TL;DR: Here are four ways to establish positive traditions and communication to cultivate culture. (1) Decorate your room and school with school colors so students identify as being a part of the community. (2) Explicitly teach school traditions like learning the Alma Mater words. (3) Celebrate students by creating a “Wall of Fame,” which is a collection of student pictures … Read More
Cinco de Mayo and Growing Forward
TL;DR: Cinco de Mayo is a time to pause, learn, and reflect on why so many celebrate this holiday. Discuss with students the differences between appreciating and appropriating the holidays and special days from other cultures. It is imperative that we continue to be reflective and grow forward. On May 5th, many folks celebrate Cinco de Mayo. How wonderful! I’d … Read More
5 Tips to Reimagine School as a Verb
TL;DR: Reimagine school as a verb with these five tips. Start with defining the problem. We need to focus on more than preparing students for the next grade; we need to focus on the necessary human skills of success. Reflection: The pandemic has forced us to relook at the whole learner through a metacognitive lens. Establish a growth mindset to … Read More
Superhero Teachers Empower Superhero Students
TL;DR: Superhero teachers create and empower superhero students. Creating thriving super-students comes down to these big ideas: nurturing heart, developing mind, and cultivating will. Teaching isn’t about grades, standards, and tests. It’s about inspiring the inner superhero of each child. “All our energy has gone into stretching kids’ cognitive abilities and neglecting the human side—the source of energy, joy, inspiration, … Read More
An Optimistic Outlook on Your Classroom
TL;DR: The tenets of an optimistic outlook on your classroom include having a positive climate and culture. Reflect on the level of morale, productivity, and student satisfaction in your classroom. Develop actions to optimistically impact students’ views on teaching and learning in your classroom. Climate and culture are often referred to as the “feel” of the school. Essentially, this feel … Read More