It’s Time to Try Something Better

Elijah CarbajalBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Now is the time to try something better than what you have done before. Each day, try something better, and over time, you will notice big changes. As I sat in this brilliant student’s IEP meeting, I couldn’t believe what I heard. I had to consciously control my facial expressions. I was shocked and frustrated. Not at the student … Read More

5 Tech Tools to Start Using Today

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Calendly, a Bitmoji classroom, the Notes app, Google Voice, and Math Learning Center are tech tools to start using today! This post shares a link to each tech tool and an explanation of how it can be used in your classroom. As many teachers head back to school in new ways, technology is more important than ever. Here are … Read More

Student Engagement without Technology

Jennifer AppelBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: Schools can keep students engaged without the use of technology by using hands-on approaches. Giving students choice and voice in their learning are two simple ways to increase engagement. Makerspaces allow students to innovate and be creative! Engagement without Technology: Foster Creativity and Student Choice During an era of YouTube, Netflix, and Google, can we capture the attention of … Read More

Power Up Thinking Routines Using Technology Tools

Debbie TannenbaumBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Using technology to enhance thinking routines transforms students from consumers of information to creators, as they share their thinking visually. Technology tools such as Padlet, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, and Google Slides can help students synthesize their thoughts to make their thinking visible. During the 2018-19 school year, my administration at the time introduced the staff to thinking routines. Thinking … Read More

Facilitating Small Group Instruction to Meet Student Needs

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Manage Better

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