Teachers looking for new ways to incorporate primary sources into history lessons covering 5 centuries will find great ideas in Jana Kirchner and Andrew McMichael’s Inquiry-Based Lessons in U.S. History, says social studies teacher Michael DiClemente.
The authors of Proven Strategies That Work attempt to provide solutions to complex issues of teaching gifted children in about four pages each, including forms, says reviewer Lisa Penrod. Some tips are helpful but suggested strategies need more development.
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 04/22/2015 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Given the current focus on reading & writing across the curriculum, Janet Allen’s cogent & concise book on vocabulary will be useful to non-ELA teachers, who may not be as familiar with strategies for teaching literacy skills, says reviewer Susan Schwartz.
Examining the Evidence explains seven strategies to engage with primary sources, all easily understood by students. Aligned to specific Common Core standards, the strategies are useful in K-8 classrooms beyond social studies, says reviewer Nicole Miller.
Whether you’re a principal, staff developer or teacher leader, you’ll find ideas to convey your PD message effectively in this checklist adapted from “The Ten-Minute Inservice” by experts Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux. One tip: Walk your talk.
Have you ever sat in a meeting and were afraid you might nod off? Reviewer Linda Biondi recommends Energize Your Meetings! The easy-to-implement guide offers 35 strategies for leaders to help all attendees feel engaged and valuable.
Amber Chandler has participated on both sides of the Parent Teacher Conference. Here she offers novice teachers five strategies they can use to establish productive relationships, address parent concerns, and find ways to help parents “do something” for their children.
The Nonfiction NOW Lesson Bank (Grades 4-8): Strategies and Routines for Higher-Level Comprehension in the Content Areas by Nancy Akhavan delivers everything the title promises and more, raves reviewer Linda Biondi. Plus 50 lessons and 5 close reading ideas, ready to use.
Activators: Classroom Strategies for Engaging Middle and High School Students brings a new and valuable perspective to a familiar teaching strategy, says reviewer Sarah Grieb. And the authors understand what’s it like to work in real classrooms with real kids.
The 3rd edition of The Morning Meeting Book (K-8) is a well-researched, easy-to-read and ready-to-apply guide to one of the Responsive Classroom’s core strategies, says teacher Linda Biondi, who recommends it for both new & ongoing Morning Meeting practitioners.
