I Tried the Grid Method!

Janel SebenyBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Trying The Grid Method for the first time can be intimidating. The first piece of advice for trying The Grid Method is to become a learner. Use DOK levels to advance learners in each level of a Grid. The Grid Method can allow teachers to conference with students during class more than other structures. When trying something new, don’t … Read More

Autism Awareness Month 

Dana GoodierBlog, Leadership, Teach Happier

TL;DR: April is Autism Awareness Month. As educators, it is important that we are aware of how to work with students on the spectrum so we can promote kindness. Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month? If you’re a general education teacher, you’re likely to have several students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in your classroom. These students … Read More

The ChatGPT Debate

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Edtech, Grading & Assessment, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: AI has been around for a while. The use of ChatGPT is just another evolution in the classroom. Takeaways from the Teach Better Ambassador Voxer group are shared. Learn how ChatGPT answered this question: How can we use this tool to help us with teaching and learning? The ChatGPT Debate: How can we embrace AI without feeling like we … Read More

Education: An Infinite Game

Steven WeberBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Learn the difference between finite games and infinite games (Sinek, 2019). The goal of school should be an infinite game where students get to keep playing. See a list of skills developed in K-12 schools. Career Readiness involves three major skill areas: (1) core academic skills (2) employability skills (3) technical, job-specific skills. The moral imperative for our nation … Read More

Active & Engaging Lesson Hooks

Michele HaikenBlog, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: The first rule to lesson planning is to start with a hook. These should be engaging to motivate all learners. There are 3 ways to hook your students: (1) Legos and Play-Doh to showcase thinking and ideas. (2) Gallery walks to record thoughts and ideas to share with others. (3) Four Corner Debate to organize students into groups based … Read More