by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Can you see it approaching?  The end of the year is coming quickly around the corner and there still may be so many things to do!  For me, the end of the year means state testing.  Our state test is in May, but we have been steadily plugging along with
continue reading

by Lori Wolfe, Monthly Columnist Do you have English Language Learners (ELLs) in your classroom who are struggling to learn to read? As many of us do, I wanted to review a crucial element in language and reading instruction that many second language learners miss. Phonological awareness instruction is essential for ELLs yet many children
continue reading

by Steve Reifman, Monthly Columnist The last month of every school year is a bittersweet time. Of course, we are all looking forward to the start of summer vacation and the many activities we may have planned. At the same time, we begin to realize that in a matter of weeks we will no longer
continue reading

by Lori Wolfe, Monthly Columnist As classroom teachers we know the value of thematic units when teaching young learners. These units motivate children and engage students in learning. But did you know that English Language Development (ELD) instruction is best delivered using this same tried and true teaching technique?

by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist One of the biggest challenges when transitioning to the Common Core Standards was the problem solving element of the math standards. Sadly, in the past we “tacked on” problem solving at the end of a unit of study rather than incorporating it through the entire unit of study. I’m glad
continue reading

by Steve Reifman, Monthly Columnist As standardized testing season begins each spring, we can perform a major service for our students by sharing the following four keys to success. Taken together, these tips comprise an effective mental approach to test-taking that values strong focus, thoroughness, and carefulness. Children need to understand that how they go
continue reading

by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Standardized testing is inevitable. Even if we as teachers don’t like them, in most states they are commonplace. I have come to the conclusion that if I do not prepare my students on how to take a test, then I am leading my students down a slippery slope without anything
continue reading

Parent Resources Explaining the Common Core Standards - One Teacher’s New Year’s Resolution! by Lori Wolfe, Monthly Columnist Happy New Year everyone! Like many teachers, I make personnel and professional resolutions each year. I try to keep them to a minimum and make them realistic. This year my professional resolution is to create and continue a
continue reading

by Barbara Gruener, Monthly Columnist How would you rate your school’s kindness culture? A question that I love to pose in my workshops and guidance lessons goes something like this: If you were arrested for kindness, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Eric Hoffer said, “We are made kind by being kind.” As
continue reading

by Steve Reifman, Monthly Columnist It was Thursday afternoon, and 24 of my 26 third graders were on pace to meet tomorrow’s writing deadline and have the drafts of their “All About” books on their desks the following morning. Two of my kids, however, didn’t appear to be heeding the friendly daily reminders I had
continue reading