As educators, we often find ourselves grappling with the question, "What does disciplinary literacy actually look like in my content area?" Teaching literacy skills for real-life applications can be challenging, but fear not! In this blog post, we'll delve into the insightful work of ReLeah Cossett Lent, offering you a guide to navigate the world of disciplinary literacy and empower your students.
Read MoreIf we want our students to become better readers, we need to begin to provide them with texts that are more challenging for them. Matching students with texts at their reading level does little to challenge students. However, when we provide students with a text that is at grade level, or even above their grade level, and we challenge our students while also working along side them to delve into the text and understand that text, now we are building competency. This evidence based approach helps students to read, struggle, and ultimately comprehend more complex texts.
Read MoreThe Common Core informational reading standards for middle school are arguably some of the most important reading standards to focus on in a school year. Here are the nine informational standards in a nutshell:
Read MoreThe integration of ambient music and screens in the classroom offers a holistic approach to enhancing the learning experience. From improving concentration to fostering creativity and reducing stress, these elements contribute to a more positive and inclusive educational environment.
Read MoreWe recently had a blog post titled, “How to Ask Better Questions and Foster Student Independence” based on the book, We Belong: 50 Strategies to Create Community and Revolutionize Classroom Management by Laurie Barron and Patti Kinney. If you have not checked it out yet, please do so before diving into this blog post. It is all about the teacher-centered approach to asking questions.
Read MoreThe evolving landscape of student behavior, especially in a post-pandemic era, has prompted us to delve deeper into the factors influencing these shifts. Beyond the commonly cited culprits like screen time and socialization, there lies a fascinating connection between problem behaviors and cognitive challenges. In this blog post, let's explore insights from the ASCD article "What's Behind the Rise in Problem Behavior? It Could Be Cognitive," shedding light on how understanding cognitive factors, specifically executive function and memory, can empower teachers to navigate and enhance student behavior.
Read MoreWhen it comes to the Common Core Standards, one of the areas we find that the most growth is needed is in the speaking and listening strand. One strategy that we have introduced into our curriculum over the past few years to help build those skills is adding podcasts into our classroom instruction. There are many benefits to adding podcasts into your classroom instruction. If you’ve ever wondered about how podcasts could benefit your instruction, read on dear TTD followers, we have got some ideas for you!
Read MoreDiscover how a paradigm shift in education, driven by the insights from Natalie Wexler's book "The Knowledge Gap," is revolutionizing reading comprehension. Explore the importance of prioritizing knowledge over mere skills, bridging educational gaps, and empowering students for a brighter future. Learn how evidence-based practices are transforming classrooms.
Read MoreLaugh your way through the realities of teaching with this satirical guide to handling stress. From sleep deprivation to befriending the copy machine, this post uses humor to shed light on the demanding nature of the profession.
Read MoreA poem is a small but powerful thing. It is the history of the human heart. It has the power to reach inside of you, to ignite something in you, and to change you in ways you never imagined. There is a feeling of connection when we read a poem that articulates our deepest feelings. Poems can inspire us to write our own journeys, to find our own voices.
Read MoreIn the ever-evolving landscape of English Language Arts (ELA) instruction, educators are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance literacy skills. One often underutilized but potent tool is morphology—the study of word structure. Let’s explore how to seamlessly integrate morphology lessons into your ELA classroom, enriching vocabulary and fostering a deeper understanding of language.
Read MoreProject based learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working a couple of weeks to delve into learning and writing to an authentic, hopefully engaging and complex question / problem / challenge. Students generate their inquiry, plan out their learning progress, and figure out how to present their new found knowledge to the world.
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