Inspiring Elementary Learners

Kathleen Kryza consults internationally for her company, Infinite Horizons, and also presents nationally for the Bureau of Education and Research (BER). Kryza has more than 20 years experience in motivating and reaching children, educators, and others through her teaching, consulting, coaching, and writing. Her expertise is in working with students in special education, gifted education, alternative education, and multicultural education. She has a master's degree in special education and is an adjunct professor in special education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Alicia Duncan is a consultant, program coordinator, and teacher trainer for the Waterford School District in Waterford, Michigan. She shares her expertise across the state of Michigan and throughout the nation in reaching and teaching English Language Learners, gifted students, culturally diverse learners, and inclusion students through differentiated instruction. She has a master's degree in ESL teaching methodology. S. Joy Stephens has taught middle and high school students of all levels and abilities in differentiated science, math, and foreign language classrooms. She is a presenter and trainer in practical strategies for differentiating classrooms and inspiring students. She has a master's degree in biology.

List of Figures Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Growing Lifelong Learners 2. The Inspiring Classroom: Theory Into Practice 3. Building Community, Honoring Individuals 4. Apprenticeship Learning: Nurturing Lifelong Learners 5. Flexible Grouping 6. Teaching for Meaning 7. Instructional Elements to Differentiate 8. Deep and Dynamic Design #1: Choice Menus 9. Deep and Dynamic Design #2: RAFT Plus 10. Deep and Dynamic Design #3: Tiered Lessons 11. Deep and Dynamic Design #4: Contracts 12. Deep and Dynamic Design #5: Stations 13. Deep and Dynamic Design #6: Compacting 14. Assessment and Grading in the Inspiring Classroom 15. Learning to Grow an Inspiring Classroom 16. Reaping the Harvest: Creating an Inspiring Legacy Resources References Index

"Very usable and practical ideas from day one! This book is 'inspiring' for teachers as well as learners." -- Jean Johnson, Program Coodinator "One of the very few professional resources that I could not put down. I had to read it from cover to cover. I recommend this book to every teacher I work with, and I use it every day in my work with teachers and students." -- Diane Fleming, Coordinator "This is differentiation at its best! This valuable resource provides the tools necessary to make it possible to meet the wide range of student needs and abilities within a classroom. It will be a timeless resource all educators will want on their desk." -- Jeannie Donoghue, Professional Development Director "This is one of the most eye-opening professional books that I have ever read. The authors challenged me and reminded me of why I decided to pursue this profession, and they showed me how to create a positive environment and provided me with lessons, activities, and assessments that helped me achieve my goal." -- Billie Jo Crouse, Third-Grade Teacher