The Common Core Standards for the English Language Arts (CCSS) provide explicit guidelines matching grade-level bands (e.g., 2-3, 4-5) with targeted text complexity levels. The CCSS staircase accelerates text expectations for students across Grades 2-12 in order to close a gap in the complexity of texts typically used in high school and those of…

Introduces an approach to teaching about the skin that involves making, comparing, and classifying its prints. Outlines the procedures for making skin prints and explains why different kinds of patterns exist in various parts of the body and also among individuals. (ML)

Discusses that Gestalt principles are especially well suited to teaching music. Identifies the laws of proximity, similarity, common direction, and simplicity in the notation system. Suggests that music teachers use these principles by following a logical progression to teach students to improve musical skills, solve problems, and think in…

Describes learning activities in which fifth and sixth graders used spreadsheets to explore the shapes of numbers. Discusses creating spatial patterns with a computer draw program; examining number patterns in a spreadsheet; comparing square and rectangular numbers; and creating the multiplication times table. (AEF)