Rethink Better

Jillian DuBoisBlog, Classroom Management, Reflect Better

TL;DR: REthinking things is a strategy that can be applied to shape our perception of reality, which is critical to our mental and emotional well-being. This post shares 3 practical approaches to guide you to rethink better: Dream and explore. Take risks. Change your mind. We can shape our thoughts about the course of events in life into anything we … Read More

Schools These Days

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Self-Care, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Hans shares a story about how his puppy, Winnie, was demonstrating deregulated behavior on a  walk. Remembering his recent conversation with Dr. Carrington, she said we need “connection before direction.” 5 keys to reconnecting are listed below. Relationships and reconnection starts and ends with the adults in our schools. Children need adults to show them how to regulate when … Read More

Still Learning…Even Though I’m the Principal

Martin SilvermanBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Even when you hold a leadership position, you still learn new things every day. Make sure your reasons for asking staff to produce something are clear and be sure to communicate the “why.” Even though I’m the principal, and have been doing this for a long time, doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally learn a lesson! I have a very … Read More

Envisioning a “New Normal”

Brandi KellyBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Personalized Learning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More

Many Gifts to Discover

Livia ChanBlog, Reflect Better, Self-Care, Teach Happier

TL;DR: When we open our eyes to see atypical things as gifts, we find more to treasure as we grow our capacity to feel joy. Learn to practice mindful moments of deeper gratitude when we begin to discover and see more things as gifts. We can see words as gifts to us. We can give the gift of words by … Read More