Art of Movie Making / Close Reading the Media
by Frank Baker · Published 03/26/2017 · Last modified 12/02/2019
As moviemaking transitions from analog to ever advancing computer-driven technologies that meet the expectations of today’s audiences, the blended learning options involving media literacy, art, science and tech grow apace. Frank Baker explores the possibilities.
Content area teachers can access easy-to-use lessons and mentor texts to strengthen students’ writing in Nancy Steineke and Harvey “Smokey” Daniels’ resource book. Teacher Linda Biondi describes the detailed, teacher-friendly format for lessons lasting 10 to 40 minutes.
Team-wide Literacy / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 12/26/2016 · Last modified 11/15/2019
More and more, state and national standards call on all educators to become “teachers of literacy.” ELA teacher Kevin Hodgson shares how he and his 6th grade colleagues in science, social studies and math are figuring out what this will mean in their classrooms.
Help students build scientific literacy with the research-based strategies developed by Jennifer Altieri in her book Reading Science. Science teacher Joyce Depenbusch finds the ideas for vocabulary instruction and cross-curricular projects especially helpful.
As they compose non-fiction paragraphs or essays, students must frame selected quotes (evidence) with appropriate context and explanation, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo. But they often struggle to compile these “quote sandwiches.” Try some of her solutions.
In addition to its value to schools and districts, STEM by Design will help classroom teachers make integrated STEM lessons a reality. Its step-by-step approach leaps beyond mere discussion to a real plan of action, says state science coordinator Kathy Renfrew.
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.
Book Reviews / English Language Learners
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/11/2016 · Last modified 11/16/2019
Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull-Sypnieski’s guide to implementing the common core with ELLs is a comprehensive “incredibly user-friendly” resource that projects care and respect for teachers, students, and the education profession as a whole, says teacher Rita Platt.
Each unit of Heather Wolpert-Gawron’s latest Project Based Learning book is filled with innovative ideas and detailed steps to implement rich PBL units. Sandy Wisneski, lead teacher in a PBL school, says the book’s guides and resources will engage students.
With its comprehensive collection of CCSS-ELA graphic organizers, The Visual Edge provides a very visible way for students in grades 6-12 to approach Common Core-related standards. Teacher-reviewer Joyce Depenbusch has numerous suggestions for the next edition.
