TL;DR: April is Month of the Military Child. This month is dedicated to recognizing military children, their sacrifices and unique challenges. April is Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and recognize their sacrifices and unique challenges. These children experience the pain of separation from their military mom or dad. They also face the reality that their parent … Read More
Sub Better: The Substitute’s Report
TL;DR: Teachers need to leave detailed lesson plans. Substitutes need to follow the lesson plans and leave a report. Administrators need to check in on classes to look for evidence of learning. I had been gone for the day for a planned absence. I left detailed plans with all of the materials for the day, accounting for every minute of … Read More
How Do I Differentiate Instruction in the Upper Elementary Literacy Classroom?
In this episode: After listening to this episode you will leave with clarity around the what, the why and the how of differentiated instruction in the upper elementary classroom. I talk about: 1.What- What is differentiated instruction anyway? Why- Why does differentiated instruction matter? How-How do I differentiate instruction in my upper elementary literacy classroom? Quotables: – … Read More
Ooch Your Way to PBL
TL;DR: An ooch is when we conduct a small experiment to teach us more. Instead of jumping head-first into something new, take one small step first. Small steps to project-based learning can include connecting with community partners, giving students voice and choice, and utilizing structured grouping. Ooch Your Way to PBL Should you ooch?!?! The Heath Brothers say, “Yes!”’ In … Read More
I Tried the Grid Method!
TL;DR: Trying The Grid Method for the first time can be intimidating. The first piece of advice for trying The Grid Method is to become a learner. Use DOK levels to advance learners in each level of a Grid. The Grid Method can allow teachers to conference with students during class more than other structures. When trying something new, don’t … Read More




