Below are a few education stories we've bookmarked recently.
Although summer break is just beginning for many school districts nationwide, it’s never too early to begin preparing for the year ahead. While you’re enjoying more time outdoors or catching up on your own to-be-read list, here are a few articles we’ve bookmarked about important topics such as the benefits of read-alouds for all ages, innovative classroom design, the effects of chronic stress, and mental health, to keep in mind when the new school year kicks into gear.
Listening to stories: not just for elementary kids
Reading aloud is valuable for students of all grade levels, including middle school. Teachers in two Grand Rapids, Michigan-area school districts believe students should have opportunities to visualize scenes from stories and discuss the meaning of texts with peers. These middle school students also have time for independent reading at least three school days per week.
Schools are rethinking classroom design to encourage collaboration, creativity
“Open classrooms” are being created to encourage collaboration, movement and choice among students in preparation for the open office spaces they will encounter when they enter the workforce. Studies show that space for movement can improve student performance, but educators say that training to utilize these spaces effectively is essential.
Report: The effect chronic stress has on children at school — and why policymakers should care
Students bring so many personal experiences to the classroom that can have a significant impact on their ability to learn. Trauma-informed instruction is critical for addressing students’ needs so that they can reach their full potential. A new report from the Economic Policy Institute and the Opportunity Institute describes how chronic stress affects students, especially African American children and those from low-income families.
Early childhood educators in Detroit participate in monthly group sessions with a preschool behavioral health therapist to discuss the worries they have for their students. The meetings utilize an approach called reflective supervision, most commonly used in the mental health field, to help employees process their feelings about difficult situations they encounter at work.
Special education teacher's "mental health check in" for students inspires other educators
A teacher in California is making mental health a priority in her classroom with the help of a poster encouraging students to express their feelings every day. Now, educators across the country are taking similar, creative approaches to check in with their students and make mental health a focus in the classroom.
