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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School Climate & Safety Opinion Restorative Justice Is Not Just an Alternative to Discipline
But done correctly, the practice can create a culture of connection, belonging, mutual respect, safety, and trust.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 7, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 4 Small Teaching Moves That Can Pay Big Dividends
Parents want to hear the good news, too. Don't just share the problems.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 4, 2023
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Advice From Over 1,100 Experienced Educators at Your Fingertips
A dozen years of posts filled with ideas from more than 1,000 educators have been sorted and linked for easy access.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 1, 2023
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1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Students Benefit Academically When They Feel Understood
Students can feel reluctant to share their personal experiences because of past experiences. Teachers can help them overcome their anxiety.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 30, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Equity & Diversity Opinion There's a Difference Between Equity and Equality. Schools Need to Understand That
Equity looks different depending on the situation, and it's not always straightforward. That can cause confusion.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 24, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Students Say They Like About Their Teachers
Supporting students in a way that works best for how they learn is more art than science; being understanding is a good place to start.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 22, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Does Successful Differentiated Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
Many teachers struggle to adapt lessons, believing they lack resources, planning time, and classroom-management support. They don't need to.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 16, 2023
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion Teachers of Color Face Unique Challenges. Here Are Some of Them
Teaching is hard enough, but educators of color face additional—often invisible—tasks.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 14, 2023
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Student Debates Might Not Be Such a Great Lesson Idea. Here's Why
How we frame complex and pressing issues in classroom discussions are key to teaching students how to talk about them.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 13, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Support Students Afflicted by Trauma
A major goal of trauma-informed practice is to limit the negative impact on student learning and well-being.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 9, 2023
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7 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Should Anti-Bias Literacy Instruction Look Like in the Classroom?
A new book offers practical strategies for teachers and a way for them to understand how bias might affect their instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 8, 2023
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How Do Restorative Practices Work? Educators Share Implementation Tips
Restorative practices are not just an alternative means to meting out discipline. They're also about building community.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 2, 2023
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion Teachers Offer Self-Care Tips in Just a Few Words
Teachers offer self-care advice for those tough school days when feeling positive can be a challenge.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 31, 2023
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2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 18 Games to Play in the Classroom for Learning and Fun
How to sort through the many games that are available for the classroom? Teachers share their favorites.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 29, 2023
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2 min read
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