TL;DR: We remember what is taught through stories with courageous conversations. Stories help us understand, connect, and give a pathway and multiple opportunities to teaching concepts. Stories resonate with us and are close to our hearts to empower our spirit when there is a safe classroom discussion space. Create safe spaces by incorporating storytelling, reflection, journaling, and using graphic organizers … Read More
What is Translanguaging?
TL;DR: As educators, we must be strategic and intentional in our language instruction. It is crucial to strengthening our students’ language development. The beauty of translanguaging is honoring and elevating the languages of those we serve. QUICK! We’re going to do a quick experiment! Go grab a clear glass of water. Now put in 2 drops of red food coloring. … Read More
How to Teach for Justice When Facts Don’t Seem to Matter
Get ready because today I am discussing theory and practical steps for teaching for justice while being able to differentiate between questions of fact and questions of policy. We start off with dividing issues into two categories Empirical questions- those that have a clear answer-teaching the history Policy questions- what to do with the facts and how to respond Then … Read More
Restore Your Rest
TL;DR: Embrace rest and personalize it for yourself! Strategies for rest include making a list of things you WANT to do, weaving things into your day that bring you JOY, taking deep breaths, putting energy into the positives, and getting outside! You’ve done the hard things and now you simply need rest. But it doesn’t come easy. It requires the … Read More
Spark Your Passion This Summer!
TL;DR: In order to come back in September feeling excited and happy to return, we need to take time off. There are 10 ways we can spark our passion in the summer: make time for yourself, rethink curriculum, do some planning, learn, be yourself, revisit your why, know you are human, lead and mentor others, build excitement, and maintain trusting … Read More