TL;DR: Planning for social emotional learning in the new normal. Strategies to prioritize SEL and the whole child, including being flexible, focusing on social issues and changes, checking in with others and meeting them with empathy, and ensuring that we are taking time to understand where students are at in their learning. “New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings” … Read More
5 Design Strategies to Come Back Better
TL;DR: Qualities of a design thinking mindset. Five strategies to Come Back Better this fall, including engaging with empathy, defining needs, challenging the process, innovating, and being flexible. Seven years ago, a group of high school students participated in a design competition, building a robot to perform various jobs. Each week, they sent programming code to a company design firm for … Read More
Choice + Voice: Powerhouse Combo in the Classroom
TL;DR: Choice and voice are essential in order to engage students. Student choice is directly related to the concept of autonomy. Student voice is often communicated through their choices and behaviors. It might be the teacher in me, but when words rhyme or have a strong sense of alliteration, I’m all for it! Two of my favorites? CHOICE + VOICE, … Read More
Routine vs. Schedule
TL;DR: Establishing a flexible routine for children includes your morning routine, work routine, downtime routine, and evening routine. Kids can either follow a strict schedule or a daily routine. It’s important to remember that life happens—circumstances and emotions change day to day. Now that I am a few weeks into remote teaching with both my students and my own three … Read More
Everything I Know About Leadership, I Learned in First Grade
TL;DR: It is important to lead with a vision and a clear direction. Modeling effective leadership can inspire new leaders. I do not have numerous significant memories of my first grade year at Delight Elementary School. Except for the occasional favorite lunch of square pizza with a side of kernel corn and my introduction to the bizarre cuisine termed Shepherd’s … Read More
