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

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Blogs on Primary (K-2)

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How to Develop a Welcoming Culture

Dr. Richard CurwinJuly 1, 2012

Tags Classroom Management, Education Reform, Mentoring, Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Have you ever noticed that the worst behaving children are never absent? I was tempted many times, when teaching seventh grade, to breath on certain students when I was sick. I wondered if the reason that these students never missed school was because their parents didn't want them at home. Of course, it was never that simple. Some parents worked and had no one to watch their children. Other students lived in dangerous home environments, and school was safer than staying home. Regardless of the reason, I wonder how many children feel unwanted wherever they are; home, school, the corner store, with their peers or on the streets.

How to Teach Internet Safety to Younger Elementary Students

Mary Beth HertzJune 4, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Digital Citizenship, Media Literacy, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5)

Back in October, I wrote a post about Teaching Digital Citizenship in the Elementary Classroom. As it is Internet Safety Month, I want to share a sample lesson for teaching Internet Safety to students as young as kindergarten. Yes, you read correctly . . . kindergarten.

Teachers, What's Your Vision?

Elena AguilarJune 1, 2012

Tags Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), California

Where there is no vision, the people perish.
--Proverbs

Does your school have a mission or a vision? Does it mean something and inform decision-making? Or is it just something posted on some wall/paper/handbook that you vaguely remember? Do you have a vision for yourself as a teacher, principal, coach, etc.? What do you feel is your mission?

A Tech Expert's Not-So-Secret Sources

Nicholas ProvenzanoMay 31, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Media Literacy, Primary (K-2), Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

I often get emails from teachers looking for the perfect tool for their class. I love that teachers are excited to find new tools and integrate them into their lesson plans. As someone who has experience with different tools, I'm a logical person to ask for help when looking for something new. I have a dirty little secret, though.

Summer Learning Tips

Danielle Moss LeeMay 17, 2012

Tags After-School Learning, Lesson Plans, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), Project-Based Learning, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Math, Science

As we glide through the month of May, I know that many teachers and students are steadily dreaming of how to spend their summer vacations. Some will be off to sleep-away camp, some will travel to faraway places, and many others are still trying to figure it out. But for many families, the summer will also bring a level of anxiety. In the age of budget cuts, the opportunities for quality programs and government subsidized summer jobs will be few and far between. According to the National Summer Learning Association, many low-income and underserved students will face two to three months' summer learning loss in reading and math, while affluent and better resourced students may show slight gains in reading over the summer because of their access to summer enrichment.

What does this mean?

Fostering Relationships in the Classroom

Larry FerlazzoMay 16, 2012

Tags Classroom Management, Diversity, Primary (K-2), , Student Engagement, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), World Language Learning

Students and teacher need to develop positive and trusting relationships in an effective classroom. It is also critical that all students, especially English-language learners, develop trusting and enriching relationships with each other. There are many activities which can be used for both introductory purposes and throughout the year to build and maintain positive relationships in the classroom. Some activities which work well to introduce students to each other and to the teacher can be used again at later points in the year as students' interests change and as they gain new life experiences. While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, it contains several suggestions we have found successful and which could easily be adapted for use with different levels of students.

Leading the Way in Social, Emotional, and Character Development Standards

Maurice EliasMay 14, 2012

Tags Curriculum, Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades, Kansas

In 2012, Kansas became the first state to create and adopt a set of social, emotional, and character development (SECD) standards. These standards have been aligned with the Kansas Common Core Curriculum Standards, College and Career Readiness, 21st century skills, and other state and federal mandates.

Collaborative Team Teaching: Challenges and Rewards

Marisa KaplanMay 10, 2012

Tags Best Practices, Classroom Management, Primary (K-2), Special Education, Team Teaching, Middle (6-8)

What does CTT stand for? Some people think it's "creative thinkers thinking," or "cool teachers teaching." Others say it's "conflict tackling together." While CTT means all of the above, it stands for "collaborative team teaching" and refers to the idea of a co-teaching partnership.

Sendak: Where the Wild Rumpus Began

Gaetan PappalardoMay 9, 2012

Tags Literacy, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), English Language Arts

For my son, Max

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Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Vs.
Song: Animal

When I started teaching twelve years ago I found a copy of Where the Wild Things Are in the library left to me from the previous teacher. It is a 1965 edition of the book (I guess the value just went up). I remember sitting on the carpet and reading it. It was the beginning of my teaching career. Now years later I'm only realizing the true power of Wild Things. As authors and teachers, we wish to leave an impression, a footprint, behind that says, "I was here." Now I get to read Wild Things to my son and daughter and students so they too will someday pass it along as well. Thank you, Maurice. Let the wild rumpus begin!!!