TL;DR: Make gratitude in the classroom a part of your daily routine. Implement a Friendsgiving Gratitude Circle to build classroom community. Show gratitude in the classroom on Veteran’s Day, at the end of the year, and in your school community. Gratitude is defined as “the state of being grateful” (Merriam-Webster). There was a study published in the Journal of Happiness … Read More
Follow the Signs
TL;DR: Follow the signs our students give us. We must teach the students we have in front of us, not the students we wish we had. Successful teaching requires us to know not only where are our students are and where we want them to go, but also to know where we are and how we are going to get … Read More
Overcoming the Fall Blues
TL;DR: The abundance of work and lack of breaks can cause fall blues. Planning ahead and using educational resources can help with lessons. Find ways to practice self-care. Make sure you are having fun. If you aren’t enjoying the classroom, neither are your students. Talking to a colleague the other day, I was shaking my head and doing what one … Read More
Reconsider Your Expectations
TL;DR: Believing in students and setting high expectations for them can help them be successful. Find ways to get your students interested. Make sure the lessons and activities you are teaching are relevant. Know what your end goal is and makes sure it is clear to your students, too. Provide opportunities for your students to reflect on their own work. … Read More
Let’s Continue to TALK about Equity!
TL;DR: Teach lessons that encourage a growth mindset. Definitions give us working knowledge to understand more about equity and anti-racism. Be an anti-racist educator! “Equity and Inclusion Just Got Better” Journaling/Reflection Questions What is a lesson idea that involves teaching about a topic that matters to your students? Write down a time you didn’t advocate for change with something that … Read More