Free Resource Friday: Seven Learning Zones Every Classroom Must Have

Discovery Zone Displays examples Provides a central focus Students record observations Students use the recorded data Supplies: Arts & crafts materials, books & magazines, cameras & video cameras, games, puzzles, instruments. News Zone Display learning target Display class-work prompts Display homework Supplies: Assignments, calendars, community news, holidays, birthdays, events, weather, world news. Supplies Zone Share…

Free Resource Friday: Strategies to Support English Language Learners

Speak slower, not louder. Provide outlines, advanced organizer, or visual guides. Write down key terms on the board. Integrate games. Read written instructions. Repeat. Write key concept vocabulary on a Word Wall. Integrate listening centers. Model new skills. Extend test time. Don’t rescue ELLs when they try to speak – smile, relax your feet, face,…

Free Resource Friday: What Does Transformative Teaching Look Like?

Have students ask questions and answer real-world questions. Questions should require students to: Analyze Synthesize Create Empathize Interpret Reference background knowledge Defend alternative perspectives Determine what they know and don’t know Organize students into learning groups Make learning segments manageable thorough modeling and mastery Guide, facilitate, challenge, and support Let learning transform you   Link…

Free Resource Friday: 9 Ways to Plan Transformational Lessons

Focus on teaching and learning strategies without neglecting tight curriculum Plan collaboratively Use backwards planning: design assessments and then content Make objectives comprehensible for students Create material that can be accessed on smartphones Build in think time for students before asking them to orally respond When possible, allow students to choose whom to work with,…