BubbleUp Take5: Reading, English Learners, Total Participation, and Burnout

This week we're reading about reading -- the value of having lots of books in your home as well as reading instruction. We're mulling over specific strategies to access the strengths of students, looking at ways to get ALL students actively involved in learning, and thinking about teacher burnout. So take five minutes and check it all out!

A recent article from Smithsonian Magazine discusses a study that emphasizes the impact of growing up surrounded by books -- those who do have higher levels of proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and information communication technology. (An aside: I wonder if the same holds true for those who may not have lots of books in their house but rather frequent the library?)

Emily Hanford, in an op-ed for the New York Times, asserts that current educational practices in reading instruction are wrong. Her audio documentary for APM Reports goes into more detail on her reporting.

In a guest post for Cult of Pedagogy, teacher Laura Lenz (of Teaching with an Open Heart) offers A Strength-Based Approach to Teaching English Learners. I love her suggestions for using her students' strengths; many of these apply to all of our students.

An article (and podcast episode) from The Cornerstone for Teachers shares specific strategies, called "Total Participation Techniques," for involving every student in learning.

Teaching is hard. We know this. You know this. An article from ​Educational Leadership aims to identify what is happening for teachers and shares ways school leaders can respond.

What has sparked your interest this week? We'd love to hear from you!

​-Gretchen

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You might also like:

• BubbleUp Take5: Preschool, Fake News, Writing Journeys, Reading Logs & More (February 21, 2017)
• BubbleUp Take5: "I don't know," Defiance, Podcasts and PBL (September 19, 2016)