Addressing Creativity and Wellness with Your Students

Sean ThompsonBlog, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Kahoot teaches and reinforces understandings. Vector graphics give students an outlet to share how their daily lives are going, and lead to open discussions with individuals and/or classes. Educators can examine data from surveys in Google Data Studio to track wellness over time. Last school year was one like no other before. We spent our summer uncertain as to … Read More

Strengthening Students’ Reading and Writing Stamina

Teach Better TeamBlog, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Giving students time to read and write independently is a classroom routine that encourages students to become readers and writers. A book review script that students can use to share video book recommendations with peers is included. When students share their writing with an authentic audience, it empowers them and builds classroom community. Having students set their own reading … Read More

Virtual Restorative Circles

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Restorative circles are personal class discussions. Some benefits of restorative circles for your students include building community and creating a sense of acceptance. Restorative circles can provide a safe environment for students both in-person and virtually. I learned of restorative circles at the December 2019 AIMS Network Conference. The session I attended described how these circles transformed classroom culture … Read More

Behavior Principles + Practices: It’s Time to Decide What is Best for YOUR Classroom

Lindsay TitusBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Turning behavior principles into behavior practices using clearly defined expectations, visual supports, and connecting with students. Understanding the principles can help us create an authentic classroom community. As a board-certified behavior analyst, I spend a lot of my time teaching and training about behavioral principles. We unpack what they are and what they are not. Together with teams, I … Read More

Using Retro Games in the Classroom

BreAnn FennellBlog, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Some retro games you could use in your classroom include Four Square, Guess Who, and Pictionary. Games can be recommended to parents or friends who are wanting to add some fun to summer learning. Games that teachers loved as kids will spark excitement in the teacher that can transfer to student engagement. Retro Games: Four Square Do you remember … Read More