Into the Driver's Seat

Word clouds are a popular way of representing information and they can be seen everywhere. But how can we use them in the classroom? Here's a list of ten easy tried and tested ways to use them to s...

Via Primary English, BookChook, Claudia M. Reder, Lynnette Van Dyke, Charles Fischer

You’ll love this research-based reading comprehension curriculum. Check out ReadWorks.org!

Via Pippa Davies @PippaDavies , David E. Garcia

"Reading is reading. By understanding that letters make sounds, we can blend those sounds together to make whole sounds that symbolize meaning we can all exchange with one another.

Without getting too Platonic about it all, reading doesn’t change simply because you’re reading a text from another content area. Only sometimes it does.

Science content can often by full of jargon, research citations, and odd text features.

Social Studies content can be an interesting mix of itemized information, and traditional paragraphs/imagery..."

Via Beth Dichter

by Larry Ferlazzo

 

"Before I became a high school English as a second language teacher 9 years ago, I spent 19 years as a community organizer, primarily in immigrant neighborhoods and with institutions focused on immigrants. Organizing is a process of helping people—many of whom might be reluctant to change—learn new skills and engage in the world in a way that improves their situation. Organizing means helping people use their assets—their experiences, traditions, and stories—to reimagine themselves and their dreams. It's about helping them tap into their intrinsic motivation and embark on a journey of action, discovery, and learning. I call the process that successful organizers use the organizing cycle. As a teacher, I've adapted this cycle to help English language learners become accomplished readers and learners.

 

"The organizing cycle includes five actions: Build strong relationships with students; access prior knowledge through stories; help students learn by doing; identify and mentor students' leadership potential; and promote the habit of reflection."