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Cognitive science research-based teaching techniques any educator can implement in their K-8 classroom
In Small Teaching K-8, a team of veteran educators bridges the gap between cognitive theory and the K-8 classroom environment, applying the same foundational research found in author James Lang’s bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning to the elementary and middle school setting. Via clear descriptions and step-by-step methods, the book demonstrates how to integrate simple interventions into pre-existing pedagogical techniques to dramatically improve student outcomes.
The interventions consist of classroom or online learning activities, one-time additions, or small modifications in course design or communication. Regardless of their form, they all deliver powerful, positive consequences.
In this book, readers will also find:
An essential resource for K-8 educators seeking ways to improve their efficacy in the classroom, Small Teaching K-8 offers teachers intuitive and actionable advice on helping students absorb and retain knowledge for the long-term.
SARAH CONNELL SANDERS is an accomplished educator and writer with a master’s degree in education from Boston College. She is a regular correspondent for Worcester Magazine and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
JAMES M. LANG is a former professor of English and director of the D’Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption University. He is the author of six books, including the bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning.
Introduction 6
Part I: Knowing: The Six-Minute Fix 10
Chapter 1: Retrieving 12
What’s the Theory? 15
In Short 18
Models 18
Three-Two-One 19
Closing Questions 20
Big Basket Quizzes 21
Multi-Part Quizzes 22
Polling 22
Principles 23
Frequency Matters 23
Align Practice and Assessment 23
Require Thinking 24
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Retrieving 24
Conclusion 25
Chapter 2: Self-Explaining 26
What’s the Theory? 28
In Short 31
Models 32
Think Aloud 32
How Does This Connect to Our Goal? 33
Turn-and-Talk 34
Discussion Protocols 35
Principles 37
Scaffold Self-Explanation 37
Point to Principles 37
Utilize Peer Power 37
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Self-Explaining 37
Conclusion 38
Chapter 3: Predicting 39
What’s the Theory? 40
In Short 43
Models 43
Predict During Do Nows 43
Pretesting 45
Anticipation Guides 47
Tea Party 48
Closing Predictions 49
Principles 49
Stay Conceptual 49
Provide Fast Feedback 50
Leave Time for Reflection 50
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Predicting 50
Conclusion 51
Chapter 4: Putting It All Together: Jennifer Hedrington, Grade 7 Teacher 51
Part II: Thinking: Strength and Conditioning 55
Chapter 5: Synthesizing 56
What’s the Theory? 58
In Short 59
Models 60
Synthesis Sentence Starters 61
Knowledge Dumps 63
Finding the Main Idea 64
Concept Maps 66
The Minute Thesis 67
Principles 68
Provide the Framework 68
Facilitate Synthesis 68
Leverage Peer Learning 68
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Synthesis 69
Conclusion 69
Chapter 6: Practicing 70
What’s the Theory? 72
In Short 74
Models 75
Unpack Your Assessments 75
Parcel Them Out and Practice Them 76
Provide Feedback 78
Principles 79
Make The Time For In-class Practice 79
Space It Out 80
Practice Mindfully 80
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Practice 80
Conclusion 81
Chapter 7: Mapping 82
What’s the Theory? 84
In Short 87
Models 88
Yearlong Theme 88
Writing an Objective 92
Post an Agenda 93
Principles 94
Set a Timer 94
Utilize Strong Verbs 95
Don’t Be Afraid to Dipstick 95
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Mapping 96
Conclusion 96
Chapter 8: Putting It All Together: Jennessa Burks, Grade 4 Teacher 99
Part III: Transforming: Balance and Agility 102
Chapter 9: Growing 104
What’s the Theory? 106
In Short 108
Models 108
Reward Growth 108
Give Growth-Language Feedback 110
Promote Success Strategies 111
Principles 112
Design for Growth 113
Communicate for Growth 113
Feedback for Growth 113
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Growing 113
Conclusion 114
Chapter 10: Motivating 115
What’s the Theory? 118
In Short 120
Models 121
Positive Recognition 122
Tell Great Stories 124
Invoke Self-Transcendent Purpose 125
Share Your Enthusiasm 125
Show Compassion 126
Principles 127
Acknowledge the Emotions in the Room 127
Make It Social 127
Let Your Enthusiasm Show 128
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Motivating 128
Conclusion 128
Chapter 11: Expanding 130
Models, Principles, and Resources 133
Project-Based Learning 133
Community Service Learning 134
Games and Simulations 136
Resources 139
Small Teaching Quick Tips: Expanding 141
Conclusion 142
Chapter 12: Putting It All Together: Matt Halpern, Kindergarten Teacher and Literacy Consultant 143
Chapter 13: Conclusion 147
References 149
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The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
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