5 Resources to Get ELA Students Ready for Testing Season

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Prepare ELA students for testing season by using Everyday Edits, CommonLit, Newsela, Wonderopolis, and NoRedInk. You can use these resources in your classroom as soon as tomorrow. 5 Resources to Get ELA Students Ready for Testing Season So here we are. It is the beginning of the dreaded testing season. We all need a vacation from our vacation. For … Read More

Eat Better – Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and Rubrics

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Grilled cheese has many variations. Consider standards-based grading in education and the use of rubrics in assessment, grading, and reporting. When designing a rubric, be sure to stay focused on what you want students to know or be able to do. Resist the urge to add criteria that do not relate to the task. Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and … Read More

Learnability: Consumption, Creation, and Contribution

Steven WeberBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Learnability may be at the top of the list of skills high school graduates need. Consider what every student should know and be able to do when developing curriculum and standards. Be careful not to just cover the unit plan or standards without considering the student evidence that demonstrates learning. It is important that students are provided opportunities to … Read More

Introducing Children to Mindfulness

Ipek WilliamsonBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: It is important to teach young children how to meditate and practice mindfulness at a very early age. This gives them a head start in becoming a positive, joyful, and compassionate person. Here are two mindfulness practices to try with young children: Belly Buddies and Spidey Senses. See below for links. We want our children to be physically and … Read More

Teaching About Current Events and Controversial Issues

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Teachers can press pause to develop a lesson, collect factual sources, and determine how to teach the lesson in an age-appropriate manner. Determine if you are ‘preaching’ or ‘teaching.’  Provide a balanced perspective and seek resources from multiple perspectives. What is the best approach to teaching about current events and controversial issues?  Americans are divided on issues related to … Read More