TL;DR: When planning your schedule, be intentional to include science so students can learn to ask questions to spark thinking, be wrong, and make mistakes. You can find time to teach the standards AND incorporate science. Try new ideas and explore with students. Have a space in your classroom, such as a wonder wall, to place student questions. Model questioning … Read More
Educate Like Ants – Be Relentless
TL;DR: Ants appear to roam anywhere and everywhere outside but when they come inside your home, their purpose becomes more evident. Ants are strong and tenacious. Educators can learn by studying them and being more like them. They know their WHY. Do you? If you haven’t thought about your WHY in a while, it’s time to revisit and rediscover. It … Read More
4 Strategies to Get to Know Your Students
TL;DR: We all want to start the year with the notion that it will be the best year yet. Learn four ways on how to get to know your students better. Have students work on a mind map with activities they did, family members, and places that were important to them. Then have them present not their own, but their … Read More
Tips for the Start of an Unusual School Year
TL;DR: The new school year is usually full of different thoughts and emotions because of the change. It’s like switching teams every year with different learners. This post shares a number of tips for the beginning of the school year. Set up a reflection bench to allow students to talk in the corridors. Set up recharge zones filled with books, … Read More
Maintaining Your Mindset When Preparing for the Unknown
TL;DR: It is important to maintain a positive mindset when preparing for the unknown. Preparation breeds protection, security, and safety. Just as we prepare for the threat of inclement weather, we should prepare for the possibility of sudden school closures. Create classroom routines and communicate with parents regularly to maintain an environment of reliability. Just when we thought we had … Read More