Learn about the process of writing songs, from brainstorming to writing to rehearsing from children’s author and songwriting coach Mary Amato. Listen in to science-themed songs written by first graders, and find out what parents can do at home to encourage songwriting and an ear for the elements of a song.
Oral language development facilitates print literacy. Explore ways in which teachers can ensure that students’ speaking and listening skills are developed. You’ll also find a review of effective classroom routines, including some that can be enhanced with technology.
StandardsWork highlights the benefits of high-quality curriculum adoption and implementation, promotes research on the “curriculum effect,” and elevates both educator and family voices in support of a curriculum renaissance. StandardsWork focuses on three core areas: the vital role curriculum plays in delivering content and in teaching skills, the importance of building deep background knowledge in students, and the “octane” that specific evidence-based instructional practices can provide. The organization also sponsors the aligned Knowledge Matters Campaign.
Research has shown the positive effects of improvised story dramatization on language development and student achievement in oral and written story recall, writing, and reading. Learn how to integrate story dramatizations into the classroom, using stories that students are familiar with.
Children are full of questions about the world around them, and summer is a perfect time to tap into your child’s interests. Here are some ways to start a journey of discovery together.
For most parents, it’s a challenge to keep kids reading and writing all summer. Dive into these 10 ideas to help make this summer full of fun, creativity, and learning.
This article presents a developmental framework of informational writing developed from a study of children’s writing in K-5 classrooms. See examples of children’s compositions at each developmental level, and learn how to use this continuum to support increasingly more mature forms of informational text.
Technology tools and supports can be an excellent way to help struggling students engage with social studies texts in a meaningful way, and build deeper understanding through guided inquiry.
The framework provided in this article for viewing students’ science writing offers teachers the opportunity to assess and support scientific language acquisition.
This practice guide provides four recommendations that address what works for English learners during reading and content area instruction. Each recommendation includes extensive examples of activities that can be used to support students as they build the language and literacy skills needed to be successful in school. The recommendations also summarize and rate supporting evidence.
Are your students drowning in information, misinformation and downright bunk? Are information literacy skills tested in your state? Teaching information literacy skills has never been more important. But it’s easier said than done. As teacher-librarians, how do we teach those critical, all-important information literacy skills in ways that capture and hold student interest?
Learn about the most common text features, the purpose of each, and how explicit instruction in identifying and using text features can support comprehension and strengthen student writing.
