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The Complete Guide to Service Learning is the go-to resource in the fast-growing field of service learning. It is an award-winning treasury of service activities, community service project ideas, quotes, reflections, and resources that can help teachers and youth workers engage young hearts and minds in reaching out and giving back. Author and internationally known service learning expert Cathryn Berger Kaye presents service learning—its importance, steps, essential elements, and challenges—within a curricular context and organized by theme. This second edition maintains the easy-to-use format of the original and is enhanced with updated information on service learning programs and pedagogy.Benefits include:A blueprint for service learning, from getting started to assessing the experienceIntegration of K–12 service learning standardsInspiring quotations, background information and resources, preparation activities, real-life examples, and community service project ideas that have worked for other teachers13 thematic chapters covering topics commonly selected for service learning projects such as animal protection and care, elders, emergency readiness, the environment, hunger and homelessness, literacy, special needs, and moreHundreds of real-life field-tested service learning projectsIdeas for fortifying service learning programs by incorporating global literacy and creating a culture of serviceThe online digital content has over 200 pages of forms and bonus materials and includes:All of the planning and tracking forms from the book, many customizable 39 sample planning templates for all service learning themes at each grade level10 original essays written by experts in the field22 author interviews, including interviews with authors Laurie David, Cynthia Lord, Jordan Sonnenblick, Kathe Koja, Danica Novgorodoff, Janet Tashjian, Deborah Ellis, Sonia Levitin, Ellen Senisi, and more!More than 300 additional “Bookshelf” recommendations that describe books that offer teachable moments about community service, responsibility, caring, and helping, as well as ways to encourage discussion and combine literature and service learning.Drawing on her years as a classroom teacher and international service learning consultant, trainer, speaker, and program developer, Cathryn Berger Kaye tells you everything you want and need to know about service learning. Recommended for K–12 teachers and administrators, college and university faculty, youth group leaders, government agencies and nonprofits, and after-school programs.Teachers, parents, and group leaders: Use this valuable resource in a classroom or youth-serving organization, after-school program, or as a family.

This updated edition presents a practical introduction to differentiation and explains how to differentiate instruction in a wide range of settings to provide variety and challenge. Chapters focus on evaluation in a differentiated classroom and how to manage both behavior and work tasks. The book includes connections to Common Core State Standards. Digital content includes a PowerPoint presentation for professional development, customizable forms from the book, and curriculum maps, workcards, and matrix plans.

Not your typical how-to manual for new teachers, this no-nonsense, jargon-free guide offers a wide variety of tools and tactics for getting through every school day with grace and sanity. Covered in glue, glitter, orange juice—or worse? Make a quick change into the spare set of clothes you keep on hand for just this purpose. Butterflies in your stomach before your first-ever Meet the Teacher Night? Keep your cool by writing the agenda on your board—it’ll double as a crib sheet for you.These tips and hundreds more, covering virtually every aspect of teaching, have all been learned the hard way: from real-life classroom experience. Otis Kriegel’s “little black book” will be a treasured resource for teachers who want not only to survive but to thrive in any situation.

Building Everyday Leadership in All Kids emphasizes that anyone can be a leader—and it’s never too early to start learning what leadership means and how to lead. This resource engages all emerging leaders, at all emotional and academic levels, by taking a full, practical approach to building personal and group leadership attitudes. The easy-to-use activities, in categories such as Understanding Leadership, Communication, Working with Others, Problem Solving, and Making a Difference, are designed to promote group interaction, build self-confidence, and allow students to explore personal understanding. Many activities are grouped for grades K–3 or 4–6, while others can be used with some minor adaptations for any age in the range. A special set of activities is specifically geared toward kids who are transitioning to middle school. Digital content includes customizable reproducible forms.

In order to learn, kids’ need to move! Grounded in best practices and current research, this hands-on resource connects the dots that link brain activity, movement, and early learning. The expert authors unveil the Kinetic Scale: a visual map of the active learning needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary graders that fits each child’s individual timetable.Teachers, parents, and caregivers will find a wealth of information, actionable tips, and games they can use to support children’s healthy development—all presented in a lively, full-color format with demonstrative diagrams and photos. A final section offers easy-to-implement activities geared to the Kinetic Scale.Downloadable digital content includes printable charts, games, and activities from the book plus a PowerPoint presentation for professional development, parent handouts, and bonus activities. An ideal tool for coaches, mentors, and trainers.Introducing the Kinetic Scaleunique framework encompassing all the elements of movement: reflexes, sensory tools (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, and intuition), motor tools (power, coordination, and control), and languagebased on six stages of movement development from birth to age 7: snugglers, squigglers, stompers, scampers, scooters, and skedaddlersdesigned to foster a balanced diet of physical activity that helps each child move, grow, and learn on the child’s individual timetable

A gold mine of practical, easy-to-use teaching methods, strategies, and tips to improve learning outcomes for students who score below proficiency levels. This fully revised and updated third edition of Teaching Kids with Learning Difficulties in Today’s Classroom provides information on integrated learning, problem solving, and critical thinking in line with Common Core State Standards and 21st-century skills. It reflects the use of technology and schoolwide cluster grouping in support of all students and includes proven, practical, classroom-tested strategies and step-by-step instructions for how to use them. Sidebars throughout highlight special information for working with students on the autism spectrum; “tech tips” describe technologies that are especially useful for kids with LD. Digital content includes all of the book’s customizable forms, additional content organization charts, and a PDF presentation for book study groups and professional development.

This hands-on school leadership guide for new and veteran principals and administrators offers practical advice for leading a school successfully. Want honest student input? Try texting. Got a group of angry parents? Arrange one-on-one meetings—you’ll avoid a mob scene and give each family the attention it deserves. Trying to make a teacher feel appreciated? Shoot a quick email after stopping by his classroom and describe something cool you saw him do. It takes ten seconds but has a big impact.These tips and hundreds more are the collective wisdom of three experienced principals who know how to connect with kids, staff, families, and stakeholders, and help students succeed.

Gifted kids are so much more than test scores and grades. Still, it’s sometimes difficult to see past the potential to the child who may be anxious, lonely, confused, or unsure of what the future might bring. This book, now fully revised with updated information and new survey quotes, offers practical suggestions for addressing the social and emotional needs of gifted students. The authors present ways to advocate for gifted education; help gifted underachievers, perfectionists, and twice-exceptional students; and provide all gifted kids with a safe, supportive learning environment. Complete with engaging stories, strategies, activities, and resources, this book is for anyone committed to helping gifted students thrive. Includes online digital content.

Build the body-brain connection with step-by-step activities that help children develop physical, cognitive, social, and emotional foundations for early learning and school readiness. Early childhood educators will find clear information on creating the move-to learn environment, managing safety, and optimizing the connections between language development, movement, and readiness for formal learning. An observational tool lets teachers pinpoint children’s specific developmental stages and assess progress. The easy-to-follow, full-color format includes diagrams and photos along with teaching tips to advance and automate children’s foundational physical capabilities while providing incremental challenge. Grounded in best practices and current research, Move, Play, and Learn with Smart Steps is both a hands-on resource for any classroom teacher, care provider, or parent and an ideal tool for coaches, mentors, and professional development trainers. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book.

Practical, research-based lessons for middle school educators to teach students pro-social attitudes and behaviors to prevent bullying.Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School focuses on positive and pro-social attitudes and behaviors that build a respectful and compassionate school environment, while also addressing the tough issues of prejudice, anger, exclusion, and bullying. Through role-playing, perspective-taking, sharing, writing, discussion, and more, students develop the insights and skills they need to accept differences, resolve conflicts peacefully, stop bullying among peers, and create a community of kindness in their classrooms and school. Based on survey data gathered by the authors from more than 1,000 students, the book’s research-based lessons are easy to implement and developmentally appropriate. Digital content includes student handouts from the book.

Every teen can be a leader. That’s because leadership is not just about taking the lead in big ways, but in everyday small things, too. The 21 sessions in this youth leadership curriculum guide teens to explore ethical decision-making, team-building, what it means to be a leader, how to work with others, risk-taking, communication, creative thinking, and more. Choose the sessions that seem best for your class or group, or explore leadership skills through an entire school year. The revised and updated second edition includes the Everyday Leadership Skills & Attitudes (ELSA) inventory, a leadership measurement tool, as well as reproducible handouts, evaluation tools, and exams. Access to digital content includes the reproducible handouts from the book, the student inventory of leadership skills and evaluation tools, and lots of bonus material. Requires use of the student book, Everyday Leadership.

Award-winning teacher offers advice on achieving work-life balance and employing self-care techniques to avoid burnout.It wasn’t long after being named North Carolina History Teacher of the year that Justin Ashley started noticing signs of burnout. He knew he needed to make some radical changes in how he handled his work and personal life. In The Balanced Teacher Path, Justin shares his personal story—illuminating how easy it is to give your job everything you’ve got and leave yourself with nothing outside of school—and shows new teachers and veterans alike the self-care techniques they can employ to create work-life balance and prevent burnout. With equal parts humor and wisdom, Justin analyzes four key aspects of every teacher’s life—career, social, physical, and financial—and offers practical advice to bring these areas into sync, reigniting a passion for teaching in the process.

Develop emotional intelligence and strengthen social emotional skills in adolescents with this practical, hands-on resource.Helping students develop emotional intelligence (EQ) and social emotional skills is essential to preparing them for success in college, careers, and adult life. This practical resource for educators explains what emotional intelligence is and why it’s important for all students. Boost Emotional Intelligence in Students lays out detailed yet flexible guidelines for teaching fundamental EQ and social emotional skills in an intentional and focused way. The book is split into three modules, which correspond to three main skill areas: Self-awareness and self-managementSocial awareness and relationship skillsResponsible decision-making and problem-solving  Each module features ten hands-on, research-based lessons, which are focused on a critical EQ concept and centered around productive and respectful discussion. All lessons are designed to take approximately 35 minutes each but can easily be adapted to meet the specific needs of a school or group as they work to develop emotional intelligence and social emotional skills in their students. Digital content includes reproducible forms to use with students.

A comprehensive guide to visual learning strategies with easy-to-use activities.Emojis . . . avatars . . . icons . . . Our world is becoming increasingly reliant on visual communication. Yet our classrooms still heavily focus on traditional oral and written instruction. In this first-of-its-kind resource, Dr. Susan Daniels channels over twenty years of research and experience into a comprehensive guide of visual learning strategies that enable educators to rise to the challenges of 21st century education no matter what age range they serve within the K–8 population. This hands-on resource helps educators create a “visual toolbox” of tools that promote visual literacy across the curriculum, and it offers interactive activities to encourage visual learning and communication in all students via mind maps and visual journals. Drawing on her experience working with gifted, creative, and twice-exceptional children, Dr. Susan Daniels has created visual learning strategies that all children can benefit from. Digital content includes customizable forms and examples of completed forms as well as a PDF presentation for professional development.

Powerful strategies that will transform the way you teach and the way your students learn.Advancing Differentiation will lead you through the process of creating a thriving, student-centered, 21st-century classroom. Since its initial publica­tion, the book’s materials have undergone rigorous testing and refinement in classrooms all over the world to deliver the best and most effective differen­tiation strategies. The strategies in this book will help you:  Deeply engage every learner while challenging students to think critically, self-regulate, and direct their own learningSet new roles for student and teacher that encourage learner autonomyEmploy cutting-edge techniques for designing rigorous E4 curriculum (effective, engaging, enriching, and exciting) This revised and updated edition features: A primer on differentiation, which answers the crucial question, Why differentiate at all?Self-assessment surveys, observation forms, and new ideas for increasing proficiency in classroom differentiationWays to address the changing needs of the future workforceMore articulated curriculum design defining the differences between strategies and skills—refining the levels of conceptual knowledge

Teach social skills and enrich classrooms to reduce problem behaviors and nurture growth.When teachers create environments that teach skills rather than punish individual actions, they reduce behavior problems and nurture the growth of all learners. This book expertly guides early childhood teachers to analyze their classroom elements, routines, and responses to children. Much like gardeners who adjust soil, water, or fertilizer to help flowers bloom, educators of young children must look beyond challenging behaviors to what a child’s actions are communicating about her learning environment or home life. Digital content includes all forms from the book along with a PDF presentation. A free PLC/Book Study Guide for use with communities of practice is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

An updated edition of an indispensable resource offers practical strategies for teaching and supporting students with mental health and learning disorders.Covering topics including PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and many others, this accessible, ready-to-use reference explains how each disorder or difficulty might be exhibited in the classroom and offers straightforward suggestions for what to do (and what not to do). Using clear, jargon-free language, the book helps all educators—whether in inclusive classrooms, general education settings, or other environments—recognize mental health issues and learning disabilities that are often observed in students. Fully revised and updated to correspond to the DSM-5, this edition addresses newly diagnosed disorders, as well as incorporating the latest research and interventions for existing disorders. The book also includes current information about educational practices such as creating a culturally responsive classroom and supporting students’ social-emotional learning.Digital content includes customizable forms from the book. A free downloadable PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

Empower gifted learners to take charge of their education.Gifted learners are full of potential, but sometimes they’re also frus­trated, bored, and even disruptive in class. Many bright students struggle because they have never been taught how to ask for what they really need to improve their school experience. This research-based guide shows educators how to teach self-advocacy skills to gifted students in four essential steps. Gifted students will:Understand their rights and responsibilitiesDevelop their learner profilesInvestigate available options and opportunitiesConnect with advocatesThese simple yet comprehensive strategies are brought to life in triumphant true student stories. Also included are complete instructions for conducting a day-long self-advocacy workshop with gifted students. Digital content includes a workshop facilita­tor’s guide, a PDF presentation for use in workshops, pre- and post-workshop student surveys, and customizable forms.

Updated edition of a popular resource helps teachers seamlessly integrate differentiation practices into their daily routine.In this updated edition of her guide to daily differentiated instruction, Diane Heacox outlines the critical elements for success in today’s class­rooms. She gives educators evidence-based differentiation strategies and user-friendly tools to optimize teaching, learning, and assessment for all students. New features include an expanded section on grading, informa­tion on connections between personalized learning and differentiation, integration of strategies with tier one instructional interventions, scaf­folding strategies, revised planning templates, and updated resources, which include digital tools and apps for assessment. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book. A free downloadable PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

Master flexible grouping and differentiation strategies to challenge every learner, every day.Grouping learners purposefully throughout the school day based on their needs and the curriculum remains the single best way to differentiate instruction. This award-winning guide will help teachers expertly use flexible grouping and differentiation strategies to respond to students’ diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests. Included are methods for creating groups based on assessment data, planning group lessons and tiered assignments, engaging learners at all levels, supporting personalized learning, grading collaborative work, and communicating with parents about the benefits of groupwork and productive struggle. Digital content contains all forms from the book and a PDF presentation. A free online PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

A lively read from a working teacher offers practical engagement strategies for students with attention challengesIf learning is a motor, student engagement is the key. But when teaching students with ADHD and other attention challenges, sometimes even the most finely tuned classroom can sputter. Teach for Attention! is your tool belt of teaching strategies for students with ADHD, low self-confidence, distraction, and other attention challenges. Dozens of true classroom stories show the strategies in action. It’s all about making simple fixes so you can reach every student without changing your approach or revamping your curriculum. Carry these ideas with you like tools on a belt—the right one will be there when you need it!

This teacher’s companion to a classic book for kids provides tools for building self-esteem and personal power.Without self-esteem, kids doubt themselves and may turn to unhealthy habits as a way of coping. With self-esteem, kids feel secure, are willing to take positive risks, and are resilient in the face of challenges. This teacher’s guide expands the messages of Stick Up for Yourself!, teaching self-confidence and how to be assertive with easy-to-use sessions. Created for the classroom, these sessions can also be used in other group settings including counseling groups, out-of-school programs, community programs, and more. Digital content includes reproducible handouts.

2020 TAGT Legacy Book® Award for Educators WinnerFlexible tools help teachers see, understand, teach, challenge, and advocate for underserved gifted students.The underrepresentation of students from historically marginalized populations—including English language learners, twice-exceptional students, culturally and linguistically diverse students, and economically disadvantaged students—in our gifted programs and services continues to be a critical issue in education. The importance of a caring and committed teacher who sees and supports the potential in all learners and who respects linguistic diversity and students’ cultural identity cannot be overstated, yet teachers need the knowledge and training to do so.This reader-friendly guide meets that need, promoting equity in gifted education by providing teachers with a variety of flexible tools to nurture the academic and affective growth of their gifted students from traditionally underserved populations.Over fifty strategies are outlined within five chapters addressing how teachers can see, understand, teach, challenge, and advocate for their underserved gifted learners in all content areas. The authors share numerous student quotes, teacher anecdotes, and spotlights on successful school efforts. Digital downloads include all forms from the book and a PDF presentation. A free PLC/Book Study Guide for use in professional development is also available.

Accessible, hands-on RTI guidance and strategies for educators at all grade levelsThis practical, ready-to-use resource gives teachers and administrators the tools to successfully implement RTI or strengthen an existing program to target students’ specific needs. Response to Intervention allows educators to assess and meet the needs of struggling students before they have fallen too far behind. Three expert authors explore this multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), offering over one hundred research-based, instructional techniques and interventions for use in diverse settings, advice on creating personal and positive learning environments, information on co-teaching, and approaches to purposeful grouping. Included in the book and as digital downloads are easy-to-use customizable forms to streamline assessment, implementation, and documentation. Also included is an extensive list of references and resources for further exploration.

Thirty hands-on lessons provide students opportunities to learn and practice self-regulation strategies.Students today face many challenges that did not exist a generation or two ago, and rates of emotional disorders (including anxiety and depression) have increased steadily over the years. Students must also manage an overwhelming amount of information. With today’s reliance on technology and social media, they have fewer opportunities to develop effective self-regulation strategies and interpersonal and stress management skills. Helping students understand their emotions and behavior when they’re young will set them on a path to being successful learners and empathetic people throughout their lives. With thirty easy-to-implement, skill-based lessons and activities, Teaching Kids to Pause, Cope, and Connect provides educators with strategies to help students: manage and reduce their anxiety with healthy coping skillsunderstand and regulate physical responses to stressseparate emotions from actionsrespond mindfully (rather than impulsively) to difficult situationsimprove social skills, social awareness, and self-regulationdevelop empathy and compassionDigital content includes reproducible student handouts that accompany each lesson, plus six bonus lessons.

Evidence-based bullying-prevention principles, policies, and practices to reduce peer cruelty and create safe, caring learning climates.Based on a practical, six-part framework for reducing peer cruelty and increasing positive behavior support, End Peer Cruelty, Build Empathy utilizes the strongest pieces of best practices and current research for ways to stop bullying. The book includes guidelines for implementing strategies, collecting data, training staff, mobilizing students and parents, building social-emotional skills, and sustaining progress, and presents the “6Rs” of bullying prevention: Rules, Recognize, Report, Respond, Refuse, and Replace. This is not a program, but a comprehensive process for reducing bullying from the inside out, involving the entire school community. Bullying-prevention and character education expert Michele Borba, who’s worked with over 1 million parents and educators worldwide, offers realistic, research-based strategies and advice. Use the book on its own or to supplement an existing program. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book and a PDF presentation for use in professional development.

Definitive resource for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping, fully revised and expanded.In today’s standards-driven era, how can teachers motivate and challenge gifted students and ensure that all students reach their potential? This book provides a compelling answer: the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model. The authors explain how the model differs from grouping practices of the past, and they present a roadmap for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping. Readers will find a wealth of teacher-tested classroom strategies along with detailed information on identifying gifted students for clusters, gaining support from parents, and providing ongoing professional development to teachers and other staff. The new edition: offers identification and placement guidance for a wide variety of student ages and populationsdirects special attention toward empowering gifted English language learnersshows teachers how to use the Depth of Knowledge framework to differentiate learning tasksoffers new ideas for integrating technology into both professional development and student learningThe Cluster Grouping Handbook offers a guide for schools to create a workable, defensible gifted program; to simplify teachers’ jobs; and to maximize learning for all students. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book and a PDF presentation; a free PLC/Book Study Guide is also available.

A guide for busy elementary educators on how to easily incorporate mindfulness activities into existing curriculumTeaching students how to focus and self-regulate at a young age can provide them with skills that will help throughout their schooling and adult lives. Like anyone, they need easy-to remember tools and strategies to calm their minds and focus on the moment. This interactive, research based curriculum helps preK and elementary teachers integrate simple, ready-to use stretching, breathing, and reflective exercises as well as other mindfulness practices into their daily routines. Includes digital content with reproducible handouts from the book.

Latest edition of the go-to classroom resource since 1992 for reaching and challenging gifted students.This fourth edition of the “orange bible” brings fresh updates to the definitive guide to meeting the learning needs of gifted students in the mixedabilities classroom—seamlessly and effectively with minimal preparation time. Included are practical, classroom-tested strategies and step-by-step instructions for how to use them. The book provides information on: Compacting and differentiating skill work and new contentExtending reading and writing instructionPlanning curriculum for all students at the same timeSupporting self-directed independent studySupporting curriculum standards and increasing curriculum rigorBoosting critical and creative thinking skillsUsing assessments to help students demonstrate what they already knowUsing technology for accelerated learning and to benefit twice-exceptional (2e) studentsServing gifted kids with special needsManaging cluster groupingDigital content includes a full chapter for parents as well as a PDF presentation for professional development, reproducible forms ready to customize and print for classroom use, and additional extension menus for the primary and upper grades.