Fast learners frequently get left behind. There's no question that time is a major obstacle for teachers who are contending with a wide range of learning needs in their classrooms--but there are ways to ratchet up the challenges. Over the years that the author has been teaching gifted children and mentoring teachers, she has found that there are…

Doug Lemov didn't set out to write a book about the tools of the teaching craft. Working as a managing director of a group of urban charter public schools, he was just trying to get some answers for his teachers. They were hungry for tips on how to really engage kids and solve problems that were getting in the way of their teaching. Lemov observed…

What does it take to reach a middle school reader? Literacy expert Laura Robb recently shared her top strategies in a webcast for Scholastic fans. This article presents Robb's 13 strategies for thirteen-year-olds. These are: (1) Respect students' search for self; (2) Embrace blogging; (3) Send texts in class; (4) Take words apart; (5) Build…

Despite students' interest in informational text, it has played second fiddle in literacy instruction for years. Now, though, nonfiction is getting its turn in the spotlight. The Common Core State Standards require that students become thoughtful consumers of complex, informative texts--taking them beyond the realm of dry textbooks and…

This article presents thirty simple ideas for interactive whiteboards and how IWB can make one's teaching life easier. These teaching ideas for the interactive whiteboard can be used by teachers every day. Tips for classroom management are also presented.

The author, believing that myths are pertinent to a child's life, discusses the influence of mythology and its relevance in the classroom. (Editor)

Learning and laughter go hand in hand. Teachers certainly do not need to be stand-up comedians and spew out one-liners or dress up like clowns to make their classes fun. A little comedy can bring a lot of joy and learning opportunities to the classroom. In this article, the author shares several strategies on how teachers can put in laughter into…

The difference between teachers whose classes run smoothly and teachers whose classes are out of control is that the effective teachers speak carefully, take time to give examples, and articulate reasons. Checklists are provided for developing a classroom management plan to reinforce productive behavior and rule out problems. (MT)

Author suggests some new ways to help solve learning problems in the classroom. (GB)

Strategies are outlined for reinforcing and assessing what students have learned without producing a lot of paperwork to correct. Techniques include paper-free strategies and enriched worksheets that accomplish more with less paper. (IAH)

An elementary teacher presents suggestions for helping students focus their thinking, find a central theme, and develop story ideas for writing. She describes how to demonstrate focus in writing (via teacher's writing, professional authors, and student's writing) and how to develop focus when conferencing. (SM)

Suggests some techniques that the substitute teacher in the primary grades can employ to both sharpen students' skills and to put their imaginations to constructive use. (DR)

A large class that must share one computer can still get the benefits of adventure/simulation software if students work in small groups. Teamwork stimulates sharing and cooperation. The importance of planning, useful peripherals, follow-up activities, and product information are included in this article. (IAH)

The winners of the 2005 State Teachers of the Year recently talked about their views on closing the achievement gap, the state of the profession, and what "really" works in the classroom. This article presents the views of these teachers namely Heidi Louise Capraro, Stanley Murphy, Vicki Lynn Goldsmith, Karen Heath, Kimberly Babeu, Jason Kampras,…

A first grade teacher describes a writing program developed with students that begins with lists and half sentences, through learning to edit, and finally word processing on the computer. The tell-it-to-the-teacher box, daily logs, personal dictionaries, and special person's books are explained. (MT)