Powerful tools for mathematics instruction can make a good lesson great. Simple and accessible, Math tools in action: journals, bringing mathematical practices to life in the classroom on a daily basis. Math journals invite students to relate their own ideas, experiences and prior knowledge to the learning at hand while encouraging them to clarify their thoughts and to use challenging and precise math vocabulary. Watch Chris and 4th grade students...

Franki Sibberson's fourth and fifth grade students use binders to organize their weekly news magazines in a compilation for use throughout the year. In this classroom vignette, the students use these magazines collected and organized over many weeks as part of their social studies curriculum considering the legal system. After the classroom sequence, Franki and Karen Szymusiak, an elementary principal, discuss the many natural curriculum extensions...

Students will understand what influenced Rosa Park's working years, why she was arrested, what the Montgomery Bus Boycott was, the Supreme Court ruling on Rosa Park's case, what Rosa accomplished in her later years, and her lasting legacy. Noteworthy quotes are recounted by Rosa Parks 'herself'.

The school brought in the staff of Gender Spectrum to provide training for teachers and administrators as well as an age-appropriate curriculum for students. During this step, everyone involved was empowered to look at their own personal confusion, bias and feelings around gender. Parents are brought into the mix next, and add to the spirited discussion about creating a safe place for all of our children to be themselves. A week of classroom activities...