In What Schools Don’t Teach, the authors provide strategies to make reasonable changes within our own classrooms that will help students grow the skills, attitudes and characteristics they need to be successful in a changing world, says Laura Von Staden.
Helping students build intrinsic motivation is at the center of Larry Ferlazzo’s Building a Community of Self-Motivated Learners, says reviewer Laura Von Staden. Topics include classroom management, sparking interest in ELA, transfer of skills, and healthy lifestyle.
In The Unstoppable Writing Teacher, M. Colleen Cruz addresses issues that stop teachers from teaching writer’s workshop the way that they want. She tackles time, resources, families, curriculum and administration effectively, says reviewer Laura Von Staden.
Whitaker, Zoul and Casas show how to fit digital connections into an already busy life, along the way packing their new book with digital resources to make PLNs a source of professional growth and friendship. Digital immigrant Laura Von Staden highly recommends it.
Reading Workshop 2.0: Supporting Readers in the Digital Age by Frank Serafini is a useful tool for helping teachers move toward integrating technology into their reading instruction, including plenty of reviewed online resources, says reviewer Laura Von Staden.
Opening with Darrell Scott’s message after his daughter Rachel’s death at Columbine High, Awaken the Learner offers Robert Marzano’s strategies to expand student learning by helping them understand how they think and make choices, says Laura Von Staden.
Using a “If this happens – try this” format, Annette Breaux and Todd Whitaker provide 60 “Quick Answers for Busy Teachers.” Reviewer Laura Von Staden says new teachers and vets can benefit. Using downloadable slides, the content can easily supplement PD.
Book Reviews / Student Driven Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 02/12/2015 · Last modified 11/15/2019
The authors of Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions provide a thorough rationale and detailed steps to achieve a technique they say can “revolutionize” education. Reviewer Laura Von Staden finds their arguments compelling.
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.
With quick concise sections, summary bullet points, engaging verse, reflective questions, bonus lists, and easy to use tabbing, Seven Simple Secrets: What the BEST Teachers Know and Do is a book educators need at their fingertips, says reviewer Laura Von Staden.
