TL;DR: Names should be celebrated and said correctly by teachers as a means of retaining student dignity and identity. Students don’t need nicknames; they need our effort and allyship. My parents named me Caitlin, which was also the most popular feminine given name of my birth year. My mom always made sure to point out that she spelled it the … Read More
Building Classroom Community in a Virtual World
TL;DR: Strategies for building classroom community in a virtual world include using a user-friendly online platform, teaching expectations, utilizing breakout groups, assigning roles, creating goals, having a plan for students to seek assistance, providing opportunities for communication, and celebrating successes. Learning environments are crucial for providing students with opportunities to exercise their strengths and to overcome their weaknesses. A school … Read More
Strengthening Students’ Reading and Writing Stamina
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
Culture in the New Normal
TL;DR: Using your Professional Learning Network (PLN) to inspire positive culture in your classroom. Reimagining your PLN through positivity, authenticity, and modeling appropriate norms. Using the tools, skills, and ideas established with your PLN to maintain valuable relationships with your students. “Learning is finding out what you already know” – Richard Bach. With our new normal quickly approaching this fall, … Read More
Maintaining Positive Culture Even When Apart
TL;DR: Classroom culture is something we all work hard to build and maintain. Steps and ideas to cultivate our classroom culture, even while apart. Realistic ideas and suggestions to connect with students, staff, and families from home. Classroom and school culture are massive components of our jobs as educators. It’s vital that we cultivate an environment where our students and … Read More