Children often have very stereotyped views of science and scientists, far removed from their own lives. Getting children to 'become' scientists and feel that they are actually "doing" science, being involved in something pertinent to them and their environment, is a goal of modern science teaching. This article aims to illustrate how…

Physical models for exploring multiplication are fixtures in elementary classrooms. The most widely used physical models of multiplication are collections of discrete things, such as Cuisenaire rods, Unifix Cubes, or Base-10 Blocks. But discrete physical models are limited in the products they can represent. By contrast, pictorial models, such as…

Investigating symmetric dot patterns provides opportunities for foundational mathematical learning that is not restricted to multiplication alone. Students have opportunities to learn about the properties of symmetry, about the generalization of patterns, about writing and interpreting equations--all areas of study in grades 3-5. And symmetric dot…

The article describes how one fifth-grade teacher helped her students to exercise their Rights of the Learner (e.g., to be confused; to claim a mistake; to speak, listen, and be heard; and to write, do, and represent what makes sense) as they learned to graph and interpret non-linear data.

When the author stepped into the lead specials teacher role at a private elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was convinced that early childhood educational experiences could shape students' later cognition. He asked himself the question: What novel task might he set for the students that did not rely on rote learning, logic, or…

Typically, vocabulary instruction is associated as part of reading instruction. However, vocabulary instruction is also a necessary component of mathematics instruction. In fact, state and national standards (e.g., Common Core State Standards) require elementary students to communicate about mathematics to provide clear explanations, construct…

Educational escape rooms (ER) are an instructional activity designed to incorporate many elements of recreational ERs, which have become popular in recent years. There are many reasons to consider incorporating educational ERs into K-12 math instruction or after-school programs/camps. First, they are highly motivating for students because they…

This article reflects on the many benefits to children's learning and well-being of re-engaging with the outdoors through the author's experiences with outdoor learning at Burlington Junior School in Bridlington, East Yorkshire. The school has found that connecting with nature has reduced children's stress levels and improved their concentration…

This article describes an approach to designing culturally responsive literacy centers. Aligned with Gholdy Muhammad's (2020) Historically Responsive Literacy model, we reimagine literacy centers as responsive to children from historically marginalized backgrounds. We present a five-question tool that teachers can use as they plan for literacy…

The mathematical modeling process is also a powerful way to teach students the meaning of data. In mathematical modeling, students are collecting data to answer a question. Data collection is the means to an end and not the end in itself. The author was looking for an engaging way to introduce his third-grade mathematics class to the skill of…

Preservice teachers commonly struggle with topics related to fractions, ratio, and proportion. The use of double number lines can facilitate the teaching in these areas and provide autonomy and flexibility in mathematical thinking. Moreover, double number lines support many topics in the curriculum, including unit rate, convenience scaling, and…

Since its inception, the phrase "Yes, And" has guided the pedagogy of The Second City, the Chicago-based improvisational theatre and training organization. "Yes, And" is a framework that asks participants to accept and expand on the offerings of their partners to maintain momentum and advance the scene. Rejecting an offering…

Former elementary school teacher Kasandra Singh shares how she used gamification to encourage her 5th-grade students to drive their own learning. Students were initially divided into groups based on their demonstrated ability to get their work done. Those in Level 1 were given direct instruction, those in Level 2 worked together to complete…

Although much research exists on digital reading, confusion about literacy terminology persists. Inspired by a recent article in "Reading Research Quarterly," the authors explore a multifaceted heuristic of digital reading developed by Julie Coiro. The heuristic, which offers a way to systematically organize, label, and define complex…

Incorporating computational thinking (CT) ideas into core subjects, such as mathematics and science, is one way of bringing early computer science (CS) education into elementary school. Minimal research has explored how teachers can translate their knowledge of CT into practice to create opportunities for their students to engage in CT during…