Inspiring learners to walk through new conceptual doors can be a challenge.  Compelling tasks can support these efforts.  Changing things up…a little bit of novelty can peak interest.  Tedious tasks bring disengagement,, but if a task is overly challenging…learners might shut down.  Scaffolding up to the next level can be golden.

It’s in this context that these items are considered.  Please share with colleagues…and browse through ALL of our authors’ work to find just what your learners need.  We update daily on Twitter @myedexpert.

Author Angela Stockman discovered that traditional approaches to teaching writing were met with resistance by many learners.  She has graciously posted many free downloads – all great! BUT you HAVE to get her “Maker Moves i the Writing Workshop.  (She just made this free!) https://myedexpert.com/vendor/angelastockman/

Kristina Smekens trains teachers in reading and writing across the country.  She has graciously shared many free, amazing resources that you will readily incorporate.  Her new entry, “Peer Revision Conferencing Cards” makes editing a game – hands-on learning can open doors! https://myedexpert.com/vendor/kristina-smekens/

Gotta love Todd Stanley‘s work! His “Unopened Gift” is a free download that’s been so popular! It’s an allegory that facilitates conversations about students’ reluctance to open their intellectual gifts.  His Constitutional Convention debate is fabulous, as well as his “Trading Games” in which student buy & sell goods.  Every social studies student will jump in! https://myedexpert.com/vendor/twosox21/

Dr. Ed Thomas, nationally renowned math author/leader, has a plethora of rich math resources.  Of particular interest:  Daily Problem Solving & Number Sense Challenges.  For grades 3-high school, these are designed as 2 minutes to solve, one minute of partner share, and 2 minutes of class discussion.  https://myedexpert.com/vendor/edward-thomas/

Math & Science literacy! Dr. Katie McKnight has shared a chapter from one of her books that includes ready-to-go templates – proving to be quite popular on the site.  https://myedexpert.com/vendor/KatieMcKnight/

Thought-Provoking Short Reads, a Podcast…and a Conference

Todd Stanley’s conversation-starting piece on sports in schools: http://www.edcircuit.com/schools-without-sports/

Jerry’s Burkhart’s widely read math piece on “How Open-Ended Math Problems Keep on Giving” https://www.middleweb.com/35704/how-open-ended-math-problems-keep-on-giving/

Dr. Ellen Hurst’s article on “Are Boys Set Up to Fail Before They Enter Kindergarten” http://www.edcircuit.com/boys-set-up-to-fail-before-kindergarten/

Ryan Shaaf’s contribution to a podcast on reinventing learning for the digital generation:  https://www.teachthought.com/podcast/teachthought-ep-81-reinventing-learning-kids-different-today/

Writing expert Kristina Smekens is hosting a Writing Remix Conference. http://www.smekenseducation.com/upcoming-workshops.html

We update daily on Twitter @myedexpert