TL;DR: To effectively teach English, it is important that educators also teach history. Language arts gives us the opportunity to add dimension to our students’ understanding of a specific event, idea, or person. Use historical texts to create experiences. Our students’ futures are contingent on events happening now. They can use the skills they’ve built upon as readers and writers, … Read More
Staying Social During COVID for Students With Special Needs
TL;DR: This post shares strategies for helping students with special needs to stay social during COVID. Strategies include virtual playdates, virtual field trips, virtual yoga classes, and virtual celebrations. Playdates, storytime at the library, going out to eat with friends, having family over for a birthday celebration…these are wonderful opportunities for socialization! Every family is dealing with COVID in their … Read More
The Case for Kids Over Content
TL;DR: For far too long, the scales of education tipped in favor of content over kids. It’s time we tip it back; relationships make the case for kids over content. Smiles and Frowns is an activity you can implement in your class to give each student a chance to share their voice every single day. During Smiles and Frowns, the … Read More
Why Design Lessons
TL;DR: As an educator, it is important to continue learning and to always work towards improvement. Design Lessons is a podcast to help teachers learn about instructional strategies and design creative learning opportunities for students. I have been on a journey to improve, expand, and grow as a teacher and a writer. I believe it’s important to remain current in … Read More
Kindness Week: Stretching Beyond
TL;DR: This post honors Random Acts of Kindness Day. Go beyond the week and show kindness every day to make a positive impact on others. Have students consider their spheres of influence and brainstorm ways to demonstrate gratitude. Promote kindness by taking action to express appreciation through handwritten cards left on cars, cards handed to bus drivers, and flowers handed … Read More