TL;DR: There are parallels between off-roading and teaching in the age of AI. Students are motivated to use AI and work proactively to tackle the issues. This post shares practical tips for educators to embrace AI tools in their teaching. “You may delay, but time will not.” — Benjamin Franklin I recently went off-roading with my husband. Now, we are not … Read More
The Heart of Education: Taking Risks
TL;DR: Taking risks makes teaching more exciting and fulfilling. Start small with change to accomplish more in the long run. Risk-taking is easier for students when we build them a safety net. Failure is natural. Show students it’s okay to fail as long as we try again. Growing up, we’re taught to be careful: to wear helmets and knee pads … Read More
Audience Awareness: Shaping Student Writing Beyond the Classroom
TL;DR: Students primarily write for teachers in academic settings, but they also engage in real-world writing. Teaching audience awareness helps students understand their readers and write more effectively. Using a reader profile fosters a shift from self-centered writing to audience-oriented writing in various genres. Audience Awareness: Teaching your students to think about the reader behind their writing. When it comes … Read More
5 Classroom Strategies for Social Emotional Learning Support
TL;DR: Social emotional learning is already integrated into everyday teaching, helping students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Teachers can enhance SEL by implementing intentional strategies, such as reflection for self-awareness, authentic assessments for social awareness, choice boards for responsible decision making, checklists for self-management, and promoting collaboration and cooperation for building relationship skills. These practices align with CASEL’s … Read More
Writing Is Breathing Out: Free Writing Matters
TL;DR: The post emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why” behind classroom activities, such as free writing, to students. Benefits of free writing include boosting creativity, providing a safe space for expression, relieving stress, and improving communication skills. The author draws parallels between practicing writing and practicing sports or musical instruments, highlighting the value of preparation for future assignments and … Read More