Putting Play in PD

BreAnn FennellBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Sometimes professional development doesn’t use the research-based teaching strategies that we know are super impactful. Learn how to use play both in your classrooms and when planning professional development for colleagues.  Discover four ways to merge technology and play. Put the play in PD. Get excited about Teach Better 22 Conference! Professional Development That Doesn’t Align With Research There … Read More

ISJ and ISNB Introduction

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Personalized Learning, Student Engagement, Teach Further

 TL;DR: Science is a messy process that leads to understanding. Students need to learn and appreciate the messy process in addition to the end result. Interactive science journals (ISJ) and interactive science notebooks (ISNB) are tools that will help students understand the difference between the process and the end result. “Take chances, make mistakes, get MESSY!” – Ms. Frizzle, The … Read More

The Power Of Blank Space

Steven WeberBlog, Innovation, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Blank Space is any area that provides learners with the opportunity to practice life skills such as creativity and critical thinking. Consider designing your classroom with intentional blank space to invite students to actively participate in their learning. Some strategies could include blank whiteboards mounted around the room, window markers, or goal setting space. Traditional Classroom Design On the … Read More

What Educators Can Learn from Choose Your Own Adventure Books

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

Originally published at ASCD.com: https://www.ascd.org/blogs/what-educators-can-learn-from-choose-your-own-adventure-books This post was co-authored by Greg Bagby. TL;DR: Choose Your Own Adventure books provide lessons we can apply to the educational world. Learning and trying new things can be complicated and messy, but it is worth the journey. Everything doesn’t always go the way you intend, but you learn from all of your experiences. Having … Read More