TL;DR: We are not getting the full picture when we see our students with masks on. Take time to get to know your students and who they are behind the masks. Check-in with your students not just on an academic level, but on a social-emotional one as well. I consider myself lucky that I’ve been able to be in-person with … Read More
Using Formative Assessments to Guide Instruction
TL;DR: Formative assessments help teachers effectively plan and guide instruction. It also helps to understand students better in terms of whether they are on track, need support, or a challenge. Likely, you’ll need to plan for differentiated instruction to meet the needs of your students, individually or as a class. There are many formative assessment options: Do-nows & bell ringers, … Read More
How do you structure class while using the Grid?
TL;DR: Structuring class time while using The Grid Method involves incorporating a warm-up and time for goal setting, a mini-lesson, conferencing, wrap-up, and reflection. Tasks assigned to students should be relevant, meaningful, and allow them to take ownership of their learning. For folks new to The Grid Method, one of the things they struggle with most is trying to understand … Read More
Using Google Classroom to Teach Digital Citizenship
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
Best Practices for Communicating with Families
TL;DR: Strategies for best communication practices, including being proactive, making time for what’s important, keeping it simple, and being consistent. Using ClassDojo, ClassTag, SeeSaw, Remind, emails, phone calls, notes, postcards, and social media as tools to communicate and stay connected with families. Now more than ever, parents and teachers need to work as a team for the benefit of our … Read More
