Exploring History / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 12/04/2014 · Last modified 12/03/2019
Teaching students to “think like historians” begins with making connections between past and present, says teacher Mary Tarashuk. As her 4th graders begin the Age of Exploration, she calls on a Tai Chi parent-expert to help bridge ancient and modern times.
Rikki Tikki Tavi is the “touchstone text” Kevin Hodgson introduces to his 6th graders at school’s start. Kipling’s fast pace, focused conflict and resolution, use of foreshadowing and other literary techniques make it a perfect reference all year long.
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.
Teachers who begin lessons without telling students “what we’re doing and where we’re going” are kidnappers, says Sarah Tantillo. Don’t take your middle graders on a mystery ride. Use the RPM strategy to write rigorous, purposeful, measurable objectives in any subject. Cheatsheet included!
Common Core / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 10/26/2014 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Teachers in every subject and type of classroom can tailor Common Core instruction to individual student needs using the Universal Design for Learning strategies, says instructional coach Elizabeth Stein, who provides a wealth of helpful resources.
Despite its title, “Independent Reading in the Age of the Common Core” has a narrow focus – a note-taking strategy to strengthen independent reading instruction. Reviewer Tyler McBride plans to implement several of the teacher-authors’ 25 mini-lessons.
Connected Co-Teachers / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 10/14/2014 · Last modified 11/13/2019
Whether connected educators are collaborating online or in person, says Elizabeth Stein, “they are constantly on a mission to provide deep, powerful learning for their students through multiple means of accessing the rich content of the Common Core.”
Rather than wasting space unpacking the standards (again), PD director Bryan Harris supplies educators with tips on running a classroom, asking questions, and staging conversations for a CCSS friendly culture, says teacher-reviewer Lena Welch.
ELA consultant Mike Fisher urges educators to not be distracted by the so-called “close reading” anchor standard in the Common Core. “Close reading is not a thing. It is not a skill. It is not a big idea.” The true objective, he says, is reading comprehension.
As teachers help their students meet Common Core standards through close reading of the movies, they may want to include costume design in their lesson plans, says Frank Baker. In many movies, director Martin Scorsese has noted, “costume is character.”
