Gaming's Learning Benefits

Interestingly, earlier today I posted an article that questioned whether digital tools affected attention.  This article, conversely, describes the benefits from playing educational games in the classroom. The author, Laura Devaney, compares gaming to museum visits.  Both experienceas she claims are: interactive, open-ended, varied and age-appropriate, and provide immediate feedback.  All of this is in the context of FUN.  Excellent article.

4 Ways games make it 'OK to play'.  Laura Devaney, 8.4.14.  eSchoolNews
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2014/08/04/games-ok-play-239/2/

Technology - Tool for Learning or Distraction to Police?

This article raises an important issue - distraction of digital tools that effect attention.  If we as teachers are to foster deeper learning, we need to give students sustained practice and awareness of focus.  Many students are living in the world of multitasking, multiple-screens, headphones, games, social media and apps - all at once.  Some students, depending on their family's economic status, may not have the means to own these devices, but they have them on their wish-list.  The author of this article, Paul Barnwell, is determined to provide more technology-free lessons this next year.  How do you feel about this?  Technology has certainly opened doors, but at what cost we need to ask.  Please offer your thoughts in Comments below.

Digital distraction in the modern classroom.  Paul Barnwell. 8.1.13.  SmartBlog on Education
http://smartblogs.com/education/2014/08/01/digital-distraction-in-the-modern-classroom/?utm_source=brief

Making Plans....for Yourself!

We teachers are very used to making lesson plans for our students - goals, resources, discussion points, assignments, etc.  BUT, have you ever made these kinds of plans for yourself?  Without an organized self, how do we expect to deliver organized lessons to our students.  Read this thought provoking article.....(and plan a weekly visit to Pat's  blog - Teach to Make a Difference - joking of course)

7-Step Prep: Make a Weekly Plan for YOU!  Mala Heyck-Merlin. 8.1.14. Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-step-prep-weekly-plan-maia-heyck

Are You a Transformational Teacher?

What do you think a transformational teacher does?  I'll bet you have some of these traits, probably not all.  We all need to ask ourselves, "What can I do to make myself a better teacher?"  This article may help answer that question.  Todd Finley presents a wonderful set of characteristics that all of us can work toward.  Join the discussion and let us know what you think in Comments.

4 Big Things Transformational Teachers Do.  Todd Finley.  7.28.14.  edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/big-things-transformational-teachers-do-todd-finley

When Do Readers Read to Learn?

We've all heard the mantra....By 4th grade, readers read to learn and learning how to read is not an issue.  With this mantra we're not talking about struggling readers.  However, in this article, researchers are discovering that for many readers this shift is not clear cut at all.  Donna Coch who heads the Reading Brains Lab at Dartmouth College did brain research to find out when automatic word recognition starts.  Automatic word recognition is important because the brain needs resources for comprehension, not word recognition.  Interesting....Read the full article for more details.

Learning to Read May Take Longer Than We Thought. Anya Kamnetz. 7.26.14.  nprED.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/07/26/334967121/learning-to-read-may-take-longer-than-we-thought

Teaching Math to Struggling First Graders

The newer CC methods to teach math using hands-on materials, whole body movements, and discussions of different strategies are not working well with struggling very young children.  Guess what works?  The old fashioned way...drill and practice!  The newest research published in the Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis studied methodology used in teaching young struggling students.   What was effective was traditional teacher directed instruction.  Read the whole article for details.

Right and wrong methods for teaching first graders who struggle with math.  Jill Barshay. 7.21.1014. The Hechinger Report.
http://educationbythenumbers.org/content/kumon-worksheet-style-drilling-might-effective-little-kids-struggle-math_1564/

ELL Education: Best Practices from Exemplary Schools

This well researched study analyzes how highly effective schools with high ELL populations provide instruction that results in excellent performance in state states.  ELLs in 5 states were examined (California, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, and New Mexico).
Findings include these characteristics...

• Explicit instruction
• Interactive learning environments
• Collaborative learning for language and reading
• Student engagement in culturally relevant lessons
• Teachers certified in bilingual or ESL or large number of highly trained staff
• Professional development:  effective instructional strategies
• Greatest challenge:  parent-school connections

Read summary findings and obtain the full study on Colorin Colorado website - an excellent source for ELL information of all kinds.

Effective Practices for English Language Learners.  Rivera, David J. Francis, Magdalena Fernandez, Ani C. Moughamian, Julia Jergensen, Nonie K. Lesaux; Center on Instruction. 2010
http://www.colorincolorado.org/research/academic/