TL;DR: Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th at 11AM. This post honors Remembrance Day and the importance of helping students make a connection to their community. “In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row” – “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Army Lt. Col. John McCrae Growing up in Canada you learn this poem or hear it … Read More
Putting Play in PD
TL;DR: Sometimes professional development doesn’t use the research-based teaching strategies that we know are super impactful. Learn how to use play both in your classrooms and when planning professional development for colleagues. Discover four ways to merge technology and play. Put the play in PD. Get excited about Teach Better 22 Conference! Professional Development That Doesn’t Align With Research There … Read More
Working Together to Support Each and Every Student
TL;DR: This post shares a reflection on supporting students. Developing staff-to-staff relationships allows colleagues to share information learned about students so it is not a solo responsibility. I had the good fortune to be on the Daily Drop In last week, interviewed by one of the most gracious hosts I have ever encountered—Rae Hughart. She and I clicked. It was … Read More
Meaningful Connections
TL;DR: Parents want teachers to see their children and notice great things about them. Send an email at the start of the year introducing yourself. Ask parents to tell you about their child. Periodically check in with parents to see how they feel things are going. Celebrate children! Meaningful Connections: What Parents Want When my children were younger, I wished … Read More
5 Questions For Reflective Practitioners
TL;DR: Before moving on to the next quarter of the school year, spend time reflecting on how the last quarter went. What would you like to change going forward? What is so wildly important that you cannot afford not to address it? “Developing habits of continual growth and improvement requires self-reflection. As we as individuals, staffs, and organizations reflect on … Read More