The Big Ideas team is back in the Academica Media studio this week, and they have some great education topics to share with you! First, Sarah, Mike and Ryan discuss National Novel Writing Month and the importance of getting students to do more personal, narrative-style writing assignments where they have the opportunity to find their unique voice as a writer. Sarah mentions the Veteran's Story Project and the American Creed writing project as great resources in this area. Next, our hosts discuss a recent Washington Post article by Professor Daniel Willingham discussing the controversial debate regarding the use of phonics versus a whole language approach to teach reading. Finally, the team talks about the emerging phenomenon of maker faires in schools and how students can benefit from having maker education in the school environment. The hosts give shout-outs to Joe Mazza (@makerdads) and Michael Lomuscio (@michaellomuscio), who are doing great things in this area.

Articles:

National Novel Writing Month: https://bit.ly/2gIvBp7
National Writing Project American Creed: https://bit.ly/2PBnugU
Phonics vs. Whole Language Article: https://wapo.st/2JAwlKj
How "Makers" Make the Classroom More Inclusive: https://nyti.ms/2Pw9Ziz

Hosts: Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye), Mike Hernandez (@edtechmichael), Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)