Featured Strategy

Concept Maps
Concept maps help students visualize various connections between words or phrases and a main idea. Concept maps have been shown to support struggling readers by building off of students' prior knowledge and asking them to reflect on their understanding while reading. They are easy to construct and can be used across all content areas. Learn how to use this strategy in your classroom, and download a concept map graphic organizer.
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Featured Resource
Reading (and Scaffolding) Expository Texts
As your new students come into your classroom this fall, you may find they require extra support when reading expository texts. Their unique structure and style differs from other sorts of reading, so teaching students about signal words and organization can help.
Best Tools for Back-to-School 2019
If you're looking for ways tech can support your teaching in the 2019-2020 school year, this list is here to help. These top-rated apps and sites — ranging from instructional supports to organizational tools to social networks and beyond — help make one of the world's toughest jobs a bit easier. Once you've found a few great tools for back to school, head over to our Teaching Strategies page dedicated to helping you Set Up Your Digital Classroom for Success. (From Common Sense Education)
Blog: Reading Without Walls
The Wimpy Kid Meets the National Ambassador
At An Unlikely Story bookstore in Plainville, MA, Gene sits down for a lively conversation with Wimpy Kid author (and bookstore owner) Jeff Kinney.
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Featured Glossary Term
Authentic Assessment
Authentic assessment presents students with real-world challenges that require them to apply their relevant skills and knowledge. Authentic assessments are typically criterion-referenced rather than norm-referenced; such evaluation identifies strengths and weaknesses, but does not compare or rank students. Students are asked to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, or competencies in whatever way they find appropriate.
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Research & News
The case for teaching about sharks and mummies, not captions and the main idea
Chalkbeat
Three Reasons Classroom Practice Conflicts With Evidence On How Kids Learn
Forbes
Coming To America: Our Best Student Podcasts About Immigration
National Public Radio