Collins Blog

Recently, our team of Collins Associates came across an exciting article by Jennifer Gonzalez on her website, Cult of Pedagogy. Gonzalez interviewed author and professor of math education Peter Liljedahl to discuss his recent book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. One of the strategies he introduces for promoting “thinking classrooms” is the use of vertical, non-permanent surfaces.

How often do you ask your class questions that are met with…silence? Glazed looks? One or two hands up (the same students as always!)? This is a common frustration among educators, and post-pandemic, it seems that active classroom engagement is at an all-time low. We can blame passive student behavior on many factors, but more importantly, what can we do to change things?

It seems like we were just welcoming you to a new school year, and now here we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Regardless of grade or subject area, it is important to close the year with reflection and summary activities that encourage students to look back at their growth and celebrate how far they’ve come. In this l ast Exchange of the 2023-2024 school year, we offer some suggestions for prompts that can be used to do just that. Click here for the full list

This month, we are thrilled to highlight the work of teachers and administrators at Friendship Charter School's Ideal Academy in Washington, DC. In talking with Yvonne Tackie, an instructional specialist and ELA leader, we heard about the changes the school made to support implementing new writing habits; most important were the benefits that the Five Types of Writing brought to her school. Ms. Tackie commended the Collins Writing Program for providing a common language and f

Last month we shared some of the work of Dr. Karen Harris, which reinforces the foundation of our program. In this issue, we are highlighting the work of Steve Graham, who provides us with ideas, tips, and strategies to use with students in the writing classroom. Studying his work reaffirms that our program is firmly rooted in best practices and incorporates the most effective methods for building a community of writers where expectations are clear, instruction is productiv

Students enjoy writing about things they know - especially themselves! This month, our focus is on personal narratives, which can enhance writing instruction, build style and voice, and increase student engagement.