Classroom & Curricula

When it comes to putting Common Core Standards into action, there’s one word for where we’re at as a nation: patchwork. Marc Aronson points out what school librarians can do to remedy the situation.

As this article goes live, we are three—count 'em!— three days away from opening the new Gum Spring Library. I've been here since mid-January, and I'm just beginning to realize that the expectations I had in my head were way off base. Between preparing volunteers, planning opening day activities, and training pages, few things have gone exactly as planned. Yet despite the many changes we've made in our schedule, our confidence grows as we learn what must be done now and what can wait.

With their emphasis on clear observation, logical thinking, and well-drawn conclusions, mysteries support many Common Core State Standards and lend themselves to an array of interesting writing assignments. These audiobooks are sure to spark student interest.

Marc Aronson explores the fundamental clash between guided reading and Common Core.

Author and illustrator Jonathan Bean takes readers through his creative process behind his latest title, "Building Our House."

This month, Curriculum Connections' newest column "Nonfiction Notes" highlights the latest quality nonfiction titles, with a special emphasis on books about women.

In observation of Black History Month, Curriculum Connections takes a look at a variety of titles that highlight the achievement of African Americans. From abolitionists to artists, there's something for every collection.

Shana Corey's picture-book biographies feature little-known women with buckets of gumption.

"Talking takes time" note the authors, but allowing students time for conversations about the texts they are reading is essential.