TL;DR: Distance learning helped us connect. Rather than going “back to normal,” educators can take all of the things learned during COVID to make positive changes going forward. Why I’ll Never Go Back to “Normal” I won’t lie to you. There were days last year that I taught in pajama pants, shoes-off, with a cat in my lap. Days where … Read More
Tiny Teachers: Roots of Empathy
TL;DR: Love builds brains and bridges, as well as grows emotional literacy. This post is the first of a new blog series – Better News. The post features @RootsofEmpathy! Roots of Empathy (ROE) is a classroom-focused social and emotional literacy program. It leverages the influence of local families and their babies. Children also have an immeasurable influence in the lives … Read More
The Giving Tree
TL;DR: We can learn about giving from Shel Silverstein’s children’s book, “The Giving Tree.” Recognize that you have gifts and tools that will make others happy when you share them. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein has long been a cherished book of mine. I remember when I first received the book as a gift when I was seven years … Read More
What Are Book Deserts?
TL;DR: A book desert is defined as a “geographic area with limited access to age-appropriate books, print materials and reading culture.” Reading requires time and access to materials. Students have a right to quality, diverse, and robust selections of books. Consider representation in reading materials. Readers who can see themselves in books are more likely to pick up more books. What is … Read More
Introducing Tech Better
TL;DR: Educators went from using technology for everything in remote learning to using it less when they returned to face-to-face. As we return back to school, we need to be intentional about how we integrate technology back into our classrooms. Learn 6 ways how to be intentional with the integration of technology. (1) Identify learning targets. (2) Notice where handles … Read More