TL;DR: This year, put the resolutions aside and engage with a word. Choose #OneWord to be your driving force. Start by choosing your word for the year, then share it. Don’t forget to interact with your word, too. Encourage your staff or students to engage with a word this year. #OneWord People are always striving for something; something new, something … Read More
It Happens! What to Do When Your Staff Meeting Flops
TL;DR: Sometimes even the best of plans don’t go the way we want them to. Plan for your next staff meeting, presentation, or lesson by planning ahead, adjusting when needed, and using your time wisely. It happens! What to do when your staff meeting flops… This is not the post I had planned to write for this month. However, if … Read More
What If We Had Engaging Meetings?
TL;DR: It’s important to prioritize our time with staff during meetings to connect, grow, discuss important issues, and allow for collaborative decision-making. Be intentional with how you structure meetings. Flip the staff meeting and share information ahead of time via email, Flipgrid, Smore Newsletters, Padlet, or a Google Document with hyperlinks. Offer an opportunity for teacher voice through the Amplify-Sunset-Create … Read More
Welcome Forward! Creating an Engaging First Day of School
TL;DR: Plan your first day of school so that students (and staff) are excited for day two. Increase engagement and excitement on the first day of school with chalk the walk, photo ops, pep rallies, and music & competition. Although some of you may have already returned to school, we’re gearing up for the 2021-2022 school year on the East … Read More
Engage Until the End: Reflecting on the End of the Year
TL;DR: Reflect by creating a visual timeline, class memory book, or slideshow. Culminating projects to show what students learned during the year include a book sales pitch with their favorite books showcased, summer or year-end BINGO cards, or a game of Family Feud. Proper closure to the year is important. Some ideas include writing a letter to their next year’s … Read More