Ready, Set, Learn

This practical book transcends the often vague descriptors for assessing learning skills and delves into explicit instruction about how to actually teach those skills so that students can learn how to expand their knowledge.

Learning skills transfer between all sub­ject areas and are essential components and indicators of student success. Organization, collaboration and initiative are among some of the basic skill sets explored in this treas­ury of high-interest lessons and activities for elementary-level students. As the book progresses, communication and mem­ory skills are also considered. The book includes rubrics, organizers and models designed to meet the needs of both individual students and whole classes. Students’ learning styles, preferences and interests are acknowledged through­out the book, and closure for each activity includes a self-reflection piece and suggestions for descriptive, ongoing feedback to both students and their parents about learning skills.

Teachers recognize the valuable role next steps play in assessment. This book shows them how to create opportunities for discussion and for modelling strategies so that students can learn how to set specific goals and success criteria for measur­ing their own development. Open the pages of this book to identify what learning skills your students need. Then learn how to collect the evidence and take the next steps to support their continued growth as part of your daily instruction.

Anne Marie Landon, OCT, is acting prin­cipal at George Vanier Catholic School in Combermere, Ont., with the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board.

Professionally Speaking (the official magazine of the Ontario College of Teachers)

June 2017