Ditch the Textbook: 4 Super Engaging Alternatives to Teaching From a Textbook

Years ago the textbook was all we had.  Textbooks…and workbooks that went along with the textbook. Ew.

But, we’ve come a loooong way since those days and it’s time to implement some 21st century teaching practices.

So, what does that mean?

It means we ditch the textbook.  Now, don’t get me wrong, we can still use textbooks as a tool for teaching.  It may guide us in the content that we need to teach, and may serve a purpose (a very small purpose) in the elementary classroom - but think of it as the starting point to get you where you want to go.  

And where we want to go is a classroom full of engaged, motivated kiddos who are interacting with you and one another.  And let’s be honest, textbooks don’t exactly evoke engaging conversation.

So allow me to give you 4 alternatives to teaching from the textbook.  In this week’s podcast I’ve got the solutions to your textbook woes (as well as some resources to make implementing these strategies a whole lot easier!)

For complete show notes visit:  classroomnook.com/podcast/66

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LINKS & RESOURCES Mentioned in the Episode:

POST: Five Reasons Why You Should Use Reader’s Theater in the Upper Elementary Classroom

RESOURCES:  Discovery Learning Folders

• Native American Regions in North America 
• Daily Life for Colonists
• Political Decisions Made During the Civil War
• Biomes 
• Early European Explorers
• Major Battles of the American Revolution

POST: Engaging Your Students With LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides (Plus grab a FREE LINKtivity!)

RESOURCES:  LINKtivity® Interactive Learning Guides Collection