TL;DR: Using technology to enhance thinking routines transforms students from consumers of information to creators, as they share their thinking visually. Technology tools such as Padlet, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, and Google Slides can help students synthesize their thoughts to make their thinking visible. During the 2018-19 school year, my administration at the time introduced the staff to thinking routines. Thinking … Read More
Building Community through Morning Meeting
TL;DR: Morning meeting is a time for students to gather, discuss the day’s events and lessons, and anything else on their minds. Morning meeting is a strategy for building community in a classroom. Each morning meeting is facilitated by the teacher, but is student-driven. At precisely 9:25 on Monday morning, the doorbell rings. Students put away their materials, quickly move … Read More
Three Cheers for Beep Baseball
TL;DR: The game Beep Baseball is geared towards individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Beep Baseball is played with a 16-inch softball equipped with electronics that allow the ball to beep. The goal of the game is for the pitcher to get the batter to connect with the ball, not strike out the player. An interview with Dan Kelley, … Read More
Visual Supports for Every Classroom
TL;DR: Agendas, contingency maps, and signs are some visual supports to help learners become independent. Decide how to incorporate visuals in your classroom by considering a number of anchoring questions such as: What is the expectation? What needs to be done right now? What is coming next? This post includes links to 3 PDF visuals to use in your classroom. … Read More
Simple Ways To Foster Relationships
TL;DR: Surveying students and the 2×10 strategy are two ways to strengthen relationships with your students. Initiating meaningful conversations with others to foster classroom community. When I first interviewed for teaching positions, I was never asked a single question about how I build classroom community. I was asked about my philosophy around classroom management (firm, consistent, and fair), and how … Read More