Small Teaching K-8 Igniting the Teaching Spark with the Science of Learning

Cognitive science research-based teaching techniques any educator can implement in their K-8 classroom

In Small Teaching K-8, a team of veteran educators bridges the gap between cognitive theory and the K-8 classroom environment, applying the same foundational research found in author James Lang’s bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning to the elementary and middle school setting. Via clear descriptions and step-by-step methods, the book demonstrates how to integrate simple interventions into pre-existing pedagogical techniques to dramatically improve student outcomes.

The interventions consist of classroom or online learning activities, one-time additions, or small modifications in course design or communication. Regardless of their form, they all deliver powerful, positive consequences.

In this book, readers will also find:

• Foundational concepts from up-to-date cognitive research that has implications for classroom teaching and the rationales for using them in a K-8 classroom
• Concrete examples of how interventions have been used by faculty in various disciplines
• Directions on the specific timing of each intervention, backed by evidence-based reasons

An essential resource for K-8 educators seeking ways to improve their efficacy in the classroom, Small Teaching K-8 offers teachers intuitive and actionable advice on helping students absorb and retain knowledge for the long-term.

SARAH CONNELL SANDERS is an accomplished educator and writer with a master’s degree in education from Boston College. She is a regular correspondent for Worcester Magazine and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

JAMES M. LANG is a former professor of English and director of the D’Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption University. He is the author of six books, including the bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning.

Introduction 6

Part I: Knowing: The Six-Minute Fix 10

Chapter 1: Retrieving 12

What’s the Theory? 15

In Short  18

Models 18

Three-Two-One 19

Closing Questions 20

Big Basket Quizzes 21

Multi-Part Quizzes 22

Polling 22

Principles 23

Frequency Matters 23

Align Practice and Assessment 23

Require Thinking 24

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Retrieving 24

Conclusion 25

Chapter 2: Self-Explaining 26

What’s the Theory? 28

In Short 31

Models 32

Think Aloud 32

How Does This Connect to Our Goal? 33

Turn-and-Talk 34

Discussion Protocols 35

Principles 37

Scaffold Self-Explanation 37

Point to Principles 37

Utilize Peer Power 37

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Self-Explaining 37

Conclusion 38

Chapter 3: Predicting 39

What’s the Theory? 40

In Short 43

Models 43

Predict During Do Nows 43

Pretesting 45

Anticipation Guides 47

Tea Party 48

Closing Predictions 49

Principles 49

Stay Conceptual 49

Provide Fast Feedback 50

Leave Time for Reflection 50

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Predicting 50

Conclusion 51

Chapter 4: Putting It All Together: Jennifer Hedrington, Grade 7 Teacher 51

Part II: Thinking: Strength and Conditioning 55

Chapter 5: Synthesizing 56

What’s the Theory? 58

In Short 59

Models 60

Synthesis Sentence Starters 61

Knowledge Dumps 63

Finding the Main Idea 64

Concept Maps 66

The Minute Thesis 67

Principles 68

Provide the Framework 68

Facilitate Synthesis 68

Leverage Peer Learning 68

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Synthesis 69

Conclusion 69

Chapter 6: Practicing 70

What’s the Theory? 72

In Short 74

Models 75

Unpack Your Assessments 75

Parcel Them Out and Practice Them 76

Provide Feedback 78

Principles 79

Make The Time For In-class Practice 79

Space It Out 80

Practice Mindfully 80

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Practice 80

Conclusion 81

Chapter 7: Mapping 82

What’s the Theory? 84

In Short 87

Models 88

Yearlong Theme 88

Writing an Objective 92

Post an Agenda 93

Principles 94

Set a Timer 94

Utilize Strong Verbs 95

Don’t Be Afraid to Dipstick 95

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Mapping 96

Conclusion 96

Chapter 8: Putting It All Together: Jennessa Burks, Grade 4 Teacher 99

Part III: Transforming: Balance and Agility 102

Chapter 9: Growing 104

What’s the Theory? 106

In Short 108

Models 108

Reward Growth 108

Give Growth-Language Feedback 110

Promote Success Strategies 111

Principles 112

Design for Growth 113

Communicate for Growth 113

Feedback for Growth 113

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Growing 113

Conclusion 114

Chapter 10: Motivating 115

What’s the Theory? 118

In Short 120

Models 121

Positive Recognition 122

Tell Great Stories 124

Invoke Self-Transcendent Purpose 125

Share Your Enthusiasm 125

Show Compassion 126

Principles 127

Acknowledge the Emotions in the Room 127

Make It Social 127

Let Your Enthusiasm Show 128

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Motivating 128

Conclusion 128

Chapter 11: Expanding 130

Models, Principles, and Resources 133

Project-Based Learning 133

Community Service Learning 134

Games and Simulations 136

Resources 139

Small Teaching Quick Tips: Expanding 141

Conclusion 142

Chapter 12: Putting It All Together: Matt Halpern, Kindergarten Teacher and Literacy Consultant 143

Chapter 13: Conclusion 147

References 149

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