Elementary Mastery Grid Tips and Tricks

Amanda BolonBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning

TL;DR: The Grid Method can work for any age group, including elementary-aged students. Create your grid with your students in mind. Set up a thoughtful learning environment. Maximize learning time. Be flexible and reach out for help if you need it. The Grid Method is the premiere solution in the world of mastery learning. Educators from around the world are … Read More

Tech and Transformation

Brad HughesBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Debbie Tannenbaum is the featured guest on The Good News, Brad News Podcast. Debbie’s transformation through technology has been both professional and personal. A growth mindset and willingness to be vulnerable can yield surprising results. There is power in taking small steps towards big accomplishments. Connecting with others is essential to growth and transformation. Hello again, reader! This is … Read More

College vs. Entrepreneurship? Who Wins in 2021?

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation, Leadership

TL;DR: College and entrepreneurship both have benefits and serve different individuals in different ways. The cost and benefits of both college and entrepreneurship need to be understood. For a functioning society, both college and career-ready individuals need to be supported and valued. College vs. Entrepreneurship As the job market continues to expand and more and more people are quitting their … Read More

Using Differentiated Instruction to Teach a Novel

Kristen KoppersBlog, Differentiation, Lesson Planning

TL;DR: Introduce the author first, and let students know why they are reading this particular novel and what the background of the story is. Teach essential questions, themes, motifs, and symbolism ahead of time, especially with difficult texts. Include visual art with their reading. Allow students to differentiate their pace. Using differentiated instruction in the classroom does not have to be … Read More

Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 2: Procedures

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation, Lesson Planning

TL;DR: This post shares procedures and tips for using ISNBs and ISJs.  Make a classroom notebook, use a table of contents, and make the pages fit to the composition notebook. Conduct weekly notebook checks. Remember the Purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In a recent Science Better blog post, I wrote about why I use an interactive science notebook (ISNB) and an … Read More