Here are some tips to help you adapt a Reader's Theater script for your classroom needs: To use a script with the whole class, divide the class into several groups and have all groups read the script and then perform it for one another. Allow students who have the same part to work together to determine characterization, voice, and expression. Or use a script with a whole group by allowing several students to choral-read certain parts. Assign a part, such as a narrator, to be read by several students together. If you pair a stronger reader with less-capable readers, you provide modeling...
Read More Post a comment (0)Reader’s theater often creates a buzz of extra excitement for your students. But if they have not learned how to channel their excitement, it can lead to behavior problems. Before using a script, explain your expectations to students, model correct behaviors, and provide opportunities for students to practice correct behaviors in a controlled environment. You can observe and make notes to provide feedback during these times. Provide independent practice time for students to demonstrate correct behaviors. For a student who has behavior problems, provide guidelines that explain the consequences of not behaving. Monitor the student’s success. Privately acknowledge the student’s accomplishment. Several...
Read More Post a comment (0)At Benchmark Education, we are all passionate about building literacy. So when asked to select 3 words that best describe Benchmark Education, our team got to work and our brainstorming resulted in the following wordle: What do you think? Did we miss any words that you may have chosen to describe Benchmark Education? Share them here!
We just came across a fascinating editorial piece in Education Week that addresses the need for professional development as part of the new shift toward the common core standards. The commentary, entitled Common-Core Work Must Include Teacher Development and written by Stephanie Hirsh, cleverly asserts that "the dramatic shift in teaching prompted by the common core will require practical, intensive, and ongoing professional learning—not one-off "spray and pray" training that exposes everyone to the same material and hopes that some of it sticks." In addition, she reminds us that new technology resources make professional learning all the more accessible via shared learning platforms and...
Read More Post a comment (0)We found this short clip featuring Dr. Timothy Shanahan helpful in understanding how the ELA Common Core Standards place a greater emphasis on complex text. Are you optimistic that the new Common Core Standards will improve reading instruction? Watch the video and share your thoughts: More Resources for Common Core: Common Core Standards Initiative Support the Common Core with Genre Books for Grades 3-8+ Support the Common Core with Genre Big Books for Grades K-2
It’s showtime! Everyone’s hard work during the past few days has led up to a performance. Since performers frequently do their best work in front of a live audience, invite students to present the script to their classmates, schoolmates, teachers, parents/guardians, office staff and principal, and other members of the community. Remember, however, that reader’s theater scripts are NOT to be memorized. Performance is done “book in hand,” as when actors do a staged reading of a play. Still, it is a live performance. And the same performing-without-a-net energy that makes live theater so vital can turn into an actor’s nightmare. Here are...
Read More Post a comment (0)We just received word that Benchmark Education won two 2012 Teacher's Choice Awards for Classic Tales and Word Study & Vocabulary Skill Bags! Hats off to the many passionate and dedicated folks responsible for making Benchmark Education a publisher of premium quality educational resources. What a great way to start the new school year!
Hurricane Irene is fast approaching the United States and we've got preparation on the brain! Will you be affected by Hurricane Irene? Are you planning to teach your students or children about hurricanes and other natural events in light of recent occurrences? Benchmark Education's Early Connections series features this relevant e-book: The Power of Nature Check it out, FREE! We hope it helps you to discuss some of these delicate subjects with your students or children. Best, The Benchmark Education Team
At Benchmark Education, we pride ourselves on developing products and services of the highest quality to meet the needs of students and educators around the world. Our motto is "Building Literacy for Life" and every one of us is dedicated to this mission. We'd like you to meet the team that is driving our mission forward every day. JENNIFER BOYLE Education, like being a Cubs fan, is in my blood. Great-grandpa was the Chairman of the English Dept. at the university I attended; he wrote textbooks published by the company he owned. Lessons in English and Busy Work is among...
Read More Post a comment (2)In a follow-up to his May 11 Education Week piece, “How to Improve Teacher Quality? Treat Teachers Like Individuals,” Greg Gunn, a venture partner at City Light Capital, wrote about the intersection between technology and differentiated instruction on Education Week’s Futures of School Reform blog. One statement in the post shocked us as much as it had Mr. Gunn. Gunn quotes a prominent educator who says that “teaching and learning is a human process, and there is no place for technology in it.” In some ways, this educator’s got it right; technology can’t replace or even mirror the human touch of an experienced...
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