“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” –Frederick Douglass This famous quote, printed on bright pink cardstock and posted above the whiteboard of a third grade classroom, stood out during a recent school observation. I tend to see a lot of these on walls during observations—words of wisdom laminated and carefully hung, intended Read More »
Continue Reading
JUL
28
2014
Go Slow to Go Fast
My second grade class sits cross-legged on the rug. It is the first day of school, and I'm introducing a classroom tool that the children will be using today and all year.…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
JAN
15
2013
Building Community Through Academics
When they are working towards a common goal, engaged in a fascinating topic, or trying to figure out a solution for a meaningful problem, students feel more connected to school and each…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
NOV
10
2011
Teaching Future Scientists
"Young engineers, it looks as if you have mastered skyscrapers. Now you are ready for the challenge of building a bridge!" said the teacher to a small group of children in a…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
OCT
06
2011
Guided Discovery: Paper, Scissors, and Glue
One of my favorite Guided Discovery lessons led children to explore ways they could use paper, glue sticks (or glue), and scissors. I was always amazed at what children could create with…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
SEP
22
2011
Books for Guided Discovery: Crayons
Use a book to kick off a Guided Discovery lesson or to reinforce learning from it. A great read-aloud can open children’s minds to the magic and possibilities of the material you’re…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
AUG
01
2004
Guided Discovery in Action
The fifth graders and their teacher, Mr. Lomax, sit in a circle. In front of Mr. Lomax is an array of five dictionaries. The largest dictionary has a worn leather cover and…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
AUG
01
2004
Favorite Guided Discoveries
Question: Guided Discovery is a strategy for introducing materials in the classroom. The primary goal is to generate interest and excitement about classroom resources and help children explore their possible uses. “What…
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
Current Category
Other Categories
Building Classroom Community
Building Schoolwide Community
Bullying
Challenging Behaviors
Classroom Organization
Classroom Rules
Conversation Skills
Encouragement
Engaging Academics
Family Connections
Language Arts
Misbehavior
Movement
Professional Community
Professional Development
Reinforcing Language
Sharing
Working with Families