Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 2: Procedures

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: This post shares procedures and tips for using ISNBs and ISJs.  Make a classroom notebook, use a table of contents, and make the pages fit to the composition notebook. Conduct weekly notebook checks. Remember the Purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In a recent Science Better blog post, I wrote about why I use an interactive science notebook (ISNB) and an … Read More

Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 1: Materials

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: This post shares the process for setting up ISNBs and ISJs and the materials that are needed.  Use composition notebooks (not spiral bound), colored pencils, and liquid glue. Be sure to teach students how to use the glue correctly before giving them a notebook. Remember the purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In my last Science Better blog post, I wrote … Read More

Kindness Doesn’t Equal Justice

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Being kind is key to creating a better world, but it isn’t the same thing as justice. Kindness that is rooted in justice isn’t always comfortable, but it’s necessary to create change that matters and affects marginalized students and communities. Kindness is a human way that we connect to each other, in both words and actions. Being kind to … Read More

Remembrance Day

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TL;DR: Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th at 11AM. This post honors Remembrance Day and the importance of helping students make a connection to their community. “In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row” – “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Army Lt. Col. John McCrae Growing up in Canada you learn this poem or hear it … Read More

Working Together to Support Each and Every Student

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: This post shares a reflection on supporting students. Developing staff-to-staff relationships allows colleagues to share information learned about students so it is not a solo responsibility. I had the good fortune to be on the Daily Drop In last week, interviewed by one of the most gracious hosts I have ever encountered—Rae Hughart. She and I clicked. It was … Read More