TL;DR: Social emotional learning is already integrated into everyday teaching, helping students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Teachers can enhance SEL by implementing intentional strategies, such as reflection for self-awareness, authentic assessments for social awareness, choice boards for responsible decision making, checklists for self-management, and promoting collaboration and cooperation for building relationship skills. These practices align with CASEL’s … Read More
139: Worldly Education Focused on Home and Dreams
Cohens Mugisha is an incredible educator, changing the lives of the students he works with in his community of Ibanda, Uganda. His classes are focused specifically on writing and speech, but it is evident throughout the conversation these are only leverage points to create real-world learning experiences for students. Technology integration is a pursuit of all educators; it’s just a … Read More
Writing Is Breathing Out: Free Writing Matters
TL;DR: The post emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why” behind classroom activities, such as free writing, to students. Benefits of free writing include boosting creativity, providing a safe space for expression, relieving stress, and improving communication skills. The author draws parallels between practicing writing and practicing sports or musical instruments, highlighting the value of preparation for future assignments and … Read More
Reading Is Breathing In: Book Choices Matter
TL;DR: The post uses an analogy of weightlifting to explain the importance of choosing different levels of books. It categorizes books into painless (easy), on-target (comfortable), and challenging (difficult) levels, emphasizing the need to vary one’s reading choices to grow as a reader. Encourages students to primarily read on-target books but also occasionally challenge themselves with more difficult material while … Read More
Be Your Students’ Champion
TL;DR: To empower students, teachers should be their champions, knowing them as individuals and fostering a positive classroom culture through positive reinforcement and tailored instruction. Autonomy, a growth mindset, and purposeful learning are key in motivating and inspiring students, with teachers playing a crucial role in believing in their students’ potential. Success in education relies on factors like teacher support, … Read More