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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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School Transformation Through Arts Integration at Bates Middle School

Teacher leading a class in dance with arms outstretched

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Constance Steinkuehler on Interest-Driven Learning (Big Thinkers Series)

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How to Thank a Teacher

Blogs on Primary (K-2)

More Blogs on Primary (K-2)RSS

A Year at Mission Hill: Love and Limits and The Eye of the Dragon

Amy Erin Borovoy (aka VideoAmy)April 2, 2013

Tags Arts Education, Mental Health, Primary (K-2), , Special Education, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), Massachusetts

The most recent video releases in the A Year at Mission Hill series have generated lots of attention; in part because of the controversial topics of full-inclusion classrooms and how to get students engaged in the curriculum. If you're new to the series, start with Mark Phillips' blog post about the ongoing documentary project, and you can see chapters two and three in this post. New videos are released every two weeks, and the series website offers theme-based resources of all kinds to sync up with the topic in each. I'm pleased to share chapters four and five here.

Building Social and Emotional Skills in Elementary Students: Emotional Management

Randy TaranMarch 12, 2013

Tags Classroom Management, Mental Health, Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5)

In this nine-part series, we will look at important factors that influence the happiness and social and emotional learning of elementary school age children. These are very useful in helping students learn, manage emotions better and increase empathy. Each blog features one letter of the acronym HAPPINESS:

H = Happiness
A = Appreciation
P = Passions and Strengths
P = Perspective
I = Inner Meanie/Inner Friend
N = Ninja Mastery
E = Empathy
S = So Similar
S = Share Your Gifts

In this post, we will explore Ninja Mastery, a.k.a. learning emotional management.

Meaningful Connections: Objectives and Standards

Karen LeaMarch 7, 2013

Tags Common Core Standards, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), Math

As a new teacher, you are probably being asked how your learning objectives are linked to standards. You might even be asked to display your objectives and/or standards for each lesson. On top of taking attendance, learning student names, classroom management . . . are you wondering how you will accomplish that? Don't despair, this is not as daunting as it seems!

A Year at Mission Hill: Beginning of the Year and Making it Real

Amy Erin Borovoy (aka VideoAmy)February 28, 2013

Tags Primary (K-2), Student Engagement, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), Massachusetts

You may have read Mark Phillips' blog post about the ongoing documentary project A Year at Mission Hill. A month after the launch of the video series, the buzz has only grown. With a fantastic and artful Prezi about the series, new videos released every two weeks, and resources tailored to each episode from orgs around the world including Ashoka's Start Empathy project, What Kids Can Do, Responsive Classroom, Learning Matters, and more, this is shaping up to be a new kind of Web resource for those interested in education reform on a grassroots level. I'm excited to share episodes two and three here.

A Year at Mission Hill: An Exciting New Film Series

Mark PhillipsJanuary 31, 2013

Tags Primary (K-2), Professional Development, Student Engagement, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8)

Every once in awhile I visit a school that reminds me of what public education can be at its best, a place where I'd like to be, as a child or a teacher, a place that elicits the best in me as an educator. And so it was with my recent introduction to the world of the Mission Hill School, a Boston area public pilot school, as captured by the filmmaking team of Tom and Amy Valens.

Building Social and Emotional Skills in Elementary Students: Inner Meanie and Inner Friend

Randy TaranJanuary 29, 2013

Tags Lesson Plans, Mental Health, Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5)

In this nine-part series, we will look at important factors that influence the happiness and social and emotional learning of elementary school age children. These are very useful in helping students learn, manage emotions better and increase empathy. Each blog features one letter of the acronym HAPPINESS:

H = Happiness
A = Appreciation
P = Passions and Strengths
P = Perspective
I = Inner Meanie/Inner Friend
N = Ninja Mastery
E = Empathy
S = So Similar
S = Share Your Gifts

In this post, we’ll explore the Inner Negative Meanie, the Inner Positive Friend and the choices that every student has.

Building Social and Emotional Skills in Elementary Students: The Power of Perspective

Randy TaranJanuary 8, 2013

Tags Mental Health, Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5)

In this nine-part series, we will look at important factors that influence the happiness and social and emotional learning of elementary school age children. These are very useful in helping students learn, manage emotions better and increase empathy. Each blog features one letter of the acronym HAPPINESS:

H = Happiness
A = Appreciation
P = Passions and Strengths
P = Perspective
I = Inner Meanie/Inner Friend
N = Ninja Mastery
E = Empathy
S = So Similar
S = Share Your Gifts

In this post, we’ll explore perspective.

Parent Involvement in Early Literacy

Erika BurtonJanuary 8, 2013

Tags Best Practices, Literacy, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), English Language Arts

Parent involvement is the number one predictor of early literacy success and future academic achievement. However, according to a 2007 report by National Endowment for the Arts, there are more literate people in the United States who don't read than those who are actually illiterate. How do we change that pattern for the future of our children?

Young Kids and Technology at Home

Douglas RushkoffJanuary 4, 2013

Tags Brain Research, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), Technology Integration

When I was a kid, the main reason my mom limited our television time was x-rays. Back in 1968, when I was seven years old, the same age my daughter is now, a big study on radioactive emissions from cathode ray tubes had just come out, and so our new color Philco had become the enemy. My brother and I had to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and the NY Jets win the Super Bowl from 15 feet away, in the corner of the room diagonally opposite from the set.

Handling Tragedy: How to Talk to Kids About Sandy Hook

Dr. Allen MendlerDecember 18, 2012

Tags Current Events, Mental Health, Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5)

Many parents and teachers are at a loss about what to say and how to reassure their kids after the horrific, "unspeakable" events at Sandy Hook. The right words, especially with younger children, need to blend explanation with reassurance. At this difficult time, you might find that the following words will provide a helpful guide: