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

Real Talk: How to Be a Great Teacher Without Losing Yourself 

Holly BlackBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Being a great teacher doesn’t mean you have to completely lose yourself in the process. We can sort through what things aren’t serving us and curate a meaningful workplace for ourselves. Learn 9 quick tips for how to be a great teacher without losing yourself. For some reason, the idea of “good” teaching seems to equal a run-down, tired, … Read More

Integrating Earth Day in Your Learning Space

Becky SchnekserBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Further

 TL;DR: For learners to connect with their environment, create time to be outdoors to develop care and concern for our Earth. Integrate Earth Day with nature journaling, diagramming and modeling with nature materials, engineering, design thinking, STEM or STEAM challenges, scavenger hunts, and nature walks. These ideas can be integrated anytime, not just for Earth Day! Earth Day is the … Read More

Student Voice: The Power of the Experienced Curriculum

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The written curriculum and taught curriculum are different from the experienced curriculum. Teachers should find ways to obtain feedback from students on their experienced curriculum. Hundreds of books and articles have been written addressing the curriculum in schools. Teachers and administrators have read books describing the written, taught, assessed, enriched, prioritized, or guaranteed curricula. In addition to these common … Read More

Why I Blog

Sanam EdwardsBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Blogging is a way to share ideas and best practices with those who need help. Having a blog supports those who are struggling. It’s important to share failures. Why I Blog People often ask me why I blog. Of course, my instant response is to help those who may benefit from my ideas and best practices. But, reactions to … Read More