Teaching Strategies
Recent Newsletter Articles
Minneapolis Institute of Art Introduces ESL Tours
We tend to focus on practical, survivalist content in our ESL classes.... [A]rt can seem superfluous, but in truth art is a text that learners can do a close reading of. On art tours we use visual thinking strategies, engage participants in effective communication and critical thinking, and welcome them into our community. Read More
Universal Design for Learning Principles in Action
The “Altered Shoes and Life Journey Project” utilizes the arts to enable immigrant and refugee students to create visual metaphors that reflect their personality and life experiences - and helps them process those experiences. Read More
It’s All About Hitting the Target!
Learning target statements empower students, provide a common focus, communicate what is important, build community and engagement, and increase motivation and confidence. Read More
Managing Stress to Improve Learning: A Self-Management Resource
Some of the biggest obstacles that our adult learners face are often not academic, but social and emotional in nature. The Managing Stress to Improve Learning project has an array of resources to help teachers create safe, stable classrooms and promote positive mental health and stress reduction techniques. Read More
New from Khan Academy: Interactive Grammar Lessons
Khan Academy is a free online learning platform used by students from around the world. Recently, Grammar was added as a topic under Arts & humanities. I found the tutorials and exercises to be highly engaging and quite entertaining! Read More
Integrate Content Standards with Unit/Lesson Planning Templates
Wondering how to weave together transitions skills, basic skills, and digital literacy into instruction? Looking for a way to better organize your thoughts and plans for your students? We now have Lesson Planning Templates available for math and ELA. Read More
S/he Who Does the Most Talking Does the Most Learning
Looking for ways to generate rich mathematical discussion with your students? "Which One Doesn’t Belong?" is a powerful activity that most students can access, and that some may even take to high levels. It's a perfect way to integrate language and numeracy! Read More
Morpheme Matrices: A Tool for Assembling Multi-Syllable Words
Morpheme matrices are flexible tools that can promote multi-syllable word reading, spelling, and understanding. Check out this great new resource! Read More
How to Better Navigate Systems by Asking the Right Question
Do you ever get the feeling that your students might be able to get more useful answers if they were asking better questions? Check out the newest addition to the Navigating Systems section of the ACES Resource Library to discover where asking the right question can take you. Read More