food for thought blog series Archives

Food for Thought: Shrimp Scampi and Standards-Based Grading

Alex T. ValencicApril 19, 2024Blog, Grade Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Standards-based grading is like shrimp scampi: great when done right, frustrating when done poorly. It is essential to understand what stands-based grading is if we are going to use it to make a difference. Insist on quality professional learning and ongoing support to make sure SBG is implemented with integrity. One of my wife’s favourite dishes to order whenever … Read More

Food for Thought: Menus and Tidying Up

Alex T. ValencicJanuary 29, 2024Blog, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Giving others choices can be a great tool, but it can also become overwhelming. It isn’t enough to just tell students to do something; we need to show them how. Using a structured method to guide decision-making can bridge the gap between what students want to do and what they can do. Menus and Tidying Up I have a … Read More

Food for Thought: Brussels Sprouts and Change

Alex T. ValencicDecember 18, 2023Blog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Just as Brussels sprouts changed, so can people and ideas. Don’t be so quick to dismiss something or someone because of one bad experience. Give grace to students, staff, parents, and the community. It isn’t very often that I can pinpoint, to the exact day, the very first time I tried a particular food for the first time. But … Read More

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and Getting In a Rut

Alex T. ValencicOctober 23, 2023Blog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Routine and order don’t mean doing the same things the same way every day. We can provide voice, choice, and possibility within established structures. Going back to basics is just as important as pushing the envelope. I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Nearly every day of elementary school, my lunch consisted of the same basic elements: a peanut … Read More

Cooking Competitions and Classroom Observations

Alex T. ValencicAugust 21, 2023Blog, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: You don’t have to be an expert to provide feedback. We can take feedback from a variety of people. Good instruction is good instruction. Cooking Competitions and Classroom Observations I love watching cooking competition shows! Cutthroat Kitchen, MasterChef Junior, MasterChef, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell’s Kitchen, Next Level Chef, 24 Hours to Hell and Back, Chopped, Is It Cake?, Beat Bobby … Read More

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