Small Teaching K-8

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: Foundational concepts from up-to-date cognitive research that has implications for classroom teaching and the rationales for using them in a K-8 classroom Concrete examples of how interventions have been used by faculty in various disciplines Directions on the specific timing of each intervention, backed by evidence-based reasons 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.

About the Author xi Foreword xiii Introduction xvii Part I Knowing: The Six-Minute Fix 1 1 Retrieving 7 What’s the Theory? 10 In Short 15 Models 15 Three-Two-One 16 Closing Questions 17 Big Basket Quizzes 19 Multi-Part Quizzes 19 Polling 21 Principles 22 Frequency Matters 22 Align Practice and Assessment 22 Require Thinking 23 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Retrieving 23 Conclusion 24 2 Self-Explaining 27 What’s the Theory? 29 In Short 34 Models 35 Think Aloud 36 How Does This Connect to Our Goal? 37 Turn-and-Talk 38 Discussion Protocols 40 Principles 43 Scaffold Self-Explanation 43 Point to Principles 43 Utilize Peer Power 44 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Self-Explaining 44 Conclusion 45 3 Predicting 47 What’s the Theory? 49 In Short 53 Models 53 Predict during Do Nows 54 Pretesting 57 Anticipation Guides 59 Tea Party 60 Closing Predictions 62 Principles 63 Stay Conceptual 63 Provide Fast Feedback 63 Leave Time for Reflection 64 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Predicting 64 Conclusion 65 4 Putting It All Together: Jennifer Hedrington, Grade 7 Teacher 67 Part II Thinking: Strength and Conditioning 73 5 Synthesizing 77 What’s the Theory? 79 In Short 81 Models 82 Synthesis Sentence Starters 83 Knowledge Dumps 86 Finding the Main Idea 88 Concept Maps 90 The Minute Thesis 92 Principles 93 Provide the Framework 94 Facilitate Synthesis 94 Leverage Peer Learning 94 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Synthesis 94 Conclusion 95 6 Practicing 97 What’s the Theory? 99 In Short 103 Models 104 Unpack Your Assessments 104 Parcel Them Out and Practice Them 106 Provide Feedback 109 Principles 111 Make the Time for In-Class Practice 111 Space It Out 111 Practice Mindfully 112 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Practice 112 Conclusion 113 7 Mapping 117 What’s the Theory? 119 In Short 125 Models 125 Year-Long Theme 126 Writing an Objective 131 Post an Agenda 133 Principles 134 Set a Timer 134 Utilize Strong Verbs 135 Don’t Be Afraid to Dipstick 136 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Mapping 136 Conclusion 137 8 Putting It All Together: Jennessa Burks, Grade 4 Teacher 141 Part III Transforming: Balance and Agility 147 9 Growing 151 What’s the Theory? 154 In Short 157 Models 157 Reward Growth 157 Give Growth-Language Feedback 160 Promote Success Strategies 162 Principles 163 Design for Growth 164 Communicate for Growth 164 Feedback for Growth 164 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Growing 165 Conclusion 165 10 Motivating 167 What’s the Theory? 172 In Short 175 Models 176 Positive Recognition 178 Tell Great Stories 180 Invoke Self-Transcendent Purpose 181 Share Your Enthusiasm 182 Show Compassion 183 Principles 184 Acknowledge the Emotions in the Room 185 Make It Social 185 Let Your Enthusiasm Show 185 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Motivating 186 Conclusion 186 11 Expanding 191 Models, Principles, and Resources 194 Project-Based Learning 194 Community Service Learning 196 Games and Simulations 199 Resources 204 Small Teaching Quick Tips: Expanding 207 Conclusion 207 12 Putting It All Together: Matt Halpern, Kindergarten Teacher and Literacy Consultant 211 13 Conclusion 217 References 221 Index 237