Small Teaching K-8: Igniting the Teaching Spark with the Science of Learning

Cognitive science research-based teaching techniques any educator can implement in their K-8 classroom
In Small Teaching K-8, a team of veteran educators bridges the gap between cognitive theory and the K-8 classroom environment, applying the same foundational research found in author James Lang’s bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning to the elementary and middle school setting. Via clear descriptions and step-by-step methods, the book demonstrates how to integrate simple interventions into pre-existing pedagogical techniques to dramatically improve student outcomes.
The interventions consist of classroom or online learning activities, one-time additions, or small modifications in course design or communication. Regardless of their form, they all deliver powerful, positive consequences.
In this book, readers will also find: Foundational concepts from up-to-date cognitive research that has implications for classroom teaching and the rationales for using them in a K-8 classroom Concrete examples of how interventions have been used by faculty in various disciplines Directions on the specific timing of each intervention, backed by evidence-based reasons
An essential resource for K-8 educators seeking ways to improve their efficacy in the classroom, Small Teaching K-8 offers teachers intuitive and actionable advice on helping students absorb and retain knowledge for the long-term.\nFrom the Back Cover\nImplement simple classroom changes with powerful results
Small Teaching K–8 is a simple and accessible roadmap to improved student outcomes. Full of quick wins and bite-sized advice―all of which are based on the latest cognitive research―the authors, accomplished educator Sarah Connell Sanders and bestselling author James M. Lang, walk you through the incremental steps necessary to transform your classroom into a fun and engaging place of efficient learning.
Based on the same effective approach found in Lang’s bestselling Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning, this book contains evocative storytelling, compelling anecdotes, and approachable guidance designed to make cutting-edge learning theory and research available to frontline educators. The advice found within can be applied immediately to any K–8 classroom for instant and measurable results.
“ In Small Teaching K–8, educators Sarah Sanders and James Lang present practical class activities that boost student learning―including quick tips and templates for implementing retrieval practice and interleaving. They draw on the experiences of classroom teachers, particularly in early childhood education, to illustrate how easy it is to take learning to the next level in five minutes or less.”
―DR. POOJA K. AGARWAL, cognitive scientist and co-author of Powerful Teaching
“ Small Teaching K–8: Igniting the Teaching Spark with the Science of Learning is full of practical, useful, and well-researched ideas that help both novice and veteran teachers incorporate small instructional strategies that will have a big impact on K–8 student learning. Sarah Connell Sanders has crafted an engaging and thoughtful guide to effective and time-efficient instruction that draws not only from her own impressive classroom instruction, but also from the insights of numerous outstanding educators and researchers. In all, Small Teaching K–8: Igniting the Teaching Spark with the Science of Learning is a terrific contribution to classroom instructional practices and an invaluable resource for elementary and middle-school teachers.”
―TOM DACCORD, co-founder, EdTechTeacher