TL;DR: Turning behavior principles into behavior practices using clearly defined expectations, visual supports, and connecting with students. Understanding the principles can help us create an authentic classroom community. As a board-certified behavior analyst, I spend a lot of my time teaching and training about behavioral principles. We unpack what they are and what they are not. Together with teams, I … Read More
Effective Decision Making: Using Core Values as the Filter
TL;DR: Reflecting on our core values helps us filter through the decisions we make to ensure they are purposeful and effective. Involving team members in decision making can help to increase the likelihood that all members support the outcome. Using core values to make decisions helps to prevent decision-making fatigue. Research shows that adults make an average of 35,000 decisions per … Read More
Using Retro Games in the Classroom
TL;DR: Some retro games you could use in your classroom include Four Square, Guess Who, and Pictionary. Games can be recommended to parents or friends who are wanting to add some fun to summer learning. Games that teachers loved as kids will spark excitement in the teacher that can transfer to student engagement. Retro Games: Four Square Do you remember … Read More
Kick Off the New School Year Happier!
TL;DR: It is important for teachers to remember that we have what it takes to help our students grow, no matter what their starting point is. A Teach Happier act of kindness challenge is shared. Remember back in March when we thought that getting to the end of the 19-20 school year would be like completing a marathon? We had … Read More
Reflect Better: My Great Driving Passion
TL;DR: Introduction to a new series: Reflect Better. Reflect on your practices by focusing on the why, considering where you started, and valuing relationships. Reflecting can help inspire greatness and lead to personal growth. In the years between 1994 and 1997, I began listening to some powerful content. I think it was my mother who got me onto these audiotapes; … Read More
