"Contains information that is vitally important for the success of any classroom." -Julie Duford, Fifth-Grade Teacher Polson Middle School, MT "Gives teachers a format that we can develop into a philosophy or goal for our classrooms so our students become enthusiastic about learning." -Debbie Halcomb, Fourth-Grade Teacher Robert W. Combs Elementary, Cornettsville, KY "Takes Gardner, Covey, Tomlinson, and wraps them all together in a very motivating approach." -Karen Kersey, Second-Grade Teacher Albans Elementary, St. Albans, WV Embrace quality as the number one priority in your classroom! Inspirational and practical, this book focuses on the quality of teaching and learning in elementary and middle school classrooms and helps teachers and students find more joy, satisfaction, and meaning in their work. Experienced teacher Steve Reifman defines a quality classroom in reader-friendly terms, explains how to measure quality, and covers the conditions under which all students are empowered to reach their full potential. The author synthesizes key concepts from the fields of education, psychology, management, and personal growth to arrive at the eight essential elements of teaching, including realistic goal setting, assessment-oriented instruction, parent involvement, and teacher leadership. Written in a personal, engaging voice and drawing upon the work of experts such as Stephen Covey, Howard Gardner, Ted Sizer, William Glasser, Carol Ann Tomlinson, Alfie Kohn, and Alan Blankstein, this resource: - Promotes student motivation and a classroom environment of trust and respect - Builds higher-level thinking and group problem solving into the curriculum - Presents classroom applications, examples, anecdotes, and reproducible pages - Features ideas from practicing teachers for putting these essential ideas to work in the classroom Eight Essentials for Empowered Teaching and Learning, K--8 motivates student teachers, beginning teachers, and veteran educators to become the most effective instructors they can be and achieve the best learning outcomes possible for their students.
Improving Student Achievement Through Parent Involvement
Dianne Mierzwik, a long-time teacher and teacher trainer, has put together a book based on her own best practices of ways to motivate K-8 students and connect with their parents. Her ideas have been classroom-tested by herself and by the many teachers she has trained at in-service workshops. Quick and Easy Ways to Connect with Students and Their ......
The majority of ITE students in Scotland are postgraduates with only one year to grasp the vast skills and knowledge required to become a primary teacher. Therefore, for many, school placement is a source of stress and worry. This book combines the information and support that students need to help them prepare for, enjoy and maximise the benefits of teaching placements for their professional development. It has been specifically written for the education system in Scotland, taking full account of the differences in practice and terminology that make English books of little use to trainees in Scotland.
Book Two, A Guide for Experienced Leaders and Managers
'[This book] certainly isn't one of the dry educational tomes that often bedeck the shelves of the staffroom; it is an informative, accessible text which evolves into an enjoyable read. There aren't too many practitioner manuals that can boast that particular combination. A useful guide for the ICT leader seeking a practical/effective annual structure for their ICT leadership role' - Teach Primary Magazine This practical manual is the second part of a 2-volume set that together makes up a detailed 2-year training programme for primary ICT and E-learning co-ordinators. The second book takes coordinators through the second year of the programme but may also be used as a starting point by more experienced staff. The structured training programme, timed over three terms, includes: o a complete review of E-Safety procedures in the light of the Every Child Matters agenda o Developing a funding model in order to plan for ICT developments, together with a broader ICT action planning review to embed a revised E learning vision through a series of long-term sustainable actions o Reviewing the curriculum in order to examine how the E Learning community will adapt its core practices to facilitate new technology o the evolving role of school websites as they assume interactivity and examine the place of E Learning within the extended schools agenda o Reviewing the use of ICT as a tool for management systems and discussing how ICT can be used to support different groups of children o examining self-evaluation strategies linked to the school's SEF, the Ofsted Section 5 Framework and Every Child Matters. The books have a companion website, which will offer downloadable versions of the photocopiable sheets from the book, as well as links to other sources of help and advice.
Still the biggest concern for many on initial teacher training courses is the acquisition of subject knowledge and the ability to translate that into effective teaching. This book addresses this - building on the core subject knowledge covered in the Achieving QTS series and relating it to classroom practice. It supports trainees in extending and deepening their knowledge of English and demonstrating how to apply it to planning and implementing lessons. Practical and up-to-date teaching examples are used to clearly contextualize subject knowledge. A clear focus on classroom practice helps trainees to build confidence and develop their own teaching strategies.
High-quality preschool programs are essential to improving children's outcomes in reading achievement and leveling language and literacy disparities among students from diverse backgrounds. This practice-oriented book demonstrates how preschool professionals can create, evaluate, and sustain exemplary programs.
The Parents' Role in Young Children's Literacy Learning
`Very accessible - not too technical or jargon-ridden. The practical suggestions were useful too - if professionals feel inspired to promote change in their practice and policy it is helpful to have suggestions on where to start and what to do' - Management in Education Few primary teachers have a chance to find out in detail what children have already learnt, and continue to learn, about literacy at home with their parents. This book gives a clear demonstration of literacy learning that takes place at home, and how it differs from, as well as relates to, literacy at school. It will help teachers to increase their understanding of this process and to build on their relationship with parents. Such understanding, the book shows, can directly enhance children's literacy performance in school.
"This tool shows how classrooms can differentiate instruction, spend time on what really matters, and make sure that all children are making progress. I love the practical applications for each age level and what teachers can do to support optimal learning in their classrooms. Fantastic!" -Stephanie Malin, Elementary Instructional Coach Beaverton School District, OR "The author has managed to untangle a very complex topic and make it applicable to everyday learning and teaching. The continuous application of research to learning is a strength of the book. A true gift to a broad band of educators." -Laura Linde, Literacy Coach Hoover Elementary School, North Mankato, MN Finally, a book for early childhood educators that combines child development and brain research! How can early childhood teachers, administrators, and parents translate discoveries on early brain development into strategies that nurture cognitive growth? Synthesizing information from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and child development, The Developing Brain offers brain-compatible teaching practices that are linked to NAEYC principles for working with young children. Best-selling author Marilee Sprenger covers the basic structure, vocabulary, and current research on the brain from an early childhood educator's point of view and provides an abundance of illustrations and descriptions. This user-friendly guide includes: Background information on brain development from birth through age two Scenarios and snapshots of each year from age three through eight Reproducible developmental checklists Over 100 brain-based activities for classroom or child care settings Through an understanding of the phases of language, motor, and social development at each age level, educators can create enriching educational experiences that enhance children's growth and foster an enduring love of learning.
"This tool shows how classrooms can differentiate instruction, spend time on what really matters, and make sure that all children are making progress. I love the practical applications for each age level and what teachers can do to support optimal learning in their classrooms. Fantastic!" -Stephanie Malin, Elementary Instructional Coach Beaverton School District, OR "The author has managed to untangle a very complex topic and make it applicable to everyday learning and teaching. The continuous application of research to learning is a strength of the book. A true gift to a broad band of educators." -Laura Linde, Literacy Coach Hoover Elementary School, North Mankato, MN Finally, a book for early childhood educators that combines child development and brain research! How can early childhood teachers, administrators, and parents translate discoveries on early brain development into strategies that nurture cognitive growth? Synthesizing information from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and child development, The Developing Brain offers brain-compatible teaching practices that are linked to NAEYC principles for working with young children. Best-selling author Marilee Sprenger covers the basic structure, vocabulary, and current research on the brain from an early childhood educator's point of view and provides an abundance of illustrations and descriptions. This user-friendly guide includes: Background information on brain development from birth through age two Scenarios and snapshots of each year from age three through eight Reproducible developmental checklists Over 100 brain-based activities for classroom or child care settings Through an understanding of the phases of language, motor, and social development at each age level, educators can create enriching educational experiences that enhance children's growth and foster an enduring love of learning.
