2024-04-03 20:24
It’s undeniable—poetry is a powerful tool in the classroom.
Poetry can be both a window into the reality of others and a mirror into students’ own lives. Through poetry, th… Read More
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Continental Press Blog
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A blog focusing on teachers and educators of K-12. Tips, guides, how-to's and other interesting resources to help your student learn. Math, English, ESL and the Sciences, we cover it all.
2024-03-13 19:13
In the evolving landscape of education, we are always seeking innovative approaches to improve learning outcomes. Neuroscience is one of the most exciting areas of study that has produced im… Read More
2024-02-26 18:23
Decades of research have confirmed that parental involvement has a positive correlation to learning outcomes.
The number of English language learners (ELLs or ELs) in our schools continues t… Read More
2024-01-26 13:45
Learning to read is a complicated task. Learning to read in a new language is even more daunting.
According to a report from The National Center for Education Statistics:
Students who speak… Read More
2024-01-05 19:48
In this digital age, media literacy is crucial for all ages because most communication about the world comes through the media and news outlets. Teaching media literacy in the classroom will… Read More
2023-12-21 21:21
Building reading fluency is an important goal for children as they learn to read.
When students struggle with fluency, reading becomes a laborious task— making it much less enjoyable… Read More
2023-12-01 16:18
No classroom is the same– your students have unique personalities, strengths, and needs.
Students who feel a part of a classroom community are more likely to take risks in their learni… Read More
2023-11-16 14:38
All students bring their unique backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge to the classroom. This prior knowledge, sometimes called background knowledge or schema, is foundational to the abilit… Read More
2023-11-03 18:50
As a teacher, you’re always finding new and exciting ways to fill your students’ minds with the information they need to succeed.
Whether it’s educational podcasts, website… Read More
2023-10-18 18:32
As teachers, our goal is to prepare our students for the world beyond our classroom doors.
Cognitive scientists have long recognized that to effectively solve real-world problems, we need to… Read More
2023-09-21 18:06
According to the National Education Association, it is projected that by 2025, 1 out of every 4 students in the United States will be an English language learner (ELL). As this population co… Read More
2023-09-06 13:00
No matter what language we speak, we learn and absorb information more effectively when the information is presented visually. In fact, our brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than te… Read More
2023-08-29 17:43
We want our students to be lifelong learners and readers. Encouraging independent reading in the classroom will help our students develop a love of reading that extends beyond the school day… Read More
2023-08-17 17:26
Great poetry invites readers to play with language and develop a deeper understanding of the human experience. Many teachers introduce poetry units during April for National Poetry Month, ho… Read More
2023-08-11 12:40
When you hear the word “failure,” what comes to mind? Most of us would agree that any term or phrase referring to making a mistake carries a negative connotation.
As teachers, we… Read More
2023-07-21 15:55
Science, technology, engineering, and math drive the innovation needed to solve today’s problems. Research shows that STEM careers are projected to grow by almost 11% by 2031— fa… Read More
2023-06-19 18:45
When someone mentions “testing,” what comes to mind? A sheet of paper and a number two pencil? Neatly filling in a bubble for a multiple-choice answer?
Assessments are an essenti… Read More
2023-06-13 13:00
Raise your hand if you’ve ever…
Used your “teacher look” while out in public.
Clapped to get your spouse’s attention.
Asked an adult if they’ve washed th… Read More
2023-06-06 01:22
When you think of a child’s success in the classroom, think of a triangle. Three parts complete the shape: the student, the teacher, and the parent. Parent involvement is just as influ… Read More
2023-05-31 18:15
Incorporating technology into the classroom can have many advantages. One of the easiest ways to do this is by introducing your students to podcasts. There are many educational podcasts teac… Read More
2023-05-18 19:41
Math has often been called “the universal language.” While it’s true that numbers work the same way regardless of the language you speak, teachers cannot assume that their… Read More
2023-04-12 20:44
Have you ever had a student who can read a passage fluently, but when you ask them to explain what they just read, they don’t know where to begin? Decoding is an important step in lear… Read More
2023-04-10 13:00
From Ada Lovelace who designed the first computer program, to Marie Curie who pioneered research on radioactivity, to Dr. Katie Bouman who led the development of an algorithm that enables us… Read More
2023-03-28 20:45
The end of the school year is an exciting and overwhelming time for teachers and students. As students prepare for their time off, it’s critical for teachers to set them up for success… Read More
2023-03-27 13:00
Teachers and parents both play vital roles in a student’s academic success. When parent-teacher relationships are strong, everyone benefits. Effective communication is key to building… Read More
2023-03-20 15:39
Remember the feeling of stepping into a new classroom for the first time? You were probably excited—and a little bit nervous.
Now picture yourself walking through the doors of a new sc… Read More
2023-02-28 16:34
Imagine this— you created an engaging lesson that you’re positive your students will connect with. However, the moment you begin teaching, your plan gets derailed. Then it’… Read More
2023-02-21 13:00
Whether you’re looking for math ideas, ways to teach vocabulary, or just need a little encouragement, you’ll find just what you need by following these websites and social media… Read More
2023-02-17 18:48
Can you remember the last piece of nonfiction that you read? No need to rack your brain for the title of a biography or textbook—nonfiction is everywhere! Whether it’s following… Read More
2023-01-31 16:20
According to data from busyteacher.org, teachers make an average of at least 1,500 educational decisions each school day. This means that in a six-hour day, teachers make four educational de… Read More
2023-01-25 13:00
Podcasts are a cultural phenomenon and their popularity isn’t stopping. As of early 2021, 61% of the U.S. population was listening to podcasts on a weekly basis.
Podcasts are so popula… Read More
2023-01-12 19:55
In 1956, Benjamin Bloom developed a hierarchical framework for cognitive skills, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. For over half a century, Bloom’s Taxonomy has been used in classrooms to… Read More
2023-01-03 13:00
Tests are a routine part of any educational experience. The 2002 No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and its counterpart, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, legislated that every thi… Read More
2022-12-28 13:00
As we write this post, schools are heading into winter break. We’re seeing pouring down rain, overnight snow, and temperatures in the teens. (Can you relate?) There’s no doubt th… Read More
2022-12-14 21:33
In recent years, legislature has increasingly focused on academic accountability, resulting in standardized tests becoming a routine part of education. All students need to take standardized… Read More
2022-12-12 13:00
As you start the new year, it’s the perfect time to reevaluate. What’s working in your classroom? What could use some help? Take stock and then take action. Check out these quick… Read More
2022-12-07 13:00
Full understanding of scientific principles requires a combination of direct instruction and active learning. Research has shown that students learn best when they have opportunities to part… Read More
2022-12-05 20:29
Why is writing so hard? This is a question that teachers hear on a daily basis from students. There is no denying that writing is difficult. However, for English Language Learners (ELLs), wr… Read More
2022-12-02 13:00
As you look around your classroom, you’ll see students progressing at all different levels. Some are achieving grade-appropriate results. A handful may be learning beyond grade level… Read More
2022-11-28 17:09
Classroom libraries are essential for developing the literacy of students of any age. Whether you’ve inherited your classroom library from a former teacher or you’re building you… Read More
2022-11-21 19:14
According to co-teaching experts and authors Marilyn Friend and Lynne Cook, “Co-teaching involves two or more certified professionals who contract to share instructional responsibility… Read More
2022-11-08 16:38
Special education refers to a range of services designed to meet a student’s unique learning needs. Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), federal law mandates… Read More
2022-10-25 17:33
When working with English language learners (ELL students), using a workbook can be an effective tool and provide additional learning benefits. The issue becomes, which is the best one to us… Read More
2022-10-25 13:00
Chances are, you’re using differentiated instruction every day in your classroom. Differentiation may involve using different instructional strategies to teach the same content or it m… Read More
2022-10-05 15:55
In the classroom, picture books can be a valuable teaching tool for students at any grade level. However, they are especially beneficial for English language learners (ELLs). Good picture b… Read More
2022-09-16 20:16
As you know, assessments are a major component of education. There are several different types of assessments that teachers utilize: pre-assessments, formative, summative, formal, common, st… Read More
2022-09-02 18:55
Every teacher knows that time is a precious commodity. It can be a challenge to find enough time during the school day to meet each of your student’s needs, complete daily responsibili… Read More
2022-08-15 18:22
It’s no secret that teaching letters is a crucial part of early education and literacy. We’ve all heard about the importance of phonics lessons, but there are many essentials tha… Read More
2022-07-26 14:46
Walking into a new classroom can give you butterflies, no matter how old you are. Even if your students already know each other, it’s important to encourage positive relationships from… Read More
2022-07-01 14:32
Looking ahead to a new school year can be both overwhelming and exciting! Whether it’s your first year teaching or your tenth, taking some time to plan ahead will ensure you start the… Read More
2022-06-22 19:29
English learners (ELs) face many complicated and multifaceted challenges when it comes to their education. One of the most significant challenges that have been impacting ELs for decades is… Read More
2022-06-13 19:21
As you know, teaching is an incredibly rewarding—and incredibly demanding—profession. You spend your entire day focusing on the needs of others, many times neglecting your own ne… Read More
2022-05-19 15:41
As a teacher, you’re passionate about providing the best educational experience for your students. Unfortunately, this often means spending money out of your own pocket for classroom e… Read More
2022-04-21 16:42
Today’s students are more tech-savvy than any who came before them. Having grown up with immediate access to advanced technology, they rely on it heavily for everything from entertainm… Read More
2022-04-12 19:35
You’re likely spending valuable classroom time reading aloud to your students, but are they benefitting from it? Get the most out of that time by engaging your students in the text and… Read More
2022-03-31 13:17
When it comes to reading comprehension, it’s not enough for your students to be able to decode and understand words correctly. To gain the full meaning that an author wants to convey… Read More
2022-03-11 14:56
Do you have a student who just can’t sit still? Or one who seems to have no sense of personal space? Or maybe you have a student who has a meltdown at even the smallest change in routi… Read More
2022-03-08 21:27
Imagine that you and your family recently moved to a new country. You’re trying to learn a difficult language that everyone around you already knows and adjust to a school culture that… Read More
2022-02-17 21:52
For several decades now, researchers have been conducting studies that consistently signify what teachers already know to be true: Parental involvement strongly impacts academic success.
Alt… Read More
2022-02-09 15:46
It doesn’t take an expert to tell you that your students are each different and unique. They come to the classroom with diverse backgrounds, including their cultures, ethnicities, reli… Read More
2022-01-17 19:50
Have you ever watched babies as they start to explore the world? They touch everything! They pick things up, they look at things carefully, and they move things around. Children learn a lot… Read More
2022-01-12 14:00
When it comes to effective teaching, it’s crucial to create a learning environment where students feel safe, known, and motivated to learn. As the teacher, a large part of establishing… Read More
2021-11-30 13:18
While many teachers utilize a simple “treasure chest” of stickers and candy, the most effective elementary school incentives tailor rewards to their students and what will motiva… Read More
2021-10-12 17:37
Immigrating to the United States is a massive change for any child. They’ll face a new school, new classmates, and an entirely new language to learn and master. Their education won&rsq&hell…Read More
2021-10-01 18:35
Homework can be a controversial subject. Some schools and teachers are strongly in favor of it, others are strongly against it, and many fall somewhere in the middle. But, when it comes to E… Read More
2021-05-28 13:28
Every student learns a little differently. This is especially true when it comes to ELLs who may struggle to sit through a lesson or reading they simply can’t understand. As an ELL tea… Read More
2021-04-29 18:50
When it comes to teaching ELLs successfully, keeping your class on task and under control is key. Managing an English-speaking class can be difficult enough, but adding a language barrier to… Read More
2021-04-01 21:15
Language acquisition is perhaps the most important education goal of any English language learner (ELL). In order to ensure ELLs are on track, it’s crucial parents and teachers underst… Read More
2021-01-27 19:32
Remote learning isn’t easy. It tests teachers’ skills in all sorts of ways and can present new challenges daily. And, it can be even more difficult when teaching ELLs due to lang… Read More
2020-12-10 14:21
“I hate math.” “Math is too hard.” “When am I going to use this in real life?” Sadly, many teachers have heard these arguments all too often in the classr… Read More
2020-11-10 12:55
Celebrating holidays in the classroom is fun and exciting, but it can also be very educational and culturally valuable for students. Especially in diverse communities or schools with ELLs, c… Read More
2020-09-15 13:32
As you know, your work day doesn’t end when the bell rings. In addition to teaching all day, you spend time before and after school planning, grading, and preparing materials. Unfortun… Read More
2020-08-21 19:38
When it comes to academic learning, there is no doubt letters form the foundation. Without clear understanding of these basics, students cannot achieve classroom success. Luckily, there are… Read More
2020-08-12 19:46
Over the past few years, the emphasis placed on mental health in schools has helped to lessen the stigma surrounding mental health. But many children still struggle to communicate their feel… Read More
2020-07-23 16:31
Welcoming an English Language Learner (ELL) can be a special and rewarding time in the classroom. But if you’re new to teaching ELLs, it can also be overwhelming. You may not know wher… Read More
2020-06-02 18:09
Genius hour can be a great addition to your daily, weekly, or monthly classroom schedule. What exactly is genius hour and how does it work? How can you make the most of your limited time? An… Read More
2020-05-13 12:39
Teachers work tirelessly to help students learn new skills and concepts at school. But learning shouldn’t stop there. Parental involvement in education is crucial to reinforce new clas… Read More
2020-04-09 18:43
As an educator, you’ve probably heard talk about “modern learning environments.” But what exactly are they? Can they actually provide value to your classroom, or are they j… Read More
2020-03-12 13:09
In an ideal world, you and your students would get along well every day. Your classroom would brim with kindness and mutual respect, giving you the time and energy to focus on instruction. W… Read More
2020-02-14 14:07
Even if you know the cause, it can be difficult to prevent teacher burnout. Maybe the week before the holiday break has left you pulling your hair out. Perhaps a particularly unruly class ha… Read More
2020-02-13 19:06
More than ever before, your students are connected to the world around them. It takes only seconds for news stories to spread about events happening in other towns, other states, or even oth… Read More
2020-01-31 19:05
We’ve all heard the phrase, “good things come in small packages.” The same is true for your classroom. Have you considered implementing bite-sized learning? If learning mor… Read More
2020-01-17 18:54
Homework is the bridge between the home and the classroom. It reinforces what’s learned at school and can help raise red flags in subjects where children need extra help. It is crucial… Read More
2019-12-18 14:54
You may think that your students are only interested in fiction reading, but the truth is that children are fascinated by the world around them. They may find nonfiction overwhelming, or sim… Read More
2019-12-03 18:50
Teachers are constantly in search of new, effective ways to engage their students. School days are long, especially for younger students and students who struggle to focus. By breaking up tr… Read More
2019-11-20 18:44
We’ve all heard the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” Nowhere is that more accurate than in school, where children spend the majority of their time during most… Read More
2019-10-30 15:43
When your students are in your classroom, you want them to feel inspired, engaged, and ready to learn. You also want them to feel safe and secure. You can create a safe learning environment… Read More
2019-09-25 15:45
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2019-09-24 17:32
In an ideal world, you would never have a disruptive classroom. Your students would sit quietly, hanging on to your every word.
Of course, this fantasy is far from reality in most classrooms… Read More
2019-08-02 16:49
Your classroom is filled with students who represent cultures around the world. Whether they’re new to this country or their family has been here for generations, your students will en… Read More
2019-06-24 13:48
It’s a word that students dread (and frankly, you probably do, too), but it’s a necessary evil: homework. After a long day at school, your students may not have much enthusiasm f… Read More
2019-05-30 15:29
As high school students are getting ready to graduate, they’re thinking ahead to college or a career. You’ve prepared them by making sure they’ve learned algebra, have a wo… Read More
2019-04-29 14:43
Keeping your students informed about the world around them is an important part of your job. Beyond your textbooks, however, you can find a wealth of resources in newspapers, magazines, and… Read More
2019-03-20 13:50
Learning takes place in your classroom every day, but have you thought about taking it outside the classroom? Starting a school garden can have many benefits for students, and it’s fun… Read More
2019-02-27 14:23
It’s a teacher’s nightmare. You ask a question and stare out at a room of blank faces, staring back at you. Remember that scene in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” wh… Read More
2019-01-22 15:24
Podcasts are a cultural phenomenon and their popularity isn’t stopping. As of 2018, 44% of the U.S. population had listened to a podcast, and loyal podcast listeners consumed an… Read More
2019-01-15 16:31
If the thought of doing math gives your students anxiety, they’re not alone. Studies have shown that math anxiety occurs in students as early as elementary school, and can continue int… Read More
2018-12-13 20:30
If there is one thing all teachers know, it’s how to deal with different student personalities! In a single year, teachers may have a class full of class clowns, extroverts, social but… Read More
2018-12-07 15:17
Your students work hard all year long (and so do you!). They deserve to be rewarded for their efforts, and while you might think of providing a sweet treat for them, more schools are moving… Read More
2018-11-26 19:05
Think of the greatest characters in literature and you may notice something: You immediately think of male characters. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that strong female charac… Read More
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