The Best Way to Challenge Gifted Students (and all students, for that matter)

Todd StanleyBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: To challenge gifted students, you can accelerate learning or go into more depth. We must engage their minds in higher levels of thinking. Consider Bloom’s Taxonomy when asking students questions. How to Challenge Gifted Students There are all sorts of strategies for challenging gifted students. Sometimes we accelerate or go fast. Other times we go more in-depth meaning rather … Read More

Making Every Day Part of My Resume

Teach Better TeamBlog, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: There is no instruction manual for handling situations as they arise in the teaching world. Know that everything you encounter, whether negative or positive, becomes a part of your resume. Maria Montroni-Currais joined Rae on the Daily Drop In to talk about refreshing routines.  Click here to watch! Recently, I participated in an arbitration hearing between the board of education and … Read More

Let’s Talk Behind Their Backs: Share Positives

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Connect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Share positives about others behind their back. When it circles back to them, it can lift them up. It 👏👏👏.   Is 👏👏👏. JUNE! 👏👏👏.  We are so close to summer, fellow teacher friends!  Let’s sneak in one more small shift to consider as we close out this school year. It’s one of my favorite pastimes: talking behind people’s backs.  … Read More

Creating a Maker Mindset in May

Bridget BelardiBlog, Engage Better

TL;DR: Having a maker mindset can encourage students to be creative and explore. A maker space is not necessary for providing these opportunities for students. Curated materials and time are all students need. It can be the perfect activity to end the year. State testing is over. We’ve covered the curriculum. Students are unruly and impatient for summer.  How do … Read More

Sneaking Assessment Into Writing Instruction

Melanie MeehanBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Assessment doesn’t always have a positive connotation. Start with an asset-based mindset: what can students do well? Clarify what you want the students to be able to do and look for it. Involve students in the goal-setting process. Sneaking Assessment Into Writing Instruction If I mention assessment to teachers, they cringe. Maybe the cringe comes from the thought that … Read More