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
Kids Do Better When They Are Excited to Learn
TL;DR: Creating a culture of excitement leads to a positive learning environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Excitement is contagious. Learn 7 ways to create an enthusiastic environment and 7 ways to create an enthusiastic lesson. Spend time laughing with your students; it is essential to creating a warm and positive classroom culture where students feel comfortable and … Read More
Move Out of Your Comfort Zone by Focusing on What You Can Control
TL;DR: Moving out of your comfort zone, growth, and change is a process. This blog focuses on how different frameworks connect to help us understand our controllables and the process of change and growth. The goal of this blog is to simplify the framework of moving out of your comfort zone by connecting to other frameworks that can enhance focus … Read More
Beyond Curriculum Design: 5 Questions School Teams Should Ask
TL;DR: Educators must reflect on what an empowered learner looks like and how to design learning experiences. 5 questions school teams should ask include: What are the priorities for this course? What is the ratio of compliance/contribution in my school or classroom? Do we have a culturally responsive curriculum? What is the hidden curriculum? How will we measure student understanding? … Read More
Under the Leaves
TL;DR: Running and physical movement can be an escape to do a lot of reflective thinking. Epiphany: A once clear sidewalk was now covered with leaves. Tread carefully just like with students. The path may look different but the foundation of your relationship is still there. Love our students and connect with them daily. A Thinking Runner I am a … Read More