The Active Classroom: Practical Strategies for Involving Students in the Learning Process

Promote learning that is purposeful and fun for everyone! If you want the classroom experience to result in deeper understanding and new knowledge, then students must become active participants in the learning process. With new chapters on writing and the first two weeks of school, this book references the CCSS as it relates to communication and collaboration and structuring the classroom environment and offers brain-based teaching strategies for: Establishing rapport and building relationships between students and teachers Engaging students′ active participation in the learning process Creating interactive learning environments that include all learning modalities Improving your presentation and process facilitation skills

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Rich Allen Introduction Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Creating the Right Environment 2. Incorporating Structured Conversations 3. Managing Movement in the Classroom 4. Using Music to Facilitate Process 5. Presenting With Confidence 6. Let’s Be Clear 7. Making Time to Write 8. Teaching to All Modalities 9. Unlocking Doors With Storytelling 10. A New Reality: The Use of Visuals and Technology 11. The First Two Weeks Appendix A: The Active Classroom at a Glance Appendix B: Student Desk Configurations Appendix C: Additional Lesson Plans References Index

About the Author :
Consulting Description See Ron's Presenter Profile Here! Ron Nash is the author of the Corwin bestseller The Active Classroom (2008), along with The Active Teacher (2009), and The Active Mentor (2010). Nash's professional career in education has included teaching social studies at the middle and high school levels. He also served as an instructional coordinator and organizational development specialist for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 13 years. In that capacity, Nash conducted workshops and seminars for thousands of teachers, administrators, substitute teachers, and teacher assistants. In 2007, he founded Ron Nash and Associates, Inc., a company dedicated to helping teachers shift students from passive observers to active participants. Download Ron Nash's product brochure "I was blown away at the conference and can't wait for the new school year to start so I can try all of the new ideas I received!" -Audra Bounds, Teacher Frederick County, VA "This was the best workshop I have EVER attended!" -Dawn Carter, Teacher Augusta County, VA "After teaching for 16 years, I was looking for inspiration and I found it. I'm excited to incorporate the innovative strategies Ron shared with me. The best part is the strategies are completely practical and doable." -Joanne Jimney, Teacher Chesapeake, VA "Your three-hour presentation was fabulous! When teachers give a standing ovation, this is the kind of program that will impact their daily teaching repertoire. Yours is an in-service that impacts how teachers engage students." -Patsy Slaughter, Elementary Principal Virginia Beach "This day reminded me why I became and love being a teacher." -Juli Weatherby, Teacher Chesapeake, VA "Attending Ron Nash's workshop changed my whole style of teaching. The tools I gained have rekindled my love for teaching and my students' love of learning." -Amber O'Malley, Second-Grade Teacher Austin, TX "As one of my colleagues stated about your professional development offering to us, "Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!" - Linda Emerick, High School English Teacher Wilmington, DE

Review :
"In this second edition of his Corwin bestseller, Nash expands on the types of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills students will need to compete in the global economy. A renewed emphasis on writing, reading, and oral communication reflect the utility and promise of the Common Core Standards, and Nash includes chapters on the importance of student writing and teacher clarity when it comes to classroom communication. Nash makes the case for a balance between the new technological realities of the twenty-first century and the kind of face-to-face student interactions that will help students transition from school to work, meet the requirements of an ever-changing workplace, and become thoughtful and involved citizens. Veteran and beginning teachers will benefit from these practical ideas for achieving classroom success, as well as gain a sense of satisfaction from a job well done - and kids well served." "All of my teachers in two different schools have worked with Ron – and what a difference it has made.  Our students move frequently, do the majority of the talking in the classroom, ask deep questions, clarify their understanding – and have fun!  My teachers are building on the active classroom principles – and keep asking when they can work with Ron again.  This stuff works!" "This is my 6th year teaching middle school. Over the summer of 2014, I read your book, "The Active Classroom." I have completely changed my style of teaching and the students have responded well to the change. I′m happy to say your book has inspired me to try a new teaching style that is allowing students to achieve greatness."