A Concept-Based Curriculum is designed to help students uncover important, transferable understandings about what it means to be a capable reader, writer, speaker, viewer, listener, and thinker. But, too often, a well-designed, conceptual curriculum does not translate into conceptual teaching. "Concept Based Literacy Lessons" helps…

"Word Study with Students Who Struggle: Reading, Vocabulary, and Spelling Instruction, Grades 4-12" is intended for the middle and secondary classroom teacher. This handy book emphasizes the use of word study with its hands-on, accessible approach, to help students catch up with their peers. This book will help you determine student…

Good writers don't wing it--they have a plethora of skills. They list, picture, circle, strategize and revise to make language come alive. They know what to use and when. Like ace athletes, they are highly trained, well-versed in the techniques found in this lively book. "Writing Workouts" provides a method for instruction that gives…

Packed with ideas for both new and veteran teachers of K-8 students, this book touches on a variety of topics that are especially relevant to the first week of school. The author provides critical information that includes arranging and navigating the classroom, setting basic expectations, communicating routines, and understanding your students'…

This practical resource shows teachers how to enact robust forms of civic education in today's schools. Both instructive and thought-provoking, it will inspire teachers to craft curricula addressing a wide range of genuine civic problems such as those related to racial discrimination, environmental damage, and community health. Dividing civic…

This lesson plan is based on "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. Characters in "The Hunger Games" form alliances both inside and outside the arena. Katniss and Gale form alliances within District 12. Katniss, Peeta, and the other tributes form alliances for a variety of reasons during the Games. An alliance means that "someone's got your back"…

This lesson plan is based on Suzanne Collins's book, "The Hunger Games." Katniss and Gale know about District 12 and the surrounding woods. Additionally, from television coverage, they know that there are twelve districts and the Capitol. District 13 used to exist until the rebellion. But where are these districts now that the geography…

Eleventh grade U.S. history, as described in the 1981 California History/Social Science Framework, should not be taught using a chronological approach. Instead, the course should be based on selected "regional" focal points and students given the opportunity to study different historical accounts and interpretations of the same events.…

Stresses the value of graphing and computer algebra systems calculators when teaching about waves. Discusses how to input data into these calculators. Highlights the Texas Instruments' (TI) Web site at http://www.ti.com. (YDS)

This curriculum guide for eighth-grade social studies in the Seminole County Florida school district features the curriculums of a number of social studies courses as well as minimum student performance standards and objectives. The contents are as follows: Florida Department of Education U.S. History curriculum frameworks (basic, average,…

Considers how the successful teaching of Shakespeare represents the ultimate challenge for many English teachers, one that measures their ability to enlighten and inspire. Discusses how her colleague approaches teaching Shakespeare to eight graders. Describes how she approaches teaching Henry V to her ninth grade students. (SG)

Presents an activity in which students construct a roller coaster to illustrate the concept of physics as part of a forces, motion, and energy unit for their physics course. (ASK)

Describes how writing character descriptions of "The Cosby Show" is effective for discussing universal family problems and teaching positive values and standards. (MM)

The fundamental idea of "Oral English" Books I and II is "appeal to the ear." In many books on oral English, both the eye and the ear are appealed to at the same time. In this book the first appeal is to the ear alone. Contents include 24 fifth-grade lessons; 23 sixth-grade lessons; 30 seventh-grade lessons; and 40 eighth-grade…

Encourages modification of teaching strategies to facilitate academic achievement among students from diverse groups. Describes how the author collaborated with professionals from the Folger Library's Teaching Shakespeare Institute to develop a better way to teach Shakespeare to her predominantly African-American students. Describes how her…