Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Expository Writing: The Field Guide Project

Stephanie Farley is teaching expository writing to her class of gifted, neurodiverse students and needs to design a differentiated unit that addresses each of her students’ diverse strengths. Read about what she’s come up with – the Field Guide Project – and add suggestions!

Latinx Teens Find Power in Narrative Writing

Narrative Writing with Latinx Teens is an amazing exploration of the role of narrative writing in the lives of Latinx adolescents. It is not just a guide for educators, but a rich examination of the intersection between culture, identity and storytelling, says Melinda Stewart.

8 Ways I Use Feedback to Drive Student Growth

For students to get the most out of feedback, they need to know that the teacher believes in their potential and wants to help them continue to grow. Kasey Short shares tips to build trust and strategies to make feedback a driving force in daily instruction and improvement.

Breaking Down Fluency Gates for MS Math Kids

When math interventionist Juliana Tapper was forced to teach grade-level content, her MS kids “moved from apathy to hope,” and she had a revelation. When we provide access, structural support, and the right fluency practice, we stop being gatekeepers and become gatebreakers.

Take Math Students beyond Tired Algorithms

What math veteran Amy Leach found especially valuable in Pamela Harris’s book was how thoroughly she defines types of mathematical reasoning. It’s not just “reason, don’t memorize.” Harris explains how to move beyond algorithms with crystal-clear written and video examples.

Why Children’s Books Matter in a Digital World

Children’s books offer a much-needed escape from our digital culture. Centering on British author Katherine Rundell, Elaine Griffin looks into how young readers not only find fantasy, magic, and mischief but also discover the building blocks of character, curiosity, and courage.

4 Simple Strategies for Student Self-Assessment

As a part of a teacher’s overall classroom assessment, we want students to ask themselves questions. Encouraging students to assess themselves adds some extra rigor to the learning process and helps grow an important life skill. Barbara Blackburn shares four simple strategies.

A Thoughtful Approach to Teaching Poetry

Whether you are looking for ways to incorporate poetry into your existing curriculum or create a stand-alone poetry unit, Awakening the Heart is a treasure chest of activities, projects, mentor texts, and teaching strategies to support your work, writes teacher Jeny Randall.