Opinion Blog

Classroom Q&A

With Larry Ferlazzo

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to lferlazzo@epe.org. Read more from this blog.

An award-winning English and Social Studies teacher at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif., Larry Ferlazzo is the author of Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges, The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide, and Building Parent Engagement In Schools.

Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English Learners Opinion Teachers Share Their Best Lessons for Intermediate English Learners
Students build confidence in their language skills when they're taught four basic sentence structures, moving from simple to more complex.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 15, 2024
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5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 'Magical': How One Teacher Describes a Pandemic-Recovery Moment
Not all student losses from the pandemic are headline-grabbing. Students have forgotten some basic skills.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 12, 2024
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English Learners Opinion Short and Sweet Tips for Supporting English Learners
More English learners than ever are enrolling in the nation's schools. Here's how every teacher can support them.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 10, 2024
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2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Teacher Strategies for Making Learning More Relevant to Students
Once you understand what makes your students tick, you are better equipped to develop meaningful lessons.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 8, 2024
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10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Tips for Making Differentiated Instruction Manageable
"Planning backward" and other tips for the successful implementation of this teaching technique.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 5, 2024
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion To Build Trust in the Classroom, Encourage Students to Share Their Stories
Before asking students to open up, teachers need to build an environment where young people feel safe. Here's how to do that.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 1, 2024
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10 min read
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Teaching Opinion 'More Inclusive Policies,' What Teachers Say They Want
When restrictions are placed on instruction, students lose out.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 26, 2024
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7 min read
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English Learners Opinion When Is It OK to Use Google Translate in the English-Learner Classroom?
Students need to be encouraged to believe they're smarter than the translation tool.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 25, 2024
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9 min read
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Teaching Opinion Best Practice on Making Learning Relevant, From Teachers
Including real-life experiences with instruction creates meaningful student learning and opportunities for their deep engagement.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 20, 2024
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion How to Be a Better Teacher in 6 Words or Less
The best advice about teaching sometimes can be whittled down to a few simple words.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 12, 2024
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2 min read
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English Learners Opinion Favorite Lessons From Teachers for English-Learner Newcomers
Marry academic content with language development for the best results in teaching English learners who are new to the United States.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 5, 2024
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Students Want From Their Teachers, in Their Own Words
Teachers should try to connect with their students so they know the teacher has their back.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 31, 2024
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5 min read
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Policy & Politics Opinion The Policy Concerns That Keep Teachers Up at Night
Efforts are spreading to restrict what topics are allowed to be taught. There are ways teachers can resist the censorship.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 29, 2024
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10 min read
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School Climate & Safety Opinion How Do Restorative Practices Work?
Traditional punitive measures tend to reap more misbehavior.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 22, 2024
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13 min read
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