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.

A view of the White House is seen in Washington, Sunday, July 21, 2024.
A view of the White House on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Susan Walsh/AP
Teaching Opinion Strategies for Teaching the 2024 Election (Hold on to Your Hat)
Even before entering into the content, craft agreements with students on the boundaries of what's up—and what's not up—for debate.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2024
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9 min read
0724 opinion summer posts reading bander fs
F. Sheehan/Education Week + iStock + TarikVision
Reading & Literacy Opinion Teacher Tips for Better Reading Instruction
Amid the reading wars, educators, researchers, and policymakers have been at odds over how to teach reading. Here is some tempered advice.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 19, 2024
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1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Teachers Swear by These Instructional Approaches for Engaging Students
It's true that some strategies can take more time. But often, teachers have to slow down to move students forward.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 17, 2024
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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."
iStock/Getty
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."
iStock/Getty
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."
iStock/Getty
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."
iStock/Getty
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."
iStock/Getty
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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
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