Teaching Through the Circles: Previewing the Standards

Carrie LaRueBlog, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: A great idea can be transferred to many different applications. Don’t be afraid to put your spin on a great idea. Give credit where credit is due. Teach Better Team I am honored to be part of an incredible community of teachers through the Teach Better team, my own district, and several teaching groups via social media. A little … Read More

Making the First Day Last

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Leverage first week get to know yous for long-term relationships. Mini challenges are a great way to observe group dynamics. Create seating charts and small groups based on collective strength. Bring transparency and group sharing to PLCs and admin teams. As teachers, we learn so much about our students in the first six weeks of the school year. We … Read More

STRONG: 10 Ways to Flourish & Reduce Stress This School Year

Pamela HallBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Reflect Better, Self-Care

TL;DR: STRONG is an acronym to help you stay focused on your big rocks, like your health, family, and students’ wellbeing. Flourish by taking a day trip, enjoying a sunset, scheduling time with family and friends, journal your thoughts, and more. STRONG: 10 Ways to Flourish & Reduce Stress This School Year You start the school year fresh and feel … Read More

In Praise of Split Classes

Sandra WeirBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: A split class is a class created with students from two different age groups. Split classes allow you to form deeper relationships with students. Students are seen as individual learners in a split classroom. A split classroom allows students the opportunity to lead younger students. split class: a class grouping that includes students at two adjacent grade levels (for … Read More