Lose The Levels – Reconsidering Leveled Libraries

Teach Better TeamBlog, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

Click here to read "Lose The Levels - Reconsidering Leveled Libraries"

In This Post: Leveled libraries in classrooms is a good idea taken way too far. The level system was created to match readers to texts that best met their reading levels. It has become a rigid system that hinders text choice. The level system is often applied to inappropriate instructional times. The text level-creators themselves – Fountas and Pinnell – … Read More

Moving to Dynamic Learning

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Tech Better

Moving to Dynamic Learning

In This Post: We need to create classrooms where students are the ones defending and explaining their ideas, rather than regurgitating facts. We need to make projects, and classrooms in general, more dynamic. Tech tools, such as Seesaw, Flipgrid, and others, can be used to make ordinary experiences more dynamic. This only works when combined with the endless creativity and … Read More

The 5 Senses behind Classroom Management

Rae HughartBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

In This Post: Classroom management blogs are filled to the brim with strategies and techniques to help students operate at their highest potential within the classroom environment. One idea often not discussed – the element of how a classroom’s physical space adds to classroom management success. Think of your favorite place to work; what makes it your favorite? How it … Read More

5 Ways to DESTROY Intrinsic Motivation in your Students

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better

5 Ways to DESTROY Intrinsic Motivation in Your Students

In this post: Intrinsic motivation is a powerful tool. Intrinsically motivated students are typically more able to overcome challenges Here are a few ways you can destroy intrinsic motivation in your classroom: Not providing students with ownership Not removing fear from your classroom Not being authentic Not building relationships Not focusing on learning Intrinsic motivation is a powerful tool that, … Read More

#1 Tip for Classroom Management: Engagement, Engagement, Engagement

Rae HughartBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

In this post: Education must be more than neon paper, glittery notebooks, and one day after school events. Every time I work with a group of teachers on classroom management strategies, a groan takes over the room when I say that dreaded word….. Engagement! The endless misconceptions of what engagement actually means are the root causes of each groan. What … Read More