#teaching strategies scaffolding

[robinsonedu]

Students learn responsibility and compassion with restorative practices in education. Connections work on through open correspondence. Execute these systems for a quiet, useful learning space.

[spedresources4all]

Mastering Multiplication: A Teacher-Tested System for Success

Multiplication fluency is one of the biggest hurdles in elementary math, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. As a veteran special education teacher and labor activist, I know firsthand how hard it is to juggle differentiation, engagement, and skill mastery. That’s why I created a color-coded, chunking-based multiplication system designed for real classrooms, where time is short and every…

[dbmars]

DB Reads Hannibal Rising: Prologue

I hate this prologue. I think Harris might have written it, BUT it reminds me of the supermarket paperback hype page from earlier. Like, "Hey, in case you somehow picked up this book and DON’T KNOW who Hannibal Lecter is, here's a little taste. He's a bad guy!"

Considering how sympathetic and heartbreaking the following chapters are, perhaps Harris' editor was like, "Bro, you have to frontload people so they remember that he grows up to kill and eat people and lick Clarice Starling's steering wheel, okay?"

TBH, frontloading (providing the necessary background knowledge to assist in understanding a text) is a solid teaching strategy to help readers of all ages find success with a tougher text or one that requires academic or cultural background knowledge that they don't have. I guess I figured the character was so well known (especially because of the Hopkins portrayal) that the target audience wouldn't need that kind of scaffolding, but... okay! Just making sure we're all on the same page! (Dad joke).

I have a hard time remembering what different styles of architecture and interior design look like, so here's a visual reminder of Baroque. Think Versailles!

(Hannibal needs to be fucked on that sinful red sofa, don't you think?)

Harris says that Hannibal's memory palace rivals the Topkapi Palace in its number of rooms. I'd never heard of it and it's never popped up in any fanfic I've read, so I looked it up. It's a museum now, but it was once an Ottoman imperial palace in Istanbul. Their website describes it super dramatically and I'm here for it:

"OTTOMAN IMPERIAL PALACE: it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans: Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) and Harem are likely to have more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives."

When I think about the aesthetic of Hannibal as a character and a series, I conjure images of the chapel at Palermo, Paris, Florence, and then Japanese influences from Murasaki and Chiyoh's influence. Ottoman or Eastern Orthodox I don't tend to associate with the vibe, so this is a cool new addition. Here are some pics:

A palace has numerous functions. Obviously, we think of it as a residence, but matters of governance are also attended to. And often, they are repurposed (think of the Louvre). Hannibal's memory palace is the same. It serves his needs. Having it framed as a museum is interesting because there are memories on display like precious objects that mustn't be touched. Museums can have awful things displayed -- torture museums, like the one in Season 3. Yet these items of the past are not destroyed. They give us insight into history. Their horror is instructive (or should be). Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, yadda yadda yadda. There's also an element of separation between the viewer of a museum artifact and the artifact itself. It's behind glass and not meant to be touched. It is static and showcased. I can't describe it exactly, but I don't think of my memories this way. Maybe it's an ADHD thing (my memory is notoriously unreliable in an executive functioning sense) or an Enneagram 4 thing (I'm very much driven by emotion) but my memories are more like an overstuffed antique shop or a Goodwill where you can paw through anything and some of it's treasure and some of it is just crap from somebody's grandma's basement.

I was curious about this sentence. "Some are static scenes, fragmentary, like painted Attic shards held together by blank plaster."

I was like, huh... why is Attic capitalized? That's telling me this isn't referencing the dusty space on the top story of the house where Ethan Hawke finds spooky 8mm film in Sinister (recent rewatch, absolutely terrifying). The key is in the capitalization. Proper adjective! So I looked up "Attic proper adjective" and found what I think I'm looking for:

It describes something related to or characteristic of Attica -- which is a region in Greece that includes Athens (I think of it like a county in a US state or a ceremonial county in the UK) -- ancient Greece, or Athens, especially in the context of classical Greek art, literature, or culture. It can also describe something simple, refined, and elegant, often associated with the classical period. Attic dialect was the language of Athens, and Attic style references architecture or art from that place and period.

"Attic" describes a style characterized by simplicity, refinement, elegance, and purity. This usage is often associated with classical Greek art and literature, which were known for their balanced proportions, clarity, and restraint.

Here's the quote again with context: "Spaces devoted to Hannibal Lecter's earliest years differ from the other archives in being incomplete. Some are static scenes, fragmentary, like painted Attic shards held together by blank plaster." The image created by the simile here is that his incomplete memories are like pieces of shattered Attic architecture reassembled with blank plaster between, nothingness filling in the gaps.

"Other rooms hold sound and motion, great snakes wrestling and heaving in the dark and lit in flashes. Pleas and screaming fill some places on the grounds where Hannibal himself cannot go. But the corridors do not echo screaming, and there is music if you like."

The snake and flashing lights image is giving Jacob's Ladder for sure. This sentence might kinda save this prologue.

And lastly, we have a couple of key points that I'm excited to explore further. The introduction makes it seem that it's being written after all of Hannibal's crimes have come to light. We leave the point of view of being able to see omnisciently into Hannibal's memory palace and get into this weird sensational objective lens (Freddie Lounds?!?!), promising to add to what we know about Hannibal that can be verified by official records. There's mention of Robert Lecter's letters being unearthed, and somehow, those are going to provide us with Hannibal's backstory.

I guess I find this weird because it seems like the intro is treating the book like it's supposed to be a fictionalized narrative of Hannibal's origin based on information found in the "real world" of the story world. Like this is a book about Hannibal's origins written by someone who exists in the story world of the other books in the series, and they based it on what was unearthed through the discovery of Robert's letters. I dunno -- I find this really strange. Like a Russian nesting doll of narratives. Fiction within fiction, drawing us further and further away from reality.

BUT it could be interesting. Later on in the paragraph it mentions that Hannibal lied about dates and other details to confuse law enforcement and "his chroniclers" -- one of whom is presumably writing this very introduction. Though I guess it should come as no surprise that Hannibal is an unreliable narrator (not that I'm sure he narrates) that adds in a fun layer of knowing that any and everything we know about him could be pure bullshit (there's a whole reddit on whether or not Hannibal Lecter exists or if Hannibal and his whole backstory is an alias and we have no idea what Hannibal's real name is or where he comes from).

But all the letters can do is offer us "vital statistics" -- verifiable dates, etc. The rest is the invention of this unnamed narrator writing a book about the origin of a "beast" as he "turns away from the teat and, working upwind, enters the world." Wow, I wasn't expecting to hear about Hannibal's canon breastfeeding kink in the first two pages of the book, but here we are!

Thanks for reading! If you want more, leave a fav, reblog, or comment.

Love, DB

[coolcatteacher]

91% Proficiency: How One Teacher Transformed Reading Outcomes In Just One Year

What if you could achieve a 40% increase in ELA proficiency in just one school year? Teacher Ezera Washington from Paterson, New Jersey, did exactly that—reaching an astounding 91% proficiency rate with her students.

In this episode, Ezera shares her proven methods for improving reading test scores while building meaningful relationships with students. You’ll learn how to:

Adapt teaching using real-time data and formative assessments.

Scaffold complex content to ensure all students meet grade-level goals.

Build strong parent-teacher partnerships to reinforce learning at home.

Inspire struggling readers to believe in their potential.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode offers actionable strategies to boost reading proficiency in your classroom.

📄 Show Notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e872

New Podcast Episode

[whentherewerebicycles]

baby is soooo active today lol he's like YEAH let's get this show on the road. i keep forgetting there's still a chance he might come early on his own too... my mom had three of her four kids at 38 weeks so who knows! maybe he'll arrive in two weeks on his own (i say, sweating).

okay... i got the day's small tasks done and so now it is just time to do the workshop slides. here is rough outline:

slide for intros

slides for opening discussion questions

slide that lists factors or qualities that make mentoring relationships challenging vs. factors that make mentoring relationships rewarding/energizing/joyful

slide that gives the core thesis of the workshop, which is something like: mentoring becomes easier, more rewarding, and more beneficial for both parties when mentors prioritize cultivating students' autonomy and giving their mentees true ownership over the work.

slide that has some kind of framing question on it... basically like, how do we do that? [here i'll talk about how most mentoring workshops and resources focus on the beginning of the mentoring relationship. they'll discuss things like mentoring contracts, or documents that lay out clear expectations for the mentor and mentee. these expectations often center on student autonomy: they might assert an expectation that students be self-directed learners who prepare for meetings in advance, communicate well, take initiative, reflect on their own learning, etc. all of that is great! it's good to name those things up front. but as mentors we have to provide students with the scaffolding and support to actually meet those expectations. we are often given fewer concrete tools and strategies for navigating the middle of the mentoring relationship, when the work is underway.]

slide explaining the purpose of this workshop: to give you some concrete strategies & structures you can use to cultivate students' autonomy within the mentoring relationship.

slide listing the strategies... I am thinking I might string them together to show how you can scaffold/integrate multiple strategies to promote student autonomy? so maybe the first string is process journals + micro-meetings + think-alouds, and the second string is maybe... informational interviews + structured peer feedback sessions + board of directors activity? or hmm a possible third string could be accountability structures + project plans + peer feedback structures? (first string is really focused on teaching students to be more reflective, to diagnose issues and identify patterns in their own work, to prepare for meetings and to learn how to identify next steps so that the faculty mentor doesn't have to bear the full cognitive load... etc. second string is focused on... idk... i have to think about this some more)

slide describing process journals (bullet points)

two slides with sample process journals

slide describing micro-meetings

slide with possible micro-meeting structure template

maybe a slide with actual example from student meeting notes?

slide describing think-alouds

slide with questions you can use to prompt a think-aloud

slide with short discussion prompts?

OK i think i will focus on generating those for now and then will think more about the second string... but let's say i did...

slide describing informational interviews

slide describing how to prep students for these... i think i had them do a workshop on cold email templates & on drafting and workshopping questions

slide describing structured peer feedback activities

slide giving an example of a structured peer feedback activity... basically a timed troika structure where three students rotate between describing a problem/challenge, asking clarifying questions, and discussing the original person's project while they listen and take notes

slide describing the "board of directors" activity one of my students came up with?? or the mentor network mindmap thing we did that one time??? idk gotta think about this one more

slide with a picture of her mentor network mindmap?? if i can find it??

slide explaining the purpose of these activities together? or this could go at the beginning... tbd... but basically the purpose is to intentionally expand the student's network and to help them develop a network of mentors (ranging from peers to other experts in the field) instead of relying wholly on their faculty mentor for answers or direction when they get stuck.

slide that restates the strategies with a discussion prompt underneath it... something like: which of these strategies resonated most with you? why? how might you adapt or extend it to make it work in your specific mentoring context? (we could take time to discuss with a partner, then come back together as a whole group to debrief)

slide with another discussion question: what are some mentoring challenges or frustrations you've encountered in your work that aren't addressed here? can we pool our knowledge/expertise as mentors to talk through some of these?

the end

[online-learning-e-tuitions]

The Use of Phonics in Bilingual and Multilingual Classrooms

Bilingual and multilingual classrooms are settings where students and teachers use more than one language for communication and learning. Bilingual and multilingual classrooms can have different models and goals, such as dual language, bilingual, or translanguaging programs. In these classrooms, students can benefit from learning phonics in both their home language and English, as well as transferring their phonics knowledge across languages.

Here are some benefits and challenges of using phonics in bilingual and multilingual classrooms, as well as some strategies and resources for teachers.

Benefits of Using Phonics in Bilingual and Multilingual Classrooms

Phonics can help students develop phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds in spoken words. Phonemic awareness is a crucial skill for reading, as it allows students to apply their knowledge of phonics to decode unfamiliar words. Phonemic awareness can be developed in any language, and it can transfer across languages that share similar sounds.

Phonics can help students learn the alphabetic principle, which is the understanding that letters represent sounds in written words. The alphabetic principle can also be learned in any language, and it can transfer across languages that use the same or similar writing systems. For example, students who learn the letter-sound correspondences in Spanish can use them to read and write English words that have the same or similar spellings, such as cat/gato or sun/sol.

Phonics can help students develop vocabulary and comprehension skills in both languages. Vocabulary is the set of words that a person knows and uses. Comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what they read. Vocabulary and comprehension depend on both decoding skills (using phonics) and linguistic skills (using grammar and meaning). By learning phonics in both languages, students can access more words and texts in each language, as well as make connections between languages.

Challenges of Using Phonics in Bilingual and Multilingual Classrooms

Phonics can be challenging for students who speak languages that have different sounds or writing systems from English. For example, students who speak Mandarin Chinese may have difficulty with some English sounds that do not exist in their language, such as /th/ or /r/. Students who speak Arabic may have difficulty with some English letters that do not exist in their writing system, such as p or v. Teachers need to be aware of these differences and provide explicit instruction and practice for students to master them.

Phonics can be challenging for students who speak languages that have different spelling rules or patterns from English. For example, students who speak French may have difficulty with some English spellings that do not follow the same rules or patterns as their language, such as silent letters (e.g., knife) or irregular spellings (e.g., said). Teachers need to be aware of these differences and provide explicit instruction and practice for students to learn them.

Phonics can be challenging for teachers who need to balance the use of two or more languages in their instruction. Teachers need to be strategic in their use of the languages, such as choosing which language to use for which purpose, when to switch languages, and how to scaffold students’ learning in each language. Teachers also need to coordinate their instruction across languages, such as aligning the phonics skills and content that they teach in each language.

Strategies and Resources for Using Phonics in Bilingual and Multilingual Classrooms

Teachers can use a systematic and explicit approach to teach phonics in both languages. A systematic approach means that teachers follow a logical sequence of phonics skills from simple to complex, such as starting with short vowels and consonants and moving on to long vowels and consonant blends. An explicit approach means that teachers teach each phonics skill directly and clearly, such as explaining the sound-spelling relationship, modeling how to read and write words with that skill, and providing guided practice and feedback.

Teachers can use a cross-linguistic approach to teach phonics across languages. A cross-linguistic approach means that teachers make connections between the languages that students speak and learn, such as highlighting the similarities and differences between the sounds and spellings of words in each language, using cognates (words that have the same or similar meaning and form across languages) to build vocabulary and comprehension, and using translanguaging (the flexible use of multiple languages) to support communication and learning.

Teachers can use a variety of activities and materials to teach phonics in both languages. Some examples of activities and materials are:

Sound boxes: a visual tool that helps students segment and blend sounds in words. They consist of a long rectangle divided into squares that represent the number of sounds in a word. For example, the word cat has three sounds and three boxes: /k/ /a/ /t/. To use sound boxes for phonics, write the word on a board or a card and draw the corresponding sound boxes below it. Then, ask students to say each sound in the word as they point to each box. Next, ask them to write each letter or letter combination that makes each sound in each box. Finally, ask them to say the whole word as they slide their finger under the boxes.

Flashcards: a simple and effective way to review phonics skills with students. They can be used for individual or group practice, as well as for games and activities. To make flashcards for phonics, write each word or letter-sound correspondence on a card or use pre-made cards from online sources. To use flashcards for phonics, show each card to a student or a group of students and ask them to read the word or say the sound aloud. If they read it correctly, praise them and move on to the next card. If they read it incorrectly or hesitate for more than three seconds, tell them the correct word or sound and ask them to repeat it. Then put the card aside and review it again later.

Books or texts: a rich and authentic way to expose students to phonics skills in both languages. Teachers can select books or texts that contain words with the phonics skills that they are teaching, such as short vowels, long vowels, consonant blends, etc. Teachers can also select books or texts that are bilingual or multilingual, such as books that have the same story in two languages or texts that mix languages. Teachers can use books or texts for phonics instruction by:

Reading aloud: reading the book or text aloud to students and drawing their attention to the words with the phonics skills that they are learning, such as asking them to identify the sounds or spellings of those words.

Shared reading: reading the book or text together with students and inviting them to join in reading the words with the phonics skills that they are learning, such as asking them to point to those words or read them aloud.

Independent reading: allowing students to read the book or text on their own or with a partner and encouraging them to practice the phonics skills that they are learning, such as asking them to find those words or write them down.

Using phonics in bilingual and multilingual classrooms can help students develop their reading and writing skills in both their home language and English, as well as enhance their bilingualism and multilingualism. Phonics is not only a skill, but also a resource that students can use to access more languages and literacies.

If you want your kids to learn phonics must visit e-Tuitions. e-Tuitions offers the best online phonics classes for kids. Learn from experts and experienced teachers who use fun and interactive methods to teach phonics. Choose from different phonics teaching methods to suit your child’s needs and preferences. Book free demo class today and join e-Tuitions to help your child fly with phonics!

[rbaksa]

Readerly Response #4

Due date of assigned reading: October 2

Title of assigned course reading: “Collaborative Reading and Writing: Learning in the Company of Peers” (Chapter 4) 

Big Takeaway: For collaborative reading and writing to be effective, teachers must explicitly teach routines, have a purpose or goal for each activity, and scaffold students to ensure productivity. 

Nugget: After reading this chapter, I realized that a lot of preparation must happen before students are ready to work collaboratively. For younger students, teachers need to explicitly teach skills that I take for granted, such as how to ask for help or disagree with someone. Teachers also must be very intentional with the activities they choose for students to complete collaboratively. I especially liked the concept of deliberative practice because it is structured to ensure students are challenging themselves and engaging meaningfully with their peers. The ReQuest approach was interesting, too. Teachers should scaffold students as they practice working in pairs, discussing a text, and formulating questions. This scaffolding can take the form of modeling what pair work looks like, providing a procedure for discussing the text, and providing question words for students to use. I can see myself using either of these practices in my classroom. 

Title of assigned course reading: “Small-Group Reading Instruction: Targeted Support through Guided Reading.” (Chapter 5)

Big Takeaway: Small-group reading instruction enables students to practice what they have learned in whole-group instruction, receive scaffolding based on individual needs, and use their developing reading strategies alongside peers. 

Nugget: I love sharing stories with children, so the guidance for class discussion is helpful. I liked the idea of having a ring of comprehension questions I could grab before the discussion. Using similar questions each time gives students practice answering them and allows them to know what to expect. I also liked the suggestion of having students direct their answers to the class instead of the teacher. Perhaps, to give students practice with this, I can have them discuss their answers in pairs or small groups before I call on a student to share with the class. Or, I can have a simple prompt, like “Tell your friends!” to encourage students to face the class instead of looking only at me when they talk.

Readerly Exploration Task: I chose the task where I documented my initial response after I read. First, I would read the chapter. Then, if something stood out to me, I would record how it made me feel or what it made me think. I would continue to read until something else stood out to me. Documenting my thoughts as I read was easy because I tend to do this. Whenever I read for fun, I annotate my books, and this task reminded me of that. I appreciated this readerly exploration because it allowed me to connect what I read to my elementary school experiences, what I see in field placement, and what I hope to do in my future classroom. I always understand the content better when I can provide an authentic example of how I observe it in my own experiences. For example, chapter four provided a sample calendar for introducing literacy routines in the classroom. I remember this calendar well because I connected it to my field experience and noted that I wanted to use something similar when I teach. Similarly, I remember how the text explains dyad reading because I wrote a question. What I observe in field placement is slightly similar yet very different from how the text describes the approach, and my question highlights this comparing and contrasting that took place while I read. 

Multimedia Documentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gy6suTu2Z7vpKi3_OX-IuxbgQaNAiioy/view?usp=sharing

This is a link to my notes I took while reading. In yellow, I highlighted what came from the text. Underneath, I wrote my reflection.

[scholarinfohub]

23 Highest Paying Alternative Careers for Teachers in 2025/26 (You Won’t Believe #7!)

Teachers are natural-born leaders, communicators, and problem-solvers. Yet, thousands are asking the same burning question: “What’s next for me beyond the classroom?”

If you're one of the many educators seeking a fresh, lucrative path, whether due to burnout, pay ceilings, or a thirst for reinvention, you're not alone. And here's the good news: the skills you've sharpened in the classroom are exactly what many top-paying industries are starving for.

From tech to training and even into entrepreneurship, here are 23 of the highest-paying alternative careers for teachers in 2025/26, with salaries to turn heads and roles that reward your experience in unexpected ways.

1. Instructional Designer

Avg. Salary: $85K–$110K

Create digital learning content, training modules, and corporate onboarding experiences. Your knack for scaffolding lessons translates directly into designing engaging, results-driven education for adult learners and employees.

2. Corporate Trainer

Avg. Salary: $75K–$100K

Lead workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions in workplace environments. Replace classroom chaos with conference rooms while empowering professionals to improve skills and productivity through clear, motivating instruction.

3. UX Designer

Avg. Salary: $90K–$130K

Design intuitive user experiences for websites, apps, and software. Teachers thrive here by applying empathy, feedback analysis, and design thinking—no tech degree required, just solid UX training.

4. Project Manager

Avg. Salary: $85K–$120K

Coordinate people, timelines, and resources. If you’ve juggled lesson plans, behavior plans, and parent emails, you’ve already done project management. Add a PMP or CAPM, and you’re off!

5. Education Consultant

Avg. Salary: $80K–$105K

Work independently or with companies to advise on curriculum, policy, or classroom technology. Your on-the-ground knowledge is priceless to organizations trying to innovate in education.

6. E-Learning Developer

Avg. salary: $75K–$95K

Build interactive online courses using tools like Articulate or Captivate. It’s tech + pedagogy—perfect for creative educators with a love for visual design and digital learning.

7. Sales Engineer

Avg. Salary: $100K–$150K

Yes, teachers can thrive in high-paying tech sales. Explain complex products to clients using your communication and teaching skills. Think: less selling, more storytelling and problem-solving.

8. Human Resources Manager

Avg. Salary: $90K–$115K

Handle recruiting, employee relations, training, and team culture. Your people skills and experience managing diverse personalities make you a natural fit for this behind-the-scenes business powerhouse role.

9. Tech Support Specialist

Avg. Salary: $65K–$90K

Diagnose and solve technical issues for users. Sound familiar? You’ve already helped students troubleshoot Chromebooks—now do it professionally in industries where tech fluency meets customer care.

10. Curriculum Writer

Avg. Salary: $70K–$100K

Design standards-aligned lesson content for publishers, edtech firms, or districts. Your classroom-tested ideas become scalable resources that reach thousands of educators and learners worldwide.

11. Content Marketing Manager

Avg. Salary: $85K–$110K

Write compelling content for blogs, campaigns, and social platforms. Great for teachers who can blend storytelling, research, and strategy—plus, it taps into your creative writing chops.

12. College Academic Advisor

Avg. Salary: $60K–$80K

Guide students through course selection, career planning, and academic success. If you loved mentoring students without the grading pile, this is your sweet spot.

13. Policy Analyst (Education Focus)

Avg. Salary: $80K–$120K

Use your real-world experience to shape policies that affect classrooms. Analyze data, prepare reports, and influence decisions in government, nonprofits, or advocacy organizations.

14. Real Estate Agent

Avg. Salary: $70K–$150K

Work flexible hours, helping clients buy or sell homes. Strong communication and trust-building skills, hallmarks of great teachers, are your edge in this commission-based, people-centric career.

15. Digital Learning Strategist

Avg. Salary: $95K–$125K

Help businesses design digital training strategies that drive performance. This role blends education, tech, and data, ideal for those with edtech exposure and a strategic mindset.

16. Healthcare Trainer

Avg. Salary: $85K–$105K

Train medical staff in new technologies, protocols, or systems. Teaching experience meets life-saving impact in this niche but growing field—often offered by healthcare providers or private firms.

17. Freelance Writer/Editor

Avg. Salary: $40K–$120K

Work independently writing blogs, curriculum, books, or website copy. Turn your voice and expertise into a career that’s as flexible as it is fulfilling.

18. Behavior Analyst (with certification)

Avg. Salary: $70K–$100K

Using data and psychology, help individuals improve their behaviors. Teachers, especially in special ed, transition well into this high-impact role with BCBA certification.

19. Non-Profit Program Director

Avg. Salary: $75K–$110K

Oversee educational or youth-centered programs. Your leadership experience and heart for impact make you a strong candidate to lead in the nonprofit sector.

20. Entrepreneur/Business Owner

$Unlimited

Build your own tutoring company, edtech app, or curriculum store. Teachers make bold, scrappy founders with insight into what learners really need.

21. Library Media Specialist

Avg. Salary: $65K–$85K

Manage school or digital libraries and teach students information literacy. It’s ideal for book lovers and tech-minded educators who want a quieter, structured setting.

22. Cybersecurity Analyst

Avg. Salary: $95K–$130K

Protect systems from hacks and breaches. With online bootcamps and free training available, it’s a surprisingly achievable pivot for detail-oriented teachers.

23. Life Coach/Career Coach

Avg. Salary: $60K–$150K

Use your people skills to guide clients through change. Teachers make powerful coaches thanks to their ability to listen, motivate, and scaffold goals.

Final Thoughts

Teachers aren’t “just” teachers. You’re strategists. Communicators. Planners. Innovators. And yes, highly hireable in the 2025/26 economy. If you’re feeling stuck, this list isn’t just inspiration, it’s a roadmap. The future isn’t about leaving teaching behind. It’s about evolving your impact. So... which of these surprised you most? Drop your thoughts, questions, or stories below—someone else might need to hear what you have to say.

[learn-2-write]

Demystifying Creative Writing: A Parent’s Guide to 11+ Success

Creative writing often feels like an enigma to many parents supporting their child’s 11+ preparation. Unlike maths or verbal reasoning, creative writing doesn’t follow a strict formula. Instead, it relies on a blend of imagination, structure, vocabulary, and flair. This guide will break down the essentials of creative writing and introduce how a Guided Writing Service or a Creative Writing Comprehension Course can make all the difference.

Why Creative Writing Matters in the 11+ Exams

Creative writing is a common component in 11+ entrance exams, especially for independent and grammar schools. It allows examiners to assess:

A child’s ability to express ideas clearly

Command of grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Imagination and originality

Vocabulary range

Narrative structure

Children are often asked to write a story, continuation, or descriptive passage. Marks are awarded for both creativity and technical precision.

The Challenges Parents Face

For many parents, helping their child with creative writing can feel daunting. While it’s easy to spot spelling errors, it’s harder to assess pacing, tension, and narrative voice. Questions like "Is this story interesting enough?" or "How can we improve this description?" are common.

This is where Guided Writing can provide clarity and structure.

Understanding Guided Writing

What Is Guided Writing?

Guided writing is a teaching strategy that provides structured support to young writers. Unlike free writing, guided writing offers clear prompts, planning techniques, and scaffolded feedback. It's particularly effective for 11+ students who need to master storytelling within a tight time limit.

How Does a Guided Writing Service Work?

A Guided Writing Service helps children improve their writing through:

Personalised feedback

Practice tasks modelled on real 11+ exam prompts

Focused lessons on vocabulary, sentence structure, and storytelling

Targeted exercises to improve weaknesses

Services can be delivered in person or more commonly through Guided Writing Courses Online, which provide flexibility and consistency in learning.

The Power of Guided Writing Courses Online

Accessibility and Flexibility

Enrolling in Guided Writing Courses Online means your child can learn at their own pace, from the comfort of home. These courses often include video tutorials, downloadable resources, and expert feedback on assignments.

Benefits for Parents

Online courses offer transparency. Parents can see progress reports, review lesson plans, and understand the areas where their child excels or struggles. No more guesswork—just measurable results.

Continuous Improvement

The most effective online courses track improvement over time, gradually increasing difficulty and complexity. This builds your child’s confidence and prepares them for the rigours of the 11+ exam.

What to Look for in a Creative Writing Comprehension Course

A well-rounded Creative Writing Comprehension Course combines imaginative writing tasks with reading comprehension strategies. This dual approach helps students:

Recognise literary techniques in passages

Apply those techniques in their own writing

Understand how writers build mood, tension, and character

Look for courses that include:

Model answers and sample stories: These help children learn by example.

Breakdown of writing structures: For instance, story arcs, paragraph planning, and opening hooks.

Regular writing tasks: Practice is key.

Marking and feedback: Constructive criticism allows for tangible progress.

Practical Tips for Parents Supporting 11+ Creative Writing

Create a Writing Routine

Set aside regular time for writing. Even 20 minutes a day can yield significant improvement. Encourage your child to write short stories, character profiles, or descriptions of real-world events.

Read Widely and Often

Reading is essential for writing. Introduce your child to a variety of genres—mystery, adventure, fantasy, and historical fiction. The more they read, the better they’ll write.

Use Prompts Creatively

Instead of generic prompts, ask your child:

“What would happen if your favourite book character entered this scene?”

“Describe the setting using all five senses.”

“Write a letter from one character to another.”

These questions foster deeper thinking and more engaging stories.

Focus on One Skill at a Time

Trying to improve everything at once can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on one skill per week:

Week 1: Strong openings

Week 2: Character development

Week 3: Dialogue

Week 4: Descriptive language

Use feedback from a Guided Writing Service to identify priorities.

How Guided Writing Enhances 11+ Success

Guided writing isn’t about giving children the answers. It’s about providing them with the tools and techniques to become confident, independent writers. Whether through a Guided Writing Course Online or a structured Creative Writing Comprehension Course, students receive:

Targeted support tailored to their level

Exposure to a variety of writing styles

Feedback that builds rather than discourages

A safe space to experiment, revise, and grow

Final Thoughts: Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

Creative writing doesn’t have to be intimidating—for you or your child. With the right structure, feedback, and practice, every child can learn to express themselves effectively. As a parent, your support matters, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Investing in a Guided Writing Service or enrolling your child in a Creative Writing Comprehension Course is not just about passing the 11+ exam. It’s about nurturing a lifelong skill that will benefit them academically and creatively.

So, demystify the process. Make creative writing enjoyable, structured, and meaningful—and watch your child’s confidence soar.

[robinsonedu]

At the point when we recognize main drivers with compassion, we can interface students to essential backings. This understanding of restorative discipline practices in schools works with mending while at the same time assembling trust.

[curriculummappingedusfere]

How are Teachers using Curriculum Mapping to Design More Effective Lessons?

If you’re an educator today, you’re juggling more than just lesson plans. You’re balancing diverse learning needs, rapidly evolving state standards, tech integration and parent expectations. And all of this all while ensuring every student in your class meets benchmarks. Does this sound familiar?

This isn’t just a teacher’s dilemma, it’s a system-wide challenge. But amidst the chaos, one strategy is quietly transforming how educators teach and how students learn — Curriculum Mapping. What was once reserved for administrative audits or end-of-the-year reviews, is now being embraced by teachers as a daily essential tool for planning lessons that are targeted, effective and equitable.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Curriculum Mapping looks like in the classroom, how it elevates lesson planning and why it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern day Curriculum Management.

The Growing Instructional Demands on Teachers

In the U.S. alone, 73% of teachers say they don’t have enough time to plan high-quality lessons due to increasing workload demands (RAND Corporation, 2023).

At the same time, classrooms are becoming more diverse- linguistically, culturally and academically. This is compelling educators to tailor their instruction more than ever. Yet most schools continue to rely on outdated curriculum templates, disconnected systems or over-reliance on textbooks. These limitations leave teachers feeling reactive, not strategic, and the stakes are high.

In fact, according to a McKinsey report, students who fall behind even one academic year may take up to three years to catch up without targeted interventions. That’s why the ability to proactively design lessons, instead of just delivering them, is a priority, and this is where Curriculum Mapping changes the game.

What Curriculum Mapping Really Means for Effective Teaching

Picture curriculum mapping as the Google Maps for teaching. It’s more than just a static document. It’s a dynamic, visual representation of what’s being taught, how, when and why. It ensures alignment with standards, assessments and desired student outcomes, guiding educators on the most effective path forward.

At the classroom level, it answers critical questions like:

Are we teaching to the standards or just to the textbook?

Are we scaffolding learning over time?

Are we identifying gaps and overlaps in instruction across grades or subjects?

Here are the core components of a Curriculum Map:

Learning objectives (aligned to standards)

Instructional strategies

Assessments

Resources and materials

Differentiation plans

Scope and sequence

And unlike static binders or shared Google Docs, modern curriculum mapping tools allow for collaborative, real-time editing, cross-grade insights and alignment with state and district mandates.

What does Curriculum Mapping look like at the Classroom Level?

Before we dive into the broader impact, it’s important to understand how curriculum mapping comes alive in day-to-day teaching. This isn’t just a strategic tool sitting on an administrator’s dashboard. It’s a living, breathing part of how teachers plan lessons, respond to student needs and align instruction with standards.

When done right, curriculum mapping becomes the invisible architecture that supports every classroom decision, from choosing a text to sequencing a unit.

1. Unit Planning with clarity and consistency

Instead of starting every unit from scratch, teachers refer to a mapped curriculum that outlines:

Grade-level expectations

Prior knowledge from earlier units

Interdisciplinary connections

This lets them build on previous learning, avoid redundancy and maintain pacing. Teachers can also co-plan with colleagues across subjects for integrated units (e.g., linking a 5th-grade science unit on ecosystems with an English unit on environmental fiction).

Research Shows: Schools that use collaborative curriculum mapping report a 35% increase in cross-grade instructional coherence (EdWeek Research Center, 2023).

2. Daily Lesson Planning with purpose

With curriculum maps, teachers don’t just pick activities. They align every lesson to a larger goal. For example, instead of just teaching a persuasive writing lesson in isolation, the teacher sees how it connects to:

State literacy standards

Upcoming assessments

A larger project (e.g., writing a letter to a local official)

This macro-to-micro view empowers teachers to prioritize time, differentiate early, and pre-empt misconceptions.

How Curriculum Mapping improves Lesson Planning and differentiation?

One of the most powerful impacts of curriculum mapping? It gives teachers visibility into student pathways and the ability to design interventions that actually work. Here’s how:

1. Better differentiation with data

With curriculum maps aligned to assessments, teachers can spot where students tend to struggle (e.g., fractions in 4th grade) and plan targeted supports ahead of time. They can group students based on readiness, modify tasks, or integrate scaffolds. More importantly, they’re not guessing, they’re planning with intent.

According to the Data Quality Campaign, 82% of teachers say having access to aligned curriculum data improves their ability to differentiate instruction.

2. Streamlining Instructional Gaps

Many districts struggle with instructional gaps between grades. A mapped curriculum solves this by :

Highlighting skills that are under-taught Identifying units with misaligned standards Ensuring vertical alignment from K-12

This helps in smoother transitions and reduces re-teaching time in subsequent grades.

3. Designing for Equity and Inclusion

Curriculum maps also help surface representation gaps like identifying a lack of culturally responsive texts or diverse historical perspectives. With this insight, teachers can enrich units, bring in varied voices and create inclusive learning experiences that resonate with every student.

The Role of Technology in Modern Curriculum Mapping

A modern curriculum management platform like Edusfere has transformed mapping from a manual task to a strategic advantage.

Here are the key benefits of using Edusfere for your curriculum management goals:

Real-time updates across teams

Alignment to national/state standards

Searchable and filterable maps

Built-in collaboration and feedback features

This kind of visibility breaks silos between departments, supports instructional coaching and ensures that everyone- from the principal to the paraprofessional, is working from the same playbook.

Research Shows: Schools using tech-driven curriculum mapping platforms report up to 40% more time saved in unit planning and 27% increase in standards coverage accuracy. (EdTech Digest, 2023)

How one Middle School transformed planning

At a public middle school in North Carolina, teachers struggled with inconsistent pacing and student achievement gaps in math. Here’s how things improved after implementing a tech-enabled curriculum mapping solution:

Teachers collaborated to map math units for grades 6 to 8.

Weekly planning meetings used maps to guide differentiation.

Data from assessments were fed back into the maps to update strategies.

The above factors had a remarkable impact on both students and teachers. Here’s what happened:

Math scores rose by 17%;

Teachers reported a 42% increase in lesson planning efficiency;

Students who risked falling behind, received tailored support three weeks earlier than in the previous years.

Mapping with Data: Teaching with Precision

Curriculum mapping is no longer a luxury. It’s indispensable in modern day education.

In a world where teachers are asked to do more with less, curriculum mapping puts them back in control. It connects instruction to purpose, planning to progress and strategy to student success. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader or edtech provider, the message is clear:

When we map with intent, we teach with impact. Precision Teaching starts with Edusfere At Edusfere, we help schools and educators and content providers turn curriculum chaos into clarity. Our platform is built for modern curriculum management, empowering you to:

Align your curriculum to standards Design personalized, data-driven lessons Collaborate across teams with ease

Book a demo session to see how Edusfere can simplify curriculum mapping for you and your team.

[sathcreation]

Expert GCSE Teachers – Transforming Education at Gritty Tech

The Role of Expert GCSE Teachers in Modern Education

Expert GCSE Teachers are the foundation of academic success for students preparing for one of the most pivotal exams in their lives. These professionals bring not just subject knowledge, but also strategic understanding of the GCSE curriculum, marking schemes, and individual exam board nuances.

At Gritty Tech, expert GCSE Teachers are carefully selected through a rigorous recruitment process. This ensures that every student receives instruction from individuals who are not only qualified but also experienced and passionate about teaching. These teachers do more than just deliver content; they shape futures For More…

Personalized Learning with Expert GCSE Teachers

One of the standout qualities of expert GCSE Teachers is their ability to tailor instruction to individual student needs. At Gritty Tech, personalization is at the heart of every lesson. Through diagnostic assessments, learning profiles, and continuous feedback, expert GCSE Teachers design bespoke learning plans that target specific weaknesses and build on strengths.

This personalized approach helps reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and significantly improve performance across subjects like Math, English, and Sciences.

Why Choose Gritty Tech for Expert GCSE Teachers?

Gritty Tech isn’t just another tutoring platform. It’s a complete ecosystem designed to nurture student growth. What sets Gritty Tech apart is its commitment to employing only expert GCSE Teachers who meet high educational standards and show proven results.

The platform offers:

Real-time interactive lessons led by expert GCSE Teachers.

Performance tracking dashboards that allow students and parents to monitor progress.

One-to-one sessions and group classes, all tailored by expert GCSE Teachers to match different learning styles.

Regular mock exams prepared and marked by experienced examiners and expert GCSE Teachers.

Academic Excellence Through Expert GCSE Teachers

Students often struggle not because they lack ability but because they don’t receive the right guidance. Expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech bridge this gap. They focus not only on delivering knowledge but also on instilling exam techniques, time management skills, and revision strategies.

For example, an expert GCSE Teacher in Mathematics might identify a student’s difficulty with algebra and immediately apply a scaffolded approach, breaking down problems into manageable steps. Meanwhile, expert GCSE Teachers in English may focus on how to build persuasive arguments in essays, using real past papers and detailed model answers.

Subject Specialization – The Gritty Tech Advantage

Gritty Tech’s expert GCSE Teachers are subject specialists. This means that your child’s Science teacher isn't just a generalist—they’re a Physics, Chemistry, or Biology expert who understands the unique demands of the GCSE syllabus.

In English, expert GCSE Teachers help students develop analytical skills, interpret complex texts, and craft compelling arguments. In Maths, they teach students how to approach complex problems methodically and with confidence.

Whether it's History, Geography, or Modern Languages, Gritty Tech’s team of expert GCSE Teachers ensures that every subject is taught with depth and clarity.

Continuous Professional Development for Expert GCSE Teachers

Education is ever-evolving, and so are the teachers at Gritty Tech. All expert GCSE Teachers undergo regular training to stay updated with changes in curriculum, technology, and teaching methodology.

These professional development sessions include:

Workshops on digital teaching tools.

Updates on GCSE syllabus changes.

Training in inclusive teaching strategies.

This ensures that every expert GCSE Teacher at Gritty Tech is not only current but also equipped to handle diverse learning needs.

Building Confidence with Expert GCSE Teachers

Confidence is a major determinant of academic performance. Expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech focus on building student confidence by celebrating small wins, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging a growth mindset.

Rather than penalizing mistakes, these teachers use them as opportunities to learn. This philosophy creates a safe and supportive environment where students are not afraid to ask questions or tackle challenging topics.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Over 90% of students taught by expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech have reported improved grades within just one term. Many students have progressed from failing to passing, or from average to top-tier scores. Testimonials from both parents and students consistently highlight the professionalism, empathy, and effectiveness of Gritty Tech’s expert GCSE Teachers.

Technology-Enhanced Learning with Expert GCSE Teachers

At Gritty Tech, technology and teaching go hand in hand. Expert GCSE Teachers use a variety of tools to make lessons engaging and effective. These include:

Interactive whiteboards for real-time problem-solving.

Video analysis for literature and science experiments.

Instant quizzes and feedback forms to gauge understanding.

By leveraging technology, expert GCSE Teachers ensure that students stay engaged and can revisit recorded lessons for revision.

Support Beyond the Classroom

Expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech go beyond lesson time. They provide:

Homework help via live chat.

Revision resources customized for each student.

Parent-teacher consultations to align learning goals.

This 360-degree support ensures that no student is left behind.

Preparing Students for Life Beyond GCSEs

While GCSEs are important, expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech also prepare students for future academic and career pathways. They focus on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—skills that are valuable for A-Levels, university, and the workplace.

Through career talks and university prep sessions, students gain insights into their next steps, all guided by expert GCSE Teachers who have been there before.

Gritty Tech’s Vision: Every Student Deserves an Expert GCSE Teacher

The philosophy at Gritty Tech is simple: every student, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to expert GCSE Teachers. This belief drives everything the platform does, from hiring the best talent to investing in student success.

By removing geographical barriers and offering affordable pricing plans, Gritty Tech ensures that expert GCSE Teachers are accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few.

Real Success Stories

From a struggling Year 10 student who went on to ace his GCSEs, to a high-performing student looking for that final grade boost—Gritty Tech has countless success stories. Behind each one is a dedicated expert GCSE Teacher who believed in the student’s potential.

Conclusion: Your Path to Success Starts with Expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech

If you're serious about GCSE success, there’s no better investment than learning with expert GCSE Teachers. And there’s no better place to find them than Gritty Tech.

Whether you need support in a single subject or a comprehensive academic plan, expert GCSE Teachers at Gritty Tech are ready to guide you every step of the way.

[aryacollegeofengineering]

Methods for achieving excellence in the classroom and beyond

Arya College of Engineering & I.T. helps students achieve excellence in the classroom and beyond through a combination of effective teaching strategies, student engagement techniques, and personal development methods. Here are some key methods to help educators and students excel:

Methods for Achieving Excellence in the Classroom

1. High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS)

Clear Learning Intentions and Goals: Lessons should have clear objectives that clarify what success looks like, helping students understand what they need to learn and do.

Explicit Teaching: Teachers should demonstrate learning intentions and success criteria, check for understanding, and summarize lessons.

Worked Examples: Use worked examples to scaffold learning, reduce cognitive load, and support skill acquisition.

Collaborative Learning: Encourage group work where students participate actively in learning tasks, fostering peer learning and problem-solving.

Multiple Exposures: Provide multiple opportunities for students to engage with new knowledge over time.

Questioning and Feedback: Regularly use questioning to engage students and provide timely, specific feedback to improve performance.

2. Effective Teaching Methods

Technology-Based Learning: Utilize technology to enhance learning efficiency and accessibility, such as virtual classrooms and educational software.

Group Learning: Encourage collaboration and teamwork to develop communication and problem-solving skills.

Inquiry-Based Learning: Promote active learning by encouraging students to investigate and solve problems independently.

Kinesthetic Learning: Engage students through movement and hands-on activities to enhance retention and enjoyment.

3. Classroom Management

Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and criteria for participation to maintain a productive classroom environment.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort but emphasize mastery, ensuring students strive for complete understanding.

Methods for Achieving Excellence Beyond the Classroom

1. Personalized Learning

Tailor instruction to individual needs by offering choices and differentiating assignments, allowing students to lead projects and explore various learning styles.

2. Fostering a Growth Mindset

Encourage students to believe that abilities can be developed through effort, acknowledging progress and teaching resilience in the face of challenges.

3. Encouraging Exploration

Provide opportunities for independent study, incorporate real-world examples, and expose students to diverse professions and disciplines to foster curiosity and exploration.

4. Mentoring and Self-Assessment

Encourage peer mentoring and self-assessment to manage stress and utilize effective learning strategies.

By implementing these strategies, educators can create an environment that supports academic excellence and personal growth both in and beyond the classroom.

How does scaffolding learning benefit students

Benefits of Scaffolding

Improves Comprehension and Retention

Scaffolding helps students understand complex concepts by breaking them down into manageable parts, which enhances comprehension and retention of information.

It provides a supportive environment where students can build on their existing knowledge, making learning more effective.

Boosts Confidence and Engagement

By providing temporary support, scaffolding helps students transition from feeling overwhelmed to becoming self-assured as they gradually master new skills.

It fosters a positive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and engage actively in their learning process.

Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Scaffolding encourages critical thinking and problem-solving by gradually reducing support, allowing students to make connections independently.

It helps bridge gaps in understanding, ensuring students can apply new concepts effectively.

Promotes Independent Learning

As scaffolding support is gradually removed, students develop self-directed learning skills and become more independent in managing their learning.

This approach helps students take ownership of their learning, leading to increased motivation and engagement.

Differentiates Instruction

Scaffolding allows teachers to tailor instruction to individual learning styles and needs, ensuring that all students have an attainable path to learning.

It helps identify gaps in understanding and provides targeted support, ensuring students meet instructional objectives.

Reduces Frustration

By providing structured steps to learning, scaffolding minimizes frustration and builds momentum, keeping students engaged and motivated.

Source: Click Here

[educationtech]

Achieving Excellence in the Classroom: The Power of "Right Is Right" - Arya College

Arya College of Engineering & I.T. helps students achieve excellence in the classroom and beyond through a combination of effective teaching strategies, student engagement techniques, and personal development methods. Here are some key methods to help educators and students excel:

Methods for Achieving Excellence in the Classroom

1. High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS)

Clear Learning Intentions and Goals: Lessons should have clear objectives that clarify what success looks like, helping students understand what they need to learn and do.

Explicit Teaching: Teachers should demonstrate learning intentions and success criteria, check for understanding, and summarize lessons.

Worked Examples: Use worked examples to scaffold learning, reduce cognitive load, and support skill acquisition.

Collaborative Learning: Encourage group work where students participate actively in learning tasks, fostering peer learning and problem-solving.

Multiple Exposures: Provide multiple opportunities for students to engage with new knowledge over time.

Questioning and Feedback: Regularly use questioning to engage students and provide timely, specific feedback to improve performance.

2. Effective Teaching Methods

Technology-Based Learning: Utilize technology to enhance learning efficiency and accessibility, such as virtual classrooms and educational software.

Group Learning: Encourage collaboration and teamwork to develop communication and problem-solving skills.

Inquiry-Based Learning: Promote active learning by encouraging students to investigate and solve problems independently.

Kinesthetic Learning: Engage students through movement and hands-on activities to enhance retention and enjoyment.

3. Classroom Management

Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and criteria for participation to maintain a productive classroom environment.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort but emphasize mastery, ensuring students strive for complete understanding.

Methods for Achieving Excellence Beyond the Classroom

1. Personalized Learning

Tailor instruction to individual needs by offering choices and differentiating assignments, allowing students to lead projects and explore various learning styles.

2. Fostering a Growth Mindset

Encourage students to believe that abilities can be developed through effort, acknowledging progress and teaching resilience in the face of challenges.

3. Encouraging Exploration

Provide opportunities for independent study, incorporate real-world examples, and expose students to diverse professions and disciplines to foster curiosity and exploration.

4. Mentoring and Self-Assessment

Encourage peer mentoring and self-assessment to manage stress and utilize effective learning strategies.

By implementing these strategies, educators can create an environment that supports academic excellence and personal growth both in and beyond the classroom.

How does scaffolding learning benefit students

Benefits of Scaffolding

1.     Improves Comprehension and Retention

·        Scaffolding helps students understand complex concepts by breaking them down into manageable parts, which enhances comprehension and retention of information.

·        It provides a supportive environment where students can build on their existing knowledge, making learning more effective.

2.     Boosts Confidence and Engagement

·        By providing temporary support, scaffolding helps students transition from feeling overwhelmed to becoming self-assured as they gradually master new skills.

·        It fosters a positive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and engage actively in their learning process.

3.     Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

·        Scaffolding encourages critical thinking and problem-solving by gradually reducing support, allowing students to make connections independently.

·        It helps bridge gaps in understanding, ensuring students can apply new concepts effectively.

4.     Promotes Independent Learning

·        As scaffolding support is gradually removed, students develop self-directed learning skills and become more independent in managing their learning.

·        This approach helps students take ownership of their learning, leading to increased motivation and engagement.

5.     Differentiates Instruction

·        Scaffolding allows teachers to tailor instruction to individual learning styles and needs, ensuring that all students have an attainable path to learning.

·        It helps identify gaps in understanding and provides targeted support, ensuring students meet instructional objectives.

6.     Reduces Frustration

By providing structured steps to learning, scaffolding minimizes frustration and builds momentum, keeping students engaged and motivated.

[reference-titles]

Some of the references for:

Can guidance during play enhance children’s learning and development in educational contexts? A systematic review and meta-analysis DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13730

Learning through play: A review of the evidence. 

Accessing the inaccessible: Redefining play as a spectrum

The theoretical and methodological opportunities afforded by guided play with young children.

 Early child development

Teachers’ theories of play: Constructivist or social constructivist?

The role of tutoring in problem

The contribution of research in developmental psychology to early childhood education

How guided play promotes early childhood learning. 

Guided play: Principles and practice

Guided play: Where curricular goal meet a playful pedagogy. 

Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes

Promoting teacher scaffolding in small-group work: A contingency perspective. 

The language of play: Developing preschool vocabulary through play following shared book-reading

A hard-headed look at the fruits of play. 

Learning through play.

Play and its role in education. 

The effects of sociodramatic play on disadvantaged preschool children.

From child’s garden to academic press: The role of shifting institutional logics in redefining kindergarten education

Observing sociocultural activity on three planes: Participatory appropriation, guided participation, and apprenticeship. 

The cultural nature of human development. 

Research methods in practice: Strategies for description and causation. 

A continuum of play-based learning: The role of the teacher in play-based pedagogy and the fear of hijacking play. 

Play-responsive teaching in early childhood education. 

Guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews: A product of the ESRC methods programme

The psychology of intelligence.

Reconstructing readiness: Young children’s priorities for their early school adjustment. 

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Should there be a three-strikes rule against pure discovery learning? The case for guided methods of instruction.

 Play in the primary school classroom? The experience of teachers supporting children’s learning through a new pedagogy.

The impact of pretend play on children's development: A review of the evidence. 

Meta-analysis of inquiry-based learning: Effects of guidance. Review of Educational Research, 86, 681–718.

Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. 

The SAGE Handbook of developmental psychology and early childhood education 

DECP position paper: Children’s right to play. 

Putting education in ‘educational’ apps: Lessons from the science of learning

A mandate for playful learning in school: Presenting the evidence. 

The case of brain science and guided play: A developing story

Toddlers’ play in early childhood education settings. I

Does play make a difference? Effects of play intervention on at-risk preschoolers’ vocabulary learning. 

Playing around in school: Implications for learning and educational policy.

Block talk: Spatial language during block play

Early Years Foundation Stage reforms: Government consultation response

The” what” and” why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior

Striatal dopamine influences the default mode network to affect shifting between object features.

‘Play skills’ for shy children: Development of a Social Skills Facilitated Play early intervention program for extremely inhibited pre-schoolers. 

Contextual interaction between novelty and reward processing within the mesolimbic system. 

ECE teachers’ views on play-based learning: A systematic review.

The Tools of the Mind curriculum for improving self-regulation in early childhood. 

Educational effects of the Tools of the Mind curriculum: A randomized trial. 

Does discovery-based instruction enhance learning?

The paper in question:

Skene, K., O’Farrelly, C. M., Byrne, E. M., Kirby, N., Stevens, E. C., & Ramchandani, P. G. (2022). Can guidance during play enhance children’s learning and development in educational contexts? A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Child Development, 93(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13730

[rbaksa]

Readerly Response #3

Due Date of Assigned Readings: Monday, September 25

Title of Assigned Course Reading: “Defining Balance, Finding Balance” (Chapter 1) 

Big Takeaway: Literacy teachers should provide students with a balance of phonics practice and interaction with authentic texts, narrative and informational texts, opportunities to read, write, speak, and listen to language, and direct and dialogic (interactive) instruction. 

Nugget: The idea of having balanced reading and writing instruction stood out after reading this chapter. In the first-grade classroom I am in now, students receive very few opportunities to write each day. Students copy two or three sentences the teacher writes on the board and formulate only one independently. My mentor teacher says she wishes there was more time for writing practice, but it is not a part of the curriculum. I would love to incorporate the dialogic instruction this chapter discussed. This instruction would take the form of small groups, where I scaffold learners while they build sentences. This task is challenging for many students in the class, and I learned after reading this chapter that addressing writing to an equal extent as reading would enable them to become more proficient in both skills. 

Title of assigned course reading: “Independent Reading” (Chapter 7) 

Big Takeaway: Independent reading is essential for students to practice readerly habits; therefore, teachers should support students by providing various genres, teaching students how to choose texts, and monitoring their reading strategies. 

Nugget: I had not heard of “book talks” before, but I would love to incorporate them in my classroom. By leading a book talk, students have the potential to demonstrate essential literacy skills, such as retelling a story and making text-to-self connections. When students recommend a book to the class, they also practice using details from the story to support an opinion. The chapter discussed a teacher who did this in her first-grade classroom, and I think this is an ideal age for students to begin book talks. I believe students will be motivated to read and share their opinions when they see their peers doing so. The result will be a classroom community that loves and shares books, which is what I would like for my classroom. 

Readerly Exploration Task: Since I was home the weekend I did this readerly exploration, I interviewed a family member. I chose my sister Grace because she does not like reading, and hearing her thoughts about balanced literacy seemed interesting. First, I selected two quotes to share with her. One was from chapter one, which discussed the importance of incorporating direct instruction and productive struggle. The second was an excerpt from chapter seven explaining how to use books in thematic inquiry projects. I assumed it would be difficult for my sister to talk about reading because she does not like it, but I was very wrong. My sister had many opinions about these quotes that she was excited to share. 

In my sister’s twelfth-grade English class, students can complete a review packet about Lord of the Flies in small groups or independently. Grace says she always works alone because she “just wants to get it done.” She acknowledges that literacy classrooms need more “balance” (and I was very excited that she used this word because I had not explained balanced literacy to her). Grace says she does not mind direct instruction when a teacher is passionate about a book. However, she also admits this can get “boring” after a while, demonstrating the need for more exploration-driven tasks. When the conversation turned to whether students should be able to choose the books used in elementary literacy instruction, Grace became even more engaged in conversation. She expressed frustration about how her elementary reading classes were structured, with slower readers placed in lower groups. Grace always felt like teachers rushed her to finish a book without granting enough time for her to understand and interact with the material.

This conversation reinforces the importance of having a balanced literacy approach. By incorporating direct and task-based learning, students feel constantly engaged with literacy. They do not grow bored, which is essential because this boredom can lead to resentment towards the subject. I realized students need to have a say in what books they read, especially at the elementary level. Chapter seven talks about the importance of allowing students to choose what they read, and my sister demonstrates what can happen if students do not have this option. She often mentioned that she was “never much of a reader” but admitted that this may not be true if she had the freedom to choose what she read in elementary grades. Structuring literacy class to incorporate an inquiry project, where students can choose what they read to answer a question they created, is one way to enable students to spend more time with interesting materials and think critically about their interests. My sister said she wished she had projects such as these when she was in elementary school.

Multimedia Documentation:

This is a picture of my sister and I after our interview. She provided me with much insight about how a balanced literacy approach may benefit students who do not consider themselves to be readers in the way I do.