TL;DR: Learn more about the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Canada. There is a lot you can learn about the wildlife in this area, like black bears, just by asking. Learn from nature and experiences, reading and watching videos, and from asking an expert. Having experiences and being a student yourself allows you to be the teacher you need … Read More
Waiting for a Lifeguard
TL;DR: Steven shares a story about how he and his dad were caught in a riptide and needed support from a lifeguard. Many students are struggling. We cannot expect them to save themselves. Hope is not a strategy. In order to focus on students’ needs, school support teams can ask themselves a list of questions found below. Consider how intentional … Read More
New Year, New Relationships, New Opportunities
TL;DR: As students return to school, they may not be at the “level” we need them to be. Some tips as students return: Interact and build relationships with your students by connecting with their interests and start making a plan for how best to get support for them. Content becomes easier to teach after you build relationships. Take one day … Read More
Welcoming Staff Back to the Building
TL;DR: Be mindful as you plan for return to school team-building activities. Consider your staff’s comfort level. You can survey staff prior to the start of the school year. In this post, you will learn some suggestions on how to build school culture at the beginning of the year. As I write this blog post, many districts where I live … Read More
Play and Science Can Fuel a Love of Learning
TL;DR: When planning your schedule, be intentional to include science so students can learn to ask questions to spark thinking, be wrong, and make mistakes. You can find time to teach the standards AND incorporate science. Try new ideas and explore with students. Have a space in your classroom, such as a wonder wall, to place student questions. Model questioning … Read More