"Despite experiencing our teaching in different times, we are both oriented to traditional math teaching. It wasn't because we were both taught that way, as some may believe, but because that method worked for us and we have seen it work for our students. It is efficient, effective, non-confusing and helped our students develop mathematical reasoning, understanding, and confidence. Most importantly it helped them to be successful." So begins the book on traditional math, which provides a glimpse of what explicit instruction looks like in the classroom for grades K through 8. Barry Garelick and J.R. Wilson are retired math teachers who describe the methods of traditionally taught math that they used in their teaching. Their descriptions serve two purposes: 1) It provides assurance to teachers who may already practice these methods that they are not alone, and 2) For others, it may provide some new ideas.

So much of what happens in the process of learning and instruction is obscured from view. Much like the effects of a convincing illusion, what we think we see when we observe instruction is often far from the reality. Join three leading experts in the science of learning as they explore ten instructional illusions through the lens of educational psychology, cognitive science, and instructional design. Together, they will consider how such illusions operate, unmask their true nature in light of the evidence, and present powerful alternatives for authentic teaching and learning. Look beyond the illusion and reveal the true nature of instruction.

This book reaffirms the enduring importance of effective explanations at a time when "teacher talk" is often undervalued. Drawing on the science of learning, Zach Groshell explores essential techniques for showing, telling, demonstrating, modeling, and presenting so that even the most complex concepts become accessible to all learners. Engage with the art and science of "breaking it down" to discover how a direct and explicit approach to teaching can significantly impact classroom success.

This is a story about English language learners - one in particular - and a reflection on what we, as educators, can do to promote their success. As educators, we're faced every day with the question of how to teach the thousands - many thousands - of children who arrive in our schools as immigrants and refugees, coming with no English, from cultural backgrounds so different from America's, often from impoverished households and often from households where education of the kind we know was completely absent. Our work as educators is to help these children start to climb the wall that stands between their past, wherever and however that was lived, and a future in America, where their education will prepare them to take advantage of the same opportunities everyone else here enjoys. This is not an easy job. But it's one we can't afford to get wrong. And this is not a small corner in our education system today. The number of English language learners in U.S. school systems is large and growing. And the educators involved in teaching this exceptional population include basically everyone, not just those teachers with direct classroom contact. When they're in the building, the entire school is the English language learner's world.

We are spoiled for choice. Educational research abounds and countless teaching tips and trends are available at our fingertips. Where do you start? Connect the Dots presents three key interconnected areas of focus that will have the most impact on teaching and learning. 1. Building Strong Relationships: creating a sense of belonging, establishing norms and high expectations; and understanding barriers, like unconscious bias and misconceptions, in order to break them down 2. Maximising Memory: managing cognitive load, using effective learning strategies, planning for long term retention and application of knowledge 3. Cultivating Learning Mindsets: building self-efficacy; developing metacognitive skills; and using feedback, goal setting and talk effectively. Each of these three chapters lays out the research worth knowing and applies that research to ready-to-use teaching tools for real classrooms. The chapters conclude with detailed guides to support leadership in creating personalised professional learning sessions to turnkey these concepts to school staff. Connect the Dots is a book for educators by educators. Conceived by lead author Tricia Taylor, who started as a teacher in the US but has been teaching in UK schools for nearly two decades as well as running her consultancy, Tailored Practice, and co-authored by Nina Dibner a veteran US educator and founder of PowerTools, an American educational consulting firm, Connect the Dots offers a transcontinental lens. Illustrated by Oliver Caviglioli, the graphics and layout make the book incredibly accessible and a joy to read.