The Comparison Trap: Changing the Negative to a Positive

Maggie GiffordBlog, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Don’t get caught in the comparison trap; there is often a lot behind the scenes that we don’t always see. Use comparison to fuel your classroom, not destroy it. Changing the negatives to positives by comparing only your work, considering the circumstances, and changing only to make improvements. In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to … Read More

Using Google Classroom to Teach Digital Citizenship

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Edtech

TL;DR: Google Classroom can be used as a platform to teach digital citizenship. It is important to set clear guidelines and expectations with students for the use of your school’s LMS. These tips and strategies could be applied to any LMS, as well as other tools like Google Meet, Chat, Docs, Slides, and Jamboard. We should continue to give students … Read More

Student Engagement without Technology

Jennifer AppelBlog, Differentiation, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Schools can keep students engaged without the use of technology by using hands-on approaches. Giving students choice and voice in their learning are two simple ways to increase engagement. Makerspaces allow students to innovate and be creative! Engagement without Technology: Foster Creativity and Student Choice During an era of YouTube, Netflix, and Google, can we capture the attention of … Read More

Power Up Thinking Routines Using Technology Tools

Debbie TannenbaumBlog, Differentiation, Edtech, Innovation, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Using technology to enhance thinking routines transforms students from consumers of information to creators, as they share their thinking visually. Technology tools such as Padlet, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, and Google Slides can help students synthesize their thoughts to make their thinking visible. During the 2018-19 school year, my administration at the time introduced the staff to thinking routines. Thinking … Read More

Addressing the Different Educational Needs of Our Students

Colissa JordanBlog

TL;DR: Educators must address the different educational needs of our students by setting high expectations, building relationships, desiring and implementing change, understanding our own biases, and choosing to connect. Teachers, administrators, and parents should establish and maintain supportive roles in this process of learning. Share your expectations with students by using I can statements.  At the beginning of this school … Read More