TL;DR: Small group instruction and one-on-one conferences are possible this year. Five tips to make these types of instruction happen – whether you’re fully virtual or hybrid. In my classroom, like many others, small group instruction is a cornerstone of our structure. In fact, a majority of the teaching I do is done in a small group model. I work … Read More
Visual Supports for Every Classroom
TL;DR: Agendas, contingency maps, and signs are some visual supports to help learners become independent. Decide how to incorporate visuals in your classroom by considering a number of anchoring questions such as: What is the expectation? What needs to be done right now? What is coming next? This post includes links to 3 PDF visuals to use in your classroom. … Read More
Simple Ways To Foster Relationships
TL;DR: Surveying students and the 2×10 strategy are two ways to strengthen relationships with your students. Initiating meaningful conversations with others to foster classroom community. When I first interviewed for teaching positions, I was never asked a single question about how I build classroom community. I was asked about my philosophy around classroom management (firm, consistent, and fair), and how … Read More
Behavior Principles + Practices: It’s Time to Decide What is Best for YOUR Classroom
TL;DR: Turning behavior principles into behavior practices using clearly defined expectations, visual supports, and connecting with students. Understanding the principles can help us create an authentic classroom community. As a board-certified behavior analyst, I spend a lot of my time teaching and training about behavioral principles. We unpack what they are and what they are not. Together with teams, I … Read More
Effective Decision Making: Using Core Values as the Filter
TL;DR: Reflecting on our core values helps us filter through the decisions we make to ensure they are purposeful and effective. Involving team members in decision making can help to increase the likelihood that all members support the outcome. Using core values to make decisions helps to prevent decision-making fatigue. Research shows that adults make an average of 35,000 decisions per … Read More