TL;DR: Gamification can increase student engagement in learning by incorporating game mechanics into educational activities. By aligning key content with the core drives of gamification, educators can create meaningful lessons that connect to difficult topics such as conservation. A practical example is using a game to teach students about the impact of habitat loss on orangutans and biodiversity, where students … Read More
Ways to Keep Learning Over the Summer
TL;DR: Summer is a great time for professional development. There are so many different ways to continue learning. Find what works best for you. Every summer gives you the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge. However, you may be like me and use several weeks of your summer for professional learning opportunities. This blog post will give you some ideas … Read More
Learner Agency: Teaching The Art of Agility
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