Exploring the Link Between Student Misbehavior and Boredom – School Administrator Mastermind Recap

Joshua StamperAdministrator Mastermind Recaps, Blog, Differentiate Better, Lead Better

School Administrators Mastermind community In this engaging School Administrator recap, Joshua Stamper and Katie Miglin share valuable insights and thoughtful responses from the School Administrators Mastermind community. They address pivotal questions, such as: 🔹 How do you differentiate between student misbehavior resulting from boredom or disinterest in a lesson and behavior issues with deeper underlying causes? 🔹 For those who … Read More

The Heart of Education: Taking Risks

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better, Teach Further, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Taking risks makes teaching more exciting and fulfilling. Start small with change to accomplish more in the long run. Risk-taking is easier for students when we build them a safety net. Failure is natural. Show students it’s okay to fail as long as we try again. Growing up, we’re taught to be careful: to wear helmets and knee pads … Read More

5 Classroom Strategies for Social Emotional Learning Support

Michele HaikenBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Social emotional learning is already integrated into everyday teaching, helping students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Teachers can enhance SEL by implementing intentional strategies, such as reflection for self-awareness, authentic assessments for social awareness, choice boards for responsible decision making, checklists for self-management, and promoting collaboration and cooperation for building relationship skills. These practices align with CASEL’s … Read More

Writing Is Breathing Out: Free Writing Matters

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The post emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why” behind classroom activities, such as free writing, to students. Benefits of free writing include boosting creativity, providing a safe space for expression, relieving stress, and improving communication skills. The author draws parallels between practicing writing and practicing sports or musical instruments, highlighting the value of preparation for future assignments and … Read More

Reading Is Breathing In: Book Choices Matter

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The post uses an analogy of weightlifting to explain the importance of choosing different levels of books. It categorizes books into painless (easy), on-target (comfortable), and challenging (difficult) levels, emphasizing the need to vary one’s reading choices to grow as a reader. Encourages students to primarily read on-target books but also occasionally challenge themselves with more difficult material while … Read More