From the Classroom
How to Help Fourth Graders Write Laws That Matter
"Mrs. Zema, I don't know what to write." Marcus stares at a blank page, wanting to help freedmen vote but not knowing how to write that like a real law. Last year, students would have produced vague statements like "Be nice to everyone." This year, using a four-part bill-writing scaffold that includes enforcement mechanisms, Marcus will present a detailed law about punishing voter intimidation—sophisticated enough to generate genuine legislative debate.
How to Keep Students Engaged When There's Heavy Reading Before the Action Starts
Students disengage during setup when they don't understand WHY they're reading. Here's how giving students roles first transforms heavy reading into essential preparation.