Using the Depth and Complexity Icons to design more meaningful learning experiences.
Posted inSpecial Education
Give ‘Em the Razzle and Dazzle: Supporting Learners with Dyslexia and Others Too!
As educators, some of us have been taught bullying tactics disguised as responsive learner instructional practices and interventions. The infamous excessive drill and practice exercises are one of those instructional practices that we either experienced as a learner ourselves or were taught to use as a part of our teaching pedagogy. Acknowledging October as Dyslexia […]
Posted inEnglish Language Learners
Three routines to increase student engagement with multilingual students
As an ELL teacher for over ten years, one of the things I am asked the most about multilingual students by classroom and content teachers is student engagement. Sometimes, the questions are about paying attention, lack of motivation, not completing work, staying silent, or just general worries about whether they understand anything at all. Until […]
Posted inBook Review
Scholastic reverses censoring “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” collection
In a letter addressed to their authors and community, Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger revealed that Scholastic has reversed its previously contentious decision regarding the optional status of diverse texts at Scholastic Book Fairs. This letter was not released to the public but posted on social media last night by several authors, who addressed […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Scholastic faces criticism for creating separate section for BIPOC authors
Scholastic, a staple in children’s literature, has sparked controversy with its recent decision to create a separate section called “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” for diverse titles at its Book Fairs. Each Rising Voices Library was designed for students to have access to high-interest, culturally relevant texts that celebrate the stories of the historically underrepresented. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Tough Conversations: Creating a Safe Space with Class Meetings around the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
During the past few weeks, our news feeds have become inundated with stories regarding the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Websites and news outlets update their information every few minutes, and social media has run amok with personal accounts of the atrocities of a civil war. As educators, it’s our job to help our students navigate these […]
Posted inEnglish Language Learners
Fluent in Expression, Rich in Identity: How Stories Transform English Learners
English Learners: In the bustling library at Kennedy High School in Richmond, CA, Carlos, a determined senior, recently embarked on an inspiring journey. He was preparing a presentation for the upcoming Latinx Heritage Month Celebration, eager to present options for cultural games that his peers could vote on. He came to me to help him […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Dyslexia Awareness Month: A student and her mother’s journey
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. As a twenty-two-year veteran teacher, I admittedly am not very familiar with it, but I know about the importance of seeking out the experts. As a lifelong learner, I wanted to learn more about how I can help these students who might enter my classroom. But what better way to […]