TL;DR: Positivity is important when communicating with families; however, in order to stay authentic, one should not be excessively positive. Tell the whole story, be honest and vulnerable, and prepare for a two-way dialogue when communicating with stakeholders. Posting in a Pandemic: Excessive Positivity Isn’t Always Authentic Leaders inspire vision and confidence in their organization, and schools are no different. … Read More
Cue the Celebrations! How to Celebrate in Schools Today!
TL;DR: Celebrating is like a skill that gets easier with practice. Start by teaching students why and how we celebrate as a class by keeping a list of celebrations to share publicly each day or privately through a weekly personal journal. Celebrate students by sharing messages via email, communication apps like SeeSaw, Post-it notes, or on desks with dry-erase markers. … Read More
Less Is More
TL;DR: There are gifts that can be given this holiday season to help children continue to learn and grow. Less is more when giving meaningful gifts. Gift ideas include books, outdoor activities, or various experiences to stimulate the brain and body. This year, we all need a little bit more of the holly jolly season. Get us out of 2020! … Read More
Back to Basics with Co-Teaching: Methods and Conflicts
TL;DR: Models of co-teaching include station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching, and team teaching. Conflicts may arise with co-teaching, so seek guidance from your administration when needed. Methods of Co-Teaching There are many models of co-teaching. Co-teachers need to find the best methods that work for them. The least effective models are One Teach/One Observe and One Teach/One Assist, which … Read More
Have You Fallen Into the Negativity Trap?
TL;DR: The brain responds differently to negative stimuli than it does to positive stimuli. Consider the times you have weighed the pros and cons of a situation, only to focus more heavily on the cons. When you are at home, focus on the positive, reframe your inside voice, and flip your point of view. At school, watch your response to … Read More