TL;DR: Book bans pose challenges for teachers, requiring them to navigate policies and laws while balancing their responsibilities to students. Teachers should familiarize themselves with school policies and relevant laws to understand their options and responsibilities when facing a book ban. Staying informed about current events and book ban developments, preparing alternative materials, advocating for students, and using book bans … Read More
Classroom Climate Toolbox
TL;DR: Consider the importance of establishing a classroom climate that is warm. This post shares lesson ideas you can try to establish and incorporate into your own routines. It is important to consider student voice when building climate. To make climate a first priority in teaching, there are 3 items to include in your teacher toolbox. (1) Build empathetic relationships. … Read More
3 Strategies to Boost Students’ Speaking and Writing Skills
TL;DR: Substitution tables are a helpful tool for students to practice using different words and expressions. They also help improve their vocabulary and confidence in English communication. Pre-teaching lexical bundles and collocations aids vocabulary and fluency development. They familiarize students with common word groups and natural phrase combinations. Assigning timed speaking and writing activities encourages clear and efficient expression. This … Read More
Supporting Today’s Learners
TL;DR: There is a comparison between cooking appliances and education methods, contrasting microwave learning (traditional) with air fryer learning (constructivist). In traditional learning, teachers are the main source of knowledge and focus on student compliance, while constructivist learning emphasizes student engagement, collaboration, and connecting learning to real-life experiences. Teachers in today’s classrooms are encouraged to be guides and mentors, creating … Read More
My Hypothesis on Assessment
TL;DR: Assessment is a hot topic in all schools. Before looking at assessments, look at your teaching. What are you doing that makes learning relevant for all students? My Hypothesis on Assessment Well, it certainly has been a while since I last wrote a blog post here at Teach Better. For much of this school year, I’ve been focusing on … Read More