Critical thinking--evaluating and analyzing data to make informed judgments--is essential in both the classroom and everyday life. Teaching critical thinking skills in the elementary grades is often an afterthought--if it's a thought at all. Veteran primary teacher and instructional leader Erin Shadowens proposes that students of all ages benefit…

In response to calls for active STEM learning that builds students' agency and sense of belonging, teachers and leaders are being encouraged more and more to equitably implement integrated STEM instruction. This practical guidebook is designed to help educators create integrated STEM learning experiences that are inclusive for all students and…

Students and teachers alike face a dilemma: Why think deeply when we can just take a shortcut by googling something? Why read an article when we can learn from a social media headline? If, as educators, we want to encourage our students to value thoughtfulness and to embrace the effort it takes to reach deep understandings, we must model that…

In response to calls for active STEM learning that builds students' agency and sense of belonging, teachers and leaders are being encouraged more and more to equitably implement integrated STEM instruction. This practical guidebook is designed to help educators create integrated STEM learning experiences that are inclusive for all students and…

"Lollipop Logic" employs visual and pictorial clues to introduce and reinforce high-powered thinking for pre-readers. Seven different thinking skills--sequences, relationships, analogies, deduction, pattern decoding, inference, and critical analysis--are presented in a format designed to appeal to gifted young learners. This…

With this book, educators can access an updated and powerful resource to help students think more critically, use technology wisely, and engage in effective teaming. This book lays out in a detailed manner how to implement goals and strategies that will have beneficial outcomes for students and teachers.

In our media-saturated environment, how can we teach students to distinguish true statements from those that are false, misleading, or manipulative? How can we help them develop the skills needed to identify biases and stereotypes, determine credibility of sources, and analyze their own thinking and its effect on their perceptions? In…

Courses: English Language Arts (9-12), Media Studies, Public Speaking. English Language Arts (9-12), Media Studies, Public Speaking. Objectives: The unit's goals are for students to build a foundation for analytical thinking, acquire tools for critical reading and analysis of graphic and digital texts, and use visual analysis to engage readers and…

Boost young children's problem-solving skills and set them up for long-term success with the second edition of this practical guidebook! Enhanced with new lessons and timely topics--including equity and the use of makerspaces--this book will help you get all children ready for kindergarten by teaching them basic practices of engineering design and…

Dive into a student-engaged framework structured around four learning stations: (1) the minilesson station, (2) the independent work station, (3) the collaboration station, and (4) the digital content station. Using direct and specialized instruction, interactive activities, and digital learning tools, these four stations aim to personalize…

Information societies--and life in general--require a host of skills beyond those found in the traditional school curriculum. Yet nearly a quarter of the way through the 21st century, educators are still looking for clarity on what these skills are and a comprehensive, whole-school model that explains how to teach and develop them; how to observe…

"Indigenous Children's Survivance in Public Schools" examines the cultural, social, and political terrain of Indigenous education by providing accounts of Indigenous students and educators creatively navigating the colonial dynamics within public schools. Schools and districts can create community around texts like "Indigenous…

The article is a critical thinking piece to challenge students the idea of working at home. With the advances in computer technology and the approach of 5G telecommunications technology, it is possible many citizens could work at home. Not only just work at home, but humans could receive education remotely as well. Already college-level students…

This essay overviews a semester-long course activity and framework for the basic public-speaking course. Using Paul and Elder's critical-thinking framework, the author discusses ways to address some of the common problems within the public-speaking course while enhancing critical thinking. Through this model, students develop skills in five…

We have never known more than we do now about teaching multilingual students -- nevertheless, we teeter on the edge of retreating to old-think practices. The next generation depends upon our getting this right, and this spare, salient guide helps ensure we do. "Kids Come in All Languages" provides teachers and leaders with all they need…