Professional+Readings+and+Resources

As an teacher, it is important to embark on a journey of continual learning. It is especially important remain up to date on current trends in the field of education. Scholarly articles, books and videos are one way for a teacher to remain up to date. Listed below are books, articles and videos that I have read in an attempt to remain informed.

**Books:**



This book is an incredibly useful resource for elementary school teachers. Most classrooms contain a word wall and this book is just what teachers need to make learning word wall words a fun experience for students. The book explains many interactive games and activities to make your word wall more exciting! I have used a variety activities from this book with great success!
 * Making Your Word wall More Interactive by Trisha Callella:**

This book is a must have for teachers of all grade levels! Differentiation in Action is packed with ideas teachers can use to differentiate instruction and activities for students of all abilities. The book provides many fascinating ideas that provide students with choice and allow them to work at their own level.
 * Differentiation in Action by Judith Dodge:**

 This is an excellent book, especially for elementary school teachers.The authors demonstrate a balanced literacy block and provide teachers with many activities to use within the classroom. While working at centers, students are able to work at their own level. Centers also allow time for teachers to conference with students.
 * The Daily 5 by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser: **

**Videos:** In this video, Sir Ken Robinson states that children are by nature creative beings; however, the education system does not encourage creativity or regard it as valuable. Robinson suggests that elementary aged students are not afraid to make mistakes therefore, we need to embrace and encourage creativity while students are young, or it will be lost forever.The video brings up many interesting points and forces educators to reconsider the need for creativity in the classroom.

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**Articles:**

Daniels, Mark L. (2010). A living history classroom using re-enactment to enhance learning. //Social// //Education, 74(3),// 135-136.

Re-enactment is a creative strategy which can be used in the Social Studies classroom and extended to other subject matter. Re-enactment allows students to become actively involved in their learning and form real-world connections which enhance their learning.This article discusses the use of re-enactment in a Social Studies classroom and provides teachers with suggestions.

Risinger, C. Frederick. (2010). Using online field trips and tours in social studies. //Social Education, 74(3)//, 137-138.

Virtual field trips can be incorporated into the classroom in a number of ways, providing the teacher with flexibility. Virtual field trips can be used with an entire class, in small groups or for individual assignments. Virtual field trips are an alternative to physical field trips and are much more cost effective. The author provides many helpful resources for teachers to examine.This is an excellent article!


 * Websites: **

This website provides a variety of lesson plans for teachers who are interested in incorporating technology into their classroom. The website is a great starting point and provides teachers with many ideas.

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Smart Exchange is a great website for teachers who enjoy using the SMART Board but are not confident enough to create their own activities. The website provides numerous lesson plans for all subject areas using the SMART Board. Lessons are easily adapted to suit the needs of your students!

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This website discusses the use of podcasts in schools and provides examples of podcasts used in schools. This is a very helpful starting point for a teacher interested in podcasts.

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PBS is an excellent website for elementary school teachers. The website provides lesson plans as well as games for [|www.pbs.org/teachers]