TL;DR: The value of family involvement in goal setting and reflection. A low-tech method for involving families. A technology-based reflection tool for involvement of families. When it comes to goal setting, it’s important that we make it relevant and authentic for our students. Beyond that, we also have to involve their families. “It takes a village to raise a child.” … Read More
Promote Creative Thinking Through Passion Projects
In This Post An overview of passion projects in the classroom. Why you should consider doing a passion project with your students. Suggestions to rethink a unit and approach it as a passion project! Creative thinking is a skill we absolutely want to cultivate. We want our students to think critically and analyze. We want them to assess situations, look … Read More
4 Steps to Successful Implementation of a New Idea
In This Post: Success on New Year’s resolutions rarely ever happens. But why? The “New Year’s resolution” model doesn’t work for educational ideas either. Four steps to successfully implementing the new idea you’re considering. January is often a strange time at my gym. New Year’s Resolutionists show up in droves. They pack into our small yoga studio spaces with their … Read More
Build A Positive Culture with “I’ve Got You” Moments
In This Post: The negative impact on seeking out the shortcomings of others, or having our own failures called out. An effective way to shift your mindset to cultivate a positive, uplifting culture. Can I talk to you for a minute? When you a have a chance, please stop in. Please see me before you leave today. As you read … Read More
Love Beyond the Classroom Walls: Creating Memories & Building Bonds
In This Post: 5 non-negotiables of a teacher. The value in building memories and bonds with your students. Specific examples of ways to encourage learning and build relationships. The inclusion of families. As a teacher, I have five teaching non-negotiables. Those are the five things I have pretty much kept sacred for the seventeen years I’ve been a teacher. These include: … Read More