TL;DR: Social emotional learning is already integrated into everyday teaching, helping students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Teachers can enhance SEL by implementing intentional strategies, such as reflection for self-awareness, authentic assessments for social awareness, choice boards for responsible decision making, checklists for self-management, and promoting collaboration and cooperation for building relationship skills. These practices align with CASEL’s … Read More
Be Your Students’ Champion
TL;DR: To empower students, teachers should be their champions, knowing them as individuals and fostering a positive classroom culture through positive reinforcement and tailored instruction. Autonomy, a growth mindset, and purposeful learning are key in motivating and inspiring students, with teachers playing a crucial role in believing in their students’ potential. Success in education relies on factors like teacher support, … Read More
We’re Gonna Keep On Talking Reflections
TL;DR: Matthew R. Kay and Jennifer Orr’s book, “We’re Gonna Keep on Talking,” focuses on leading meaningful race conversations in elementary classrooms. This post emphasizes the importance of fostering important mindsets like understanding that race discussions are ongoing and cannot be a one-time conversation. The book also highlights co-creating discussions with students, building their discussion skills, providing effective prompts for … Read More
Overcoming Setbacks
TL;DR: Clear Vision: A strategic plan acts as a roadmap to success, providing clarity on goals and purpose. It helps maintain focus during setbacks, ensuring you don’t lose sight of your ultimate destination. Learning from Setbacks: Setbacks are valuable learning opportunities. Embrace them, reflect on what went wrong, and use these experiences to improve your strategies for continuous growth. Building … Read More
Celebrating Diversity for an Inclusive Learning Environment
TL;DR: The post emphasizes the importance of advocating for culturally responsive teaching practices in education, highlighting its role in creating inclusive learning environments. Specific strategies for advocating with building administrators, parents, and the community, are shared. This post emphasizes the need to explain the importance of these practices, involve parents in curriculum planning, and engage the community to support diversity … Read More
