenges that were created in the past and are still having impact today?”
Grounded in research, teacher experience, and purposeful techniques, Reading Science will help educators guide students to scientific literacy. Linda Biondi says the book would make an excellent group study for disciplinary teams focused on academic literacy.
In “The Educator and the Oligarch,” says teacher-reviewer Elisa Waingort, education activist Anthony Cody has written an informative, highly referenced work that traces the relationship of Bill Gates to the gradual privatization of public education in the U.S.
