Read and Coach

 In the 1970s, Madeline Hunter set the standard for lesson planning. As we dip our toes into 2023 teaching, not much has changed in the general structure of planning lessons. What Hunter deemed an anticipatory set in 1976, Zaretta Hammond calls igniting learning today. No matter the name, the first five to ten minutes of each lesson set the scene for the learning ahead.  While the first few minutes are vital, it's the practice time later in the lesson that builds learning muscle. In Hunter's version of a lesson, students independently practice only after there are no errors in the new learning. Hammond, however, refers to this final part of learning as chewing and reviewing. In a culturally responsive version of lesson planning, Zarretta Hammond recognizes that students need time together to chew on learning and review what they have learned in communal and appropriate ways.  As students dive into practice each class, teachers definitely need time to take a breath, check...

In the children's book, Archibald's Next Big Thing , written by Hollywood sitcom star Tony Hale, Archibald is always looking for the next BIG THING. From chickenwire roller coasters to ocean wonders to tacos with robots, Archibald struggles to be satisfied with what he has because the next BIG THING is forever on the horizon. While Archibald is, in fact, a chicken, we can all find a little January peace by learning from his story and using our resolution energy to focus on resetting. As we enter the height of resolution season, I am trying to ground myself in reality with some definitions. According to Oxford Languages, within the definition of resolution are words like "firm decision" and "determined." However, the word reset has meanings that include phrases like "adjust" and "fix in a new or different way." As we all contemplate 2023, there is a pull toward the next BIG THING in education. What completely new teaching paradigm will sol...