Teaching

Stop, Write, and Discuss

Literacy strategies to transform instruction and deepen learning Social studies instruction requires students to understand complex concepts, read dense primary source documents, and critically consider various perspectives. As a social studies and English language arts teacher, I have found that integrating writing and discussion literacy strategies into social studies can transform the classroom environment and

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Changing the Narrative

Literacy as sustaining practice in every classroom Régine recently decided to plant a flower garden. A friend, who was also a master gardener, volunteered to help. Immediately, this friend began talking about how plants create “themes” in a garden. Would there be a theme of color, height, or texture? That’s when Régine nearly gave up

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The Choice to Teach Abroad

Teaching overseas offers opportunity, adventure, and professional and personal growth In the summer prior to entering middle school, I dove deep into the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. On page 11, as commander of a spaceship, I chose to put up the energy propulsion shields to try to escape a black hole; miraculously, though the propulsion

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Students Make a Difference: Community Collaboration in Action

Project Based Learning that takes advantage of student voice, choice, and creativity What would middle schoolers call a “Shark Tank” style competition about the national parks? “Park Tank” of course! Last spring, seventh grade students from Hudson Middle School in northeastern Ohio presented their solutions to the invasive species problem at the Cuyahoga Valley National

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