Common Core
Differentiation – What It Is and What It Is Not
In the field of education we know that one size does not fit all. Teachers must be aware of the developmental readiness, varying background knowledge, learning styles, and interests of the divers students in the classroom. Effective teachers use meaningful tasks to deliver content, modify processes, and create open-ended assessment measures to gain information and…
Read MoreReporting from Real Rooms: Math Stations
Because of the nature of coaching teachers, our team is fortunate enough to be in classrooms on a regular basis. This affords us the opportunity to not only offer our expertise, but also watch some important transformations that happen in schools. One effective practice we are glad to be noticing more and more is incorporating…
Read MoreAuthentic Learning Lasts
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . When I think back on the educational experiences that inspired me as a child I can say with certainty that not one single worksheet pops into mind. The concepts that have stayed with me and boosted my self-confidence as a learner focused more on process than…
Read MoreShare Your Thinking
From the desk of Carol C… Soon teachers will begin reviewing for the end of the year tests. Some of the review will include using multiple choice practice tests. Assigning the work and then checking the answers leaves many students still in the dark about how to find the correct answer. Here’s a way you…
Read MoreModeling Reading Strategies
From the desk of Carol C… This week I’ve been fascinated by the Theory of Inflation as related to the creation of our universe. Articles are all over the newspapers and the web about this discovery. As I read the first of many pieces about it, I realized I had lost the meaning of what…
Read MoreIt's More than an Algorithm
From the desk of Carol C… When I think of math, especially in elementary school, I think of trying to memorize the multiplication tables in fourth grade. It was difficult for me to commit these facts to memory despite daily practice with flashcards and worksheets. When I finally learned all of the facts, I didn’t…
Read MoreA Parent's Guide to Asking Questions
From the desk of Leigh Ann… Life is an unanswered question, but let’s still believe in the dignity and importance of the question.~ Tennessee Williams Questions, questions, questions! Skillful readers ask themselves questions as they read to build understanding. Often children read and save the questions for the end. To better understand a text readers…
Read MoreThe Character of Characters – Developing Greater Understanding
From the desk of Leigh Ann… In our kindergarten class our emergent readers are working with simple predictable texts to develop appropriate reading behaviors, extend word recognition, and increase decoding skills. These texts are perfect for our young ones as they develop fluency and the strategies they need to decode new words. The limiting factors…
Read MoreBurkins & Yaris: Reading Wellness Workshop
Join us in July to spend the day with Jan Burkins & Kim Yaris! Their workshop will be focused on Reading Wellness: Lessons that Teach Independence and Proficiency Thursday, July 24, 2014 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Registration & continental breakfast at 8:00) at The McKimmon Conference & Training Center, NCSU Campus, Raleigh, NC Click…
Read More4 Things Parents Can Do Related to Common Core State Standards
From the desk of Alice… Over the holidays I had several conversations with parents who had questions about the Common Core State Standards and it came up so much in casual conversations that I thought it would be worth hitting some highlights as we move into second semester. When I heard Stephanie Harvey talk about…
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