TL;DR: Prevent power struggles by building relationships, providing choices, beginning with a purpose, checking in with students, and being willing to negotiate. If you find yourself entering a power struggle, take a step back, defer the conversation until a time when there isn’t an audience, and walk away. If a power struggle does occur, apologize first, then continue to strengthen … Read More
It’s Time to Get Clear with Your Time!
TL;DR: Time is something many people feel like they don’t have enough of. This post shares 5 actionable steps to start making the most of your time each day, including monitoring your language and mindset, reflecting on how you’re currently spending your time, noting how long activities take, blocking time to increase productivity, and delegating! 2 organizers are shared for … Read More
Think Better: Where Do I Begin?
TL;DR: Introduction to a new series: Think Better. Understanding that our thoughts are powerful and have meaning can provide many benefits to educators. Think better by understanding how growth happens, not overanalyzing, and focusing on today. What does it mean to think better? Through my lens, it means using our thoughts to propel us forward instead of holding us back. … Read More
Visual Supports for Every Classroom
TL;DR: Agendas, contingency maps, and signs are some visual supports to help learners become independent. Decide how to incorporate visuals in your classroom by considering a number of anchoring questions such as: What is the expectation? What needs to be done right now? What is coming next? This post includes links to 3 PDF visuals to use in your classroom. … Read More
Behavior Principles + Practices: It’s Time to Decide What is Best for YOUR Classroom
TL;DR: Turning behavior principles into behavior practices using clearly defined expectations, visual supports, and connecting with students. Understanding the principles can help us create an authentic classroom community. As a board-certified behavior analyst, I spend a lot of my time teaching and training about behavioral principles. We unpack what they are and what they are not. Together with teams, I … Read More