TL;DR: Learner agency empowers students through student voice, choice, innovation, and authentic tasks, allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Teachers can create opportunities for learner agency by implementing strategies such as project-based learning, arts education, communication, problem-solving, and reflection. Learner agency enables students to set goals, reflect on their progress, and transfer their understanding in new situations, developing … Read More
Unlocking the Benefits Of Summer Reading
TL;DR: Assigned summer reading is beneficial for students as it promotes continuous learning, enhances vocabulary and language skills, fosters critical thinking, boosts creativity and imagination, and cultivates empathy and understanding. It prevents the “summer slide” and helps students perform better academically when they return to school. Reading during the summer expands knowledge, broadens horizons, and encourages a lifelong love for … Read More
Connecting Your Class with Authors
TL;DR: Virtual learning led to decreased student motivation, prompting the need for engaging and meaningful activities. Using picture books and connecting with authors proved effective in fostering social-emotional learning and motivation. Strategies such as utilizing social media, attending author book signings, and exploring author websites facilitated connections and sparked students’ interest in writing and reading. After several weeks of virtual … 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