TL;DR: Assessment doesn’t always have a positive connotation. Start with an asset-based mindset: what can students do well? Clarify what you want the students to be able to do and look for it. Involve students in the goal-setting process. Sneaking Assessment Into Writing Instruction If I mention assessment to teachers, they cringe. Maybe the cringe comes from the thought that … Read More
Reawaken Your Clarity
TL;DR: Let go of perfection. Allow yourself to move forward and let go of the past. Give yourself time to rest. Be okay with setting boundaries. Reawaken clarity. I hopped into my car yesterday and realized that the front windshield was dirty. With no time to clean it on my way to work, I realized how difficult it was to … Read More
Lead Better: Honors Night
TL;DR: Think about your legacy and the legacy of your school. What are you leaving behind? Know what motivates your people. Believe in your people and help them reach their goals. Honors Night In 2013, members of my family created a scholarship in honor of my grandparents. Both my grandparents were fixtures in our local high school. For 22+ years, … Read More
If I Were – Brain Break Games
Want a quick game for the end of the year? Starting Summer School with new students? This is a getting-to-know-you game that has a little pizzazz. If I Were… If I Were is a game that will encourage players to picture themselves in different ways. In the classroom setting, you could use content area knowledge to allow students to explore … Read More
Finish Strong: Do Science!
TL;DR: To finish the year strong, do science. Get your students excited about science by sharing what you do outside of the classroom. Have fun doing science that makes you happy! It is that time of year again…testing season is in full swing, students are ready for the year to end, and grades need to be finalized. With all of … Read More