It’s just a straw. To most people, a simple straw is an ordinary object we see daily. But to a child, simple objects open up a world of scientific investigation and discovery. Engaging with Phenomena Science instruction has a history of students sitting passively at desks, memorizing vocabulary, and trying to absorb lectures from […]

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Student interventions are an essential part of any K-12 education system. Each student’s needs are unique, and some students might need additional guidance beyond what they get through whole class instruction. A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) or a Response to Intervention program (RTI) ensure that students’ various learning needs are addressed, allowing everyone […]

The post How to Create and Deliver High-quality Student Interventions appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

In this inspiring episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung spoke with Shannon Olsen, a beloved children’s book author and former second-grade teacher. Shannon shared her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time author, highlighting her passion for creating educational resources and children’s books that foster a sense of family and collaboration in […]

The post The Schoolyard Podcast Episode 21: Author Insights from Shannon Olsen on Writing, Teaching, and Books appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

Over 600 nominations describing amazing teachers poured in, and thousands of votes were cast. Now, the time has come to reveal the winners of our 10th Annual Crystal Apple Awards. Every year, School Specialty invites educators and school communities to nominate deserving teachers who embody our key contest criteria of inspiration, leadership, and passion. […]

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In the 20th episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung welcomes guests Soo Goda and Nicole Hill to discuss student intervention strategies in education. Soo Goda is the District Coordinator of Expanded Learning for grades TK-6 at Saddleback Valley Unified School District. She has over 30 years of experience in education as a […]

The post The Schoolyard Podcast Episode 20: How to Design Effective Student Intervention Programs and Environments appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

This month on It’s Time for Science, it’s time to talk about social and emotional learning (SEL)! Host Tom Racine interviews Dr. Kenneth Wesson, a consultant on the science of education, learning, and the brain, and Ilyse Opas, Independent Educational Consultant specializing in SEL. Episode Summary Tom begins by discussing with Dr. Wesson what […]

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Social emotional learning, or SEL, is an important concept that embraces the emotions of students as a tool in their learning. It has broad implications in a variety of academic subjects, but more importantly, it leads students to develop healthier identities and manage their emotions. That foundation is critical for academic success in everything […]

The post Activate SEL Through Active Science Learning and Investigations appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

Strong school-family-community partnerships bring exceptional value to children’s education. A recent book by Karen L. Mapp, a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and four other co-collaborators synthesizes the available research to explain who benefits from these partnerships and the many advantages of family and community engagement. Everyone Wins! The Evidence […]

The post 5 Family and Community Engagement Strategies to Improve Student Outcomes appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

In the 19th episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung interviews Marcella Bianco from CATCH Global Foundation and CATCH My Breath, a leading youth nicotine vaping prevention program in the nation. Marcella Bianco has over 20 years of experience in tobacco prevention and control. Her insights include recognition of the marketing tactics of […]

The post The Schoolyard Podcast Episode 19: Battling the Vaping Epidemic Among Students appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

School Specialty® and the College Football Playoff Foundation® (CFPF) share a common goal to improve educator resources and provide children with better learning opportunities. Both organizations support this mission through CFPF’s Extra Yard for Teachers® program. Recently, we headed to Haddon Avenue STEAM Academy & Magnet in Pacoima, California with tools and supplies to create a new mariachi room! Learn […]

The post School Specialty and the College Football Playoff Foundation: Haddon Avenue STEAM Mariachi Room Reveal appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

In the 18th episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung (@fancynancyin5th) speaks with the Top Floor Teachers, Joe McCormick and Quyen Nicol, to discuss the balance between engagement and academic rigor in the classroom. Joe and Quyen, who teach fifth grade in Southern California, share their journey of becoming educators and how they […]

The post The Schoolyard Podcast Episode 18: Engagement Without Compromising Academic Rigor appeared first on Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty.

Modern, versatile classroom furniture instills pride and helps improve student outcomes at Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center Equipping classrooms and other school spaces with comfortable and flexible furnishings doesn’t just open up new possibilities for instruction. It can also boost the engagement and morale of both students and staff. With the help of grant […]

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