Articles by tstyles

Classroom supplies

As we head back to school in a couple of weeks parents are scrambling to get loads of supplies during a period of tme that has come to resemble the weeks before Christmas. When is enough of enough?

The Case For the No Homework Policy

The issue of too little too much homework can be avoided totally if teachers simply stop giving homework altogether. Think of what a teacher could be doing to facilitate learning with the time it takes to collect, grade and chase down students who don't turn in assignments that studies show, at the elementary level at least, don't improve any...

Using A Thesaurus

Children learn to use a Thesaurus in this mini lesson tied to the Writers Workshop program.

Science and Writers Workshop

Integrate Writers Workshop with the other curricular areas.

Mathematics in the City--a Reflection on How to Make Math Fun and Constructive

The NCTM is critical about our schools teaching math in such a way that allows children to construct knowledge. Yet in 75% of American schools math continues to be taught using traditional methods. The Mathematics in the City program seeks to inspire amazing progressive reform.

Literature Circle Rubric

This assessment form will be used at the end of a given book group.

Let's get in shape!!: How Exercising the Brain and An Active Learning Environment Benefits All Students

This is part two in a series regarding the connection between exercise and being a better student in the classroom.

Benefits of Writers Workshop : Grammar in the Baby Carriage

First comes ideas, then comes writing, then comes grammar in the baby carriage. A writers workshop approach to teaching grammar.

What Effect does Pass or Fail Grades Have on Culture : A Classroom Without Grades

Continuing this series, I discuss a fifth grade program that illustrates how children's progress can be highlighted without relying on the hazy concept of a grade.

Creationism Taught in Schools : A Religion Lesson

Children learn about Creationism as written about in the BIble and compare this story with that of other creation stories of early Native American tribes.