Reading in schools takes up more than 80% of the school day. Finding meaning in any text requires us to think about how we think.** We must once again use these four basic elements: Plan and Organize skim and preview tasks breakdown the parts decide how to proceed Self-Monitor check your progress troubleshoot problems ask… Read More »
Metacognition is thinking about our thinking. It’s the driving force behind effective learning for kids from age 3 to high school and advanced learning and on through a productive life. As with growth mindset, it requires us to engage in a healthy struggle as we each develop this valuable life-long tool. We must think about… Read More »
Close Reading is defined as thoughtful, critical analysis of a text to focus on and look at significant information to develop a deep, precise understanding. Close reading requires spending extra time on text. After two initial read-throughs, a third reading is needed to analyze and evaluate the text. Obviously not every text needs to be… Read More »
Close Reading is defined as thoughtful, critical analysis of a text to focus on and look at significant information to develop a deep, precise understanding. So, how do we engage students to encourage close reading? First, explain that some texts deserve extra considerations. That means we will read and reread them to uncover information. Our… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows is the last blog about some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #4 Work to create a non-static classroom where routines vary, inquiry is valued and hands-on is an everyday occurrence.… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-based Learning. What follows are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #3 All ages of students need positive and constructive feedback rather than praise that says. “That’s nice. I like it.” It’s important to… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #2 Growth Mindset** is loosely defined as believing people can grow and change their brainpower by the actions they take. It believes learning… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org , the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows over the rest of this month are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #1 It’s important to create a calm, focused environment for learning. Consider beginning your classroom day… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. 1. Creating a graphic organizer is another way to meet students needs: Here is one example. 2. Copy the words in their story/book context and substitute words that relate to the students’ experiences/vocabulary. Look up and discuss how the substituted word(s) change the textual meaning… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. You can extend a vocabulary activity and ask students to write descriptive sentences and leave out their key word to challenge others to fill-in the missing word. It will challenge their abilities to think of the important details that lead others to the correct answer. Example:… Read More »