Teaching is Decision Making

The Art of Teaching is based on a comprehensive review of over 80 years of research from a variety of fields such as education, psychology, cognitive science, and organizational behavior that each contribute to our understand of how children learn and, as a result, how best to teach. Herein, we describe how children learn and the teaching practices that have proven to be the most effective for supporting learning and under what conditions. The Art of Teaching refers to the cumulative evidence about "what works" in literacy instruction. In many ways, the science of reading focuses more on the what of reading development while the Art of Teaching addresses the how of literacy instruction. 

At K3 we often say teaching is decision making. As teachers we make hundreds of decisions each day hoping to optimize student learning and development. If we shift into autopilot, we lose touch with the very element that makes teaching and learning exciting and engaging - the process of discovering and exploring the world and how it works.     

Everyday, teachers face multiple decisions about how best to structure lessons and classroom events. We have made a guide of best practices focused on seven key decisions made for every teacher-guided learning experience: 

1. Standard/Goal/Objective
2. Timing 
3. Grouping 
4. Materials
5. Visuals
6. Interaction 
7. Assessment 

Likewise, we have compiled collections of  literacy strategies, literacy games, and teaching tips for each K-3 literacy area that are practical "right now" ideas you could use in your classroom or home tomorrow.  Finally, we have included a special section on classroom management that offers ideas on how classroom management strategies can be used to enhance literacy instruction.   

Our goal is to ignite your curiosity and passion for teaching as you discover for yourself what blend of elements that seem to work best for your students to maximize student engagement and literacy success.