Tag: Instructional Strategies

Be a Sport! Lessons for Increasing Literacy Using Sports Heroes

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , ,
Leave a comment

One method for engaging reluctant readers is to provide books and activities that connect to their interests and passions. Making this connection is especially helpful when introducing nonfiction reading materials to students. Matching the appropriate books and articles to individual students takes time but provides long-term rewards, such as increased interest in reading.  Many students … read more »

Virtual Inauguration? Create a Virtual Lesson with Bitmojis!

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , ,
Leave a comment

The Constitution initially established March 4 as Inauguration Day in the United States. This date allowed enough time for an orderly transition of power and for all newly-elected candidates to travel to the capital. In 1933, after advances in communication and transportation made the long wait until March unnecessary, the date moved to January 20 … read more »

Celebrate International Dot Day

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
Leave a comment

International Dot Day began in 2009 when educator Terry Shay introduced Peter H. Reynold’s book, The Dot, to his classroom. The book shares the story of a teacher who builds confidence and courage in a frustrated art student by having her start with a single dot on a piece of paper. If you aren’t familiar with The … read more »

Let’s Talk About: International Literacy Day

Author: Ruth Okoye | Posted:
Categories: Let's Talk About | Tags: , , ,
Leave a comment

On September 8th, UNESCO asks us to pause to recognize the challenge of literacy as a human rights issue. This year, International Literacy Day events will focus on the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on teaching literacy.  Literacy and problems associated with it are a significant part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  The … read more »

Don’t Let a Pandemic Stop You From Being in the Room Where it Happens

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , , 2 Comments

August 31 is the 102nd anniversary of celebrated Broadway composer Alan Jay Lerner’s birth. Lerner is best known for his collaborations with Frederick Loewe on hits such as Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot. Among other honors, he won three Tony Awards and three Academy Awards, making him one of Broadway’s most proficient and well-known … read more »

Are You Encouraging Curiosity in Your Classroom?

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , 2 Comments

Children are curious by nature. How many times have you heard parents comment on the number of questions asked daily by two- and three-year-olds? Why is the sky blue? Why do I have to go to bed? That’s how young children learn about the world around them. As children grow past the toddler stage, it … read more »

Including Differentiation in Remote and Blended Learning

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , , 3 Comments

This year has tested traditional education models in ways that no one expected. Who knew that almost overnight educators would have to learn new ways of delivering instruction beyond the classroom walls while still meeting the differing needs of all students? Even when thrown into new teaching environments, it is essential to differentiate learning for … read more »

Beyond the Oregon Trail – Using Simulations in the Classroom

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
Leave a comment

Do you remember playing The Oregon Trail game? For some students, it was the first opportunity to virtually experience the life of pioneers as they searched for a better life in Oregon. Players select from different options, including the traveler’s profile, date of departure to head west, money spent on goods, and more. Throughout the … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: TimelineJS Part 2

Author: Melissa Henning | Posted:
Categories: Tech Tool of the Month | Tags: , , , 1 Comment

In part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Northwestern University’s Knight Lab: TimelineJS and discussed the application of both the SAMR model and the Triple E Framework to help you integrate TimelineJS into your lessons. Today’s post offers detailed instructions about how to use this timeline tool and shares many classroom use ideas … read more »

Using Technology for Virtual and In-School Math Groups

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , ,
Leave a comment

As I write this blog, millions of students are out of school, some indefinitely, due to closures related to the coronavirus outbreak. Educators immediately jumped into action to provide at-home lessons for students. Some sent home learning packets; others didn’t even have time to prepare at-home materials yet have found ways to stay in touch … read more »