TL;DR: Be someone who makes a difference in the lives of those we touch. Allow kids to develop a positive mindset and executive function skills first. Instill a growth mindset for students. Create good habits and let go of bad ones. Pull your specialists aside and ask them your questions. Be Their Difference! Hello again, reader, and welcome back to … Read More
Tech Better With Math: Tech Tools
TL;DR: If you teach math, consider what technology tools you use. Ask yourself: Do they encourage active learning between students? Do they give you increased interaction both with and between students? 2 tech tools that use VMI (visualize, multimodal learning, and interaction) are Desmos and Flashcard Factory. Math Tech Tools Each month, I get so excited to share with my … Read More
The Myths of Gifted Children
TL;DR: Many gifted children aren’t challenged at their just-right level. One of the major challenges in giving students the work they need is a misunderstanding of how to help. Gifted children need to be challenged and taught the executive functioning skills needed to succeed. Underchallenged Gifted Children In my previous post, I talked about the underchallenged gifted child. These are … Read More
Fostering a Safe Learning Enivironment
TL;DR: We need to foster a safe learning environment for students and ourselves. Focus on the students, not your subject area. Ask what’s going on before you correct a student. Write a welcoming message on your board daily and greet students using their name. Check in once a week with kids to see what you might want to change in … Read More
3 Key Beliefs to Guide Your Instructional Practices
TL;DR: 3 key beliefs to guide your instructional practices include differentiation, accommodation, and modification. Build in structures to your instructional practices so students can have more opportunities for voice and choice. “Equity and Inclusion Just Got Better” Blog Reflection Questions: What is the one thing you will try to do in your classroom to make it inclusive? How does being … Read More