TL;DR: The difference between playing games and gamification. Elements of gamification… that are also best practices of pedagogy. Research & evidence that supports using gamification for student success. As a teacher of a fully-gamified class, I often hear phrases such as, “That’s really cool, but how do you know the system is working?” Most of the time this involves a … Read More
Primary Independence: How The Grid Method Can Work for Littles
TL;DR: The Grid Method can completely change your teaching practice, even your life. Ways the Grid Method can absolutely work for your primary students. Just another PD session? Not exactly. Everyone knows how end of the year professional development goes. You sit in meetings all day long, thinking about how much you have to do before packing up for the … Read More
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
In This Post: The one thing every single person has in common! Schools are neighborhoods & communities. Ideas to build relationships with students & colleagues. Going the Extra Mile To say the weather here in New Jersey has been a roller coaster the past few weeks would be an understatement. Last weekend it was unseasonably warm, with temps hovering around … Read More
Teaching Through Classroom Leadership
In This Post: The need for a culture of leadership in your classroom in addition to traditional classroom management practices. The need for more authentic, leadership-oriented professional development. The big differences between managing and leading students. Why creating relationships with students gives you greater influence and ability to lead in your classroom. There are 6 words that will change your … Read More