Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan analyze assessment and the data it produces to show how it can benefit instruction, not displace it or waste teacher time, says reviewer Sandy Wisneski.
Rick Wormeli’s Metaphors and Analogies: Power Tools for Teaching in Any Subject shows how teachers can make purposeful use of analogies to help students build understanding, says MS teacher Marsha Ratzel.
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/09/2013 · Last modified 02/03/2024
In addition to its comprehensive, CCSS-friendly approach to integrating vocabulary lessons into literacy curriculum, Word Nerds: Teaching All Students to Learn and Love Vocabulary is also fun for students, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
In an era when imaginative exploration of language is missing from many ELA classrooms, Ralph Fletcher’s wonderful book, Pyrotechnics on the Page: Playful Craft that Sparks Writing, celebrates playful writing, says reviewer Kevin Hodgson.
Teachers will find creative alternatives to the traditional book report that tap into student interests and creative writing in Ban the Book Report: Promoting Frequent and Enthusiastic Reading, says reviewer Nicole Warchol.
Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli, the co-authors of Poetry Mentor Texts: Making Reading and Writing Connections, K-8, have provided another “must have” resource for teachers of all disciplines – even poetry haters – says reviewer Linda Biondi.
Lee Ann Spillane’s interactive online book Reading Amplified: Digital Tools That Engage Students in Words, Books and Ideas is “a fantastic resource,” says reviewer @dogtrax – perfect for literacy teachers who are ready to explore engaging technologies first-hand.
In Write Like This: Teaching Real World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts, Kelly Gallagher’s real-world approach to writing instruction is practical, relevant and doable by any teacher, says reviewer Rhonda Leduc.
The documentary School Play by Eddie Rosenstein and Rick Velleu celebrates the importance of creative arts opportunities for all students, says principal Lyn Hilt, who also reviews a companion PD guide.
Reviewer and math teacher Michelle Schwartze says the eight essential elements for school-wide math success identified by Chris Confer and Marco Ramirez in Small Steps, Big Changes: Eight Essential Practices for Transforming Schools Through Mathematics ring true.
