Helping Students Make Connections to 9/11

Becky ThalBlog, Connect Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Historical events impact everyone a little differently. Teaching students history through firsthand accounts can help them to see different perspectives and lets them decide how they will understand the event. History educator, Cheryl Krol, shares her inspiration to collect testimonials from 9/11 to share with her students, as well as the value in teaching through firsthand accounts.  I know … Read More

Teaching and Remembering 9/11 Twenty Years Later

Teach Better TeamBlog, Lesson Plan Better, Teach Further

TL;DR: Never Forget: Teaching 9/11 twenty years later. This post shares ideas on how to include September 11th in your classroom through a trauma-informed lens. Remembering September 11, 2001 Almost everyone I grew up with has a story related to the attacks of September 11th. Some of the kids I went to school with or grew up with lost relatives, … Read More

Engage and Elevate Better – Professional Development

Martin SilvermanBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: This is the first post of a new blog series about how we engage and how we elevate that engagement. Beginning of the school year PD likely was one size fits all but did not fully reach all. Engage our audience by considering what we do as effective teachers who plan for diverse learners in the classroom. Learn what … Read More

Student Voices

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: No matter the grade level, emphasize student voices. Let students have a voice; hear their opinions and build upon them. Consider student voices when lesson planning and teaching curriculum and content knowledge. “Equity and Inclusion Just Got Better” Journaling/Reflection Questions: How would you incorporate student voice into your curriculum? What does advocacy look like for you as an educator? … Read More

Classroom Spaces

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Students respond better to classroom spaces that are interactive and encourage exploration, movement, and collaboration. Students learn science better through instruction that allows them to have access to the entire classroom space when inspiration strikes. Consider taking the time to honestly reflect on your classroom space to make it more engaging to your students. How are you using your … Read More