Curriculum

My 41 Word Rationale for Teaching Stories

My 41 Word Rationale for Teaching Stories

When teacher Andrea Marshbank recently asked the #engchat hivemind on Twitter what she could say to students who wanted to know…
How to Turn Homework into a Game So Students Want to Do It

How to Turn Homework into a Game So Students Want to Do It

While working with a middle school literacy coach recently, we talked about how to make homework more meaningful to their…
Learning Environments are Like Hop Scotch

Learning Environments are Like Hop Scotch

When thinking about how to design courses or plan lessons, I implore you: watch this video. It’s a timely reminder…
OK Go Has a Curriculum Based on Their Music Videos!!!

OK Go Has a Curriculum Based on Their Music Videos!!!

File this under “D” for “didn’t know I needed this in my life until I saw it.” OK Go, who…
If You’ve Never Seen UNESCO’s Education Plan, You Really Should

If You’ve Never Seen UNESCO’s Education Plan, You Really Should

UNESCO’s goal for education by 2030 might be summed up as, “Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning…
Helping School Leaders “See” Ways Forward

Helping School Leaders “See” Ways Forward

As an academic, it’s all too easy to rely on words alone when trying to support schools: feedback, reports, emails,…
Quick, Quantitative, and Consistent Way to Track Student Engagement

Quick, Quantitative, and Consistent Way to Track Student Engagement

Never underestimate the power of a clipboard, a pencil, and a well-designed piece of paper. When students see that a…
Some of My Favorite Websites for ELA and Literacy Teachers

Some of My Favorite Websites for ELA and Literacy Teachers

An early career ELA teacher recently asked me what sites I go to for ELA and literacy resources.  I told…
Observing Teachers, Minute X Minute

Observing Teachers, Minute X Minute

I observe a lot of teachers teaching. Over time, I’ve developed a tool that helps me stay focused while being…
Making Writing Assessment Better and Easier

Making Writing Assessment Better and Easier

Writing is at the heart of learning. It has been for centuries.  But when I work with teachers in different…
How Webster’s Spelling Book Sought to Unify a Nation

How Webster’s Spelling Book Sought to Unify a Nation

Webster’s famous spelling book (and later, his dictionary) was not what you probably think.  Noah Webster created such texts for use…
Imagine Kurt Vonnegut as Your Writing Teacher. Here’s His Introduction.

Imagine Kurt Vonnegut as Your Writing Teacher. Here’s His Introduction.

I love seeing how other teachers frame their classes with their students.  Usually, I am so pressed for time as the…
And this is How to Teach Writing in Science Class

And this is How to Teach Writing in Science Class

I used to do a project with my 9th grade English students where they’d rap literary critiques of Chaucer’s Canterbury…
Let Monty Python Help You Teach Argumentative Writing

Let Monty Python Help You Teach Argumentative Writing

I first saw reference to this clip in the book They Say/I Say by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein.  The…
Neil deGrasse Tyson on How to Nurture Scientific Literacy. Curious?

Neil deGrasse Tyson on How to Nurture Scientific Literacy. Curious?

Neil deGrasse Tyson often has something interesting to say about whatever question it is that is posed to him.  In…
Want to Teach Strong Writers? Start with their strengths.

Want to Teach Strong Writers? Start with their strengths.

I tend to roll my eyes when I see extraordinary stories of teachers reaching students.  Not because I have anything…
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