Building Classroom Community in a Virtual World

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better

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

Practices That Promote a Growth Mindset

Jami Fowler-WhiteBlog, Lead Better

TL;DR: We need to identify fixed mindset triggers in order to train our brain to focus on a growth mindset. Embody a growth mindset each day by changing the words you use. There are a number of questions you can use with students to help shift their mindset. Putting Mental Health at the Forefront “Life is like a CAMERA. Just … Read More

4 Ways To Rebuild Your Students’ Emotional Health

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Rebuild your students’ emotional health by modeling behaviors, understanding emotions, addressing social skills, and sharing strategies for emotional regulation. Checking in with students and incorporating passion projects, mindful moments, and dialogue journals into your classroom are just some of the other strategies shared to address your students’ emotional health. We are experiencing the hardest year of teaching in modern … Read More

Building Relationships Online

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Connect Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: You can build relationships online just as effectively as you can in person. Online relationships can be formed despite the barriers of time and distance. The relationships you build online can lead to long-lasting friendships. Build meaningful relationships with students in an online learning environment the same way you build connections online with colleagues. Building Relationships Online Started Early … Read More

Finding YOU Outside of the Classroom

Amanda BolonBlog, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Connect with who you are outside the classroom by saying no, finding something you love doing, and committing to your relationships. Finding YOU outside of the classroom, and discovering your identity as someone other than an educator, can strengthen your mental health and help you feel empowered. I am a teacher. Whether in a conversation with new professional connections … Read More