Supporting Today’s Learners

Colissa JordanBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: There is a comparison between cooking appliances and education methods, contrasting microwave learning (traditional) with air fryer learning (constructivist). In traditional learning, teachers are the main source of knowledge and focus on student compliance, while constructivist learning emphasizes student engagement, collaboration, and connecting learning to real-life experiences. Teachers in today’s classrooms are encouraged to be guides and mentors, creating … Read More

Boosting Student Engagement in the Spring

Rachelle Dené PothBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: Trying new ideas at the end of the school year can increase student engagement and help retain content. Versatile methods like choice boards, creativity tools, game-based learning, and interactive lessons boost engagement and curiosity. Incorporating student input, STEM activities, and problem-solving challenges further enhance learning experiences and promote essential skills development. Why try new ideas? With the school year … Read More

Centering Culture in Learning

Becky SchnekserBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Centering culture in learning experiences is important and should be a priority for all educators. The book “Unpack Your Impact” by Naomi O’Brien and LaNesha Tabb is a great resource for learning and implementing cultural inclusion in the classroom. Centering culture goes beyond surface-level activities and should be seamlessly integrated into practices. Culture is an integral part of identity … Read More

Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Michele HaikenBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: May is Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. You can provide rich cross-curricular learning experiences on WW2 and the experiences, culture, and contributions of these groups. The month of May is designated as Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. During this month, we honor “the generations of … Read More

Spice Up Your Writing Block

Becky SchnekserBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Here is an inspirational, engaging writing activity to spice up your literacy program. Provide images for students to write creative captions. Provide an image for students to craft a news story or article for the newspaper. Compose captions for short stories with photos for students to match. Provide a photo and ask your learners to compose a conversation that … Read More