TL;DR: Black History Month sparks crucial conversations on social justice, empowering K-12 students to challenge inequities and advocate for a fairer society. By highlighting African American achievements, the month promotes empowerment, instills pride, and helps students embrace their heritage, fostering resilience and confidence. Beyond celebrating accomplishments, Black History Month enhances cultural appreciation, fostering empathy and respect, and creating a more … Read More
Tapestry of Formative Assessment
TL;DR: Formative assessment is vital for effective teaching, offering real-time insights into student progress. Tom Schimmer advocates for diverse approaches, including thoughtful questioning, Socratic seminars, and one-on-one conferencing. Peer reviews, interactive technology, and strategies like think-pair-share enrich formative assessments, promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Tapestry of Formative Assessment Formative assessment is a tapestry and the heartbeat of effective teaching, offering … Read More
Recharge, Reflect, and Rejuvenate
TL;DR: Unplug from work and set boundaries for personal time. Recharge with hobbies and reflect on the past semester. Rejuvenate with mindfulness, healthy habits, and quality time with loved ones. It is time to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate! Teaching is a rewarding yet demanding profession that often leaves educators mentally and physically exhausted when the holidays roll around. The break … Read More
Parent and Educator Roles in Smartphone Use
TL;DR: Encourage open conversations, set clear screen time boundaries, monitor content, and be role models for responsible phone use to support teens’ mental health. Establish classroom policies, engage students in discussions about these rules, provide non-screen alternatives, and consistently enforce the policies to create phone-free learning environments. Parents and educators working together can mitigate the negative impact of excessive phone … Read More
Gratitude: It’s a Super Power!
TL;DR: Gratitude boosts emotional well-being, mental health, and fosters better relationships. Academically, gratitude enhances performance, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Practical methods like journals, kindness acts, role modeling, and discussions can instill gratitude effectively. In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, it can be easy for students to overlook the significance of gratitude. However, teaching students to be grateful is more than just … Read More