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
Bringing the World Into a Classroom: Experiential Learning
TL;DR: Experiential learning can help introduce students to global crises. Simulated crises like The Floor is Lava helps students understand teamwork and crisis management. Exploring natural and man-made disasters fosters awareness and proactive solutions. Bringing the World Into a Classroom I have been teaching in an experiential learning environment for many years now. The chance to plan something new is … Read More
How Are Your EGBs?
TL;DR: December marks basketball season for our family, with our son playing for multiple teams. A lesson in leadership from basketball benches: It’s not just about on-court performance; it’s about Energy Generating Behaviors (EGBs). Examples from UConn and Mizzou show how small actions, like supporting teammates, listening actively, and cheering create impactful leadership, applicable beyond the court—relevant for classrooms and … Read More
Kids Do Better When They Play!
TL;DR: Play fosters creativity, social development, physical growth, language skills, and independent thinking, crucial in early education. Play supports creative thinking, social interaction, and decision-making, offering opportunities to enhance skills that aid in academic and personal life. Educators play a vital role in promoting play-based learning, focusing on creativity, problem-solving, physical development, language skills, and independence in young children. Play … Read More
Disqualification
TL;DR: Evan, facing hurdles, joined cross country, growing socially and athletically. Despite getting lost in a race, his honesty led to self-disqualification. His integrity earned recognition, reshaping his father’s parental perspective. Take a step back to look at things from a different perspective and appreciate the goodness in the lesson. Breaking Boundaries: Evan’s Journey into Cross Country Triumph I know … Read More