Our experiences with partnering in social studies and library research skills have inspired us to develop a STEP approach to forming and implementing cross-curricular projects.

Here are two fun ways to remind your students about Big6 Skill #4 USE of INFORMATION. Try the Tutorial and the Goblin hunt to remind students about citing sources to avoid plagiarism. Hosted by Lycoming College (PA).

Glogster is an interactive poster making tool. See this example for teaching ideas!

To help students focus on the Task at hand, I started to use LiveBinders, a great Web2.0 tool to disseminate information. I developed a LiveBinder for Task Definition, which I use with students as a step-by-step process to Task Definition.

ATTENTION GRANT WRITERS / EDUCATORS: “Data collected from thousands of students showed that students who were taught informative nonfiction using the Big6 approach with a combination of analytical, creative, and practical activities, outperformed students who were taught two alternative approaches.” — Linda Jarvin, Ph.D., Associate Director, PACE Center, Yale University

Huffman explains the origin and definitions of Web2.0, outlines Web2.0 uses in the classroom and for research, and provides a matrix to plan which Web2.0 tool to use during each Big6 Stage.

How does a teacher incorporate the Super3 into the instructional process throughout a third grade curriculum? Read this report to find out how.

First grade students in Stockton Springs, Maine use Super3 basics to learn how to find and use information to write books.

Who’s Got Talent? Children Have Talent!  The Dandylions, 2nd grade students from Durham, NC will share their Super3 research song with you!  Listen to their young voices and learn the Super3 basics — Plan, Do, and Review. Thanks, Dandylions!

SUPER3 SONG by the Dandylions (2009)

Here are the words so you can sing along:

The Super 3 ™ Research Song

By Michelle Rosen and Debra Halabis

(Sung to the tune of B-I-N-G-O)

When I need to do research,

I have three steps to help me.

Plan, Do and Review,

Plan, Do and Review,

Plan, Do and Review,

It’s called the Super3™.

Ambition, initiative, moxie – whatever you call it, it can be a useful characteristic. During reflection time, ask yourself – How am I doing? How can I be more effective and successful at what I do next year? How can I get more meaning from life? And, if your life is in a personal or professional slump, how can I steer the metaphorical ship into the wind and move forward?