TL;DR: Outdoor learning can positively impact physical, mental, and social-emotional health, while offering real-world connections to curriculum. Starting small with structured routines can help students transition from “play” time to “learning” time outdoors. Even simple activities, like reading or math practice, can benefit from the outdoors, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and community connection. Each day in teaching brings new opportunities, fresh … Read More
Get Caught Off Guard
TL;DR: Being “caught off guard” can invite unexpected joy instead of disruption. Embracing small moments helps us stay present and find happiness in daily life. Letting joy surprise us can make life richer and more fulfilling. When you hear the phrase, “get caught off guard” do you think of being suddenly startled negatively? Like something goes left and it takes … Read More
The Power of Student-Led Conferences
TL;DR: Student-led conferences empower students to take ownership of their learning and enhance communication between students, parents, and teachers. These conferences build confidence, foster self-reflection, and strengthen the teacher-student relationship. Implementing student-led conferences involves preparation, student reflection, and ongoing support. Student-led conferences are revolutionizing the traditional parent-teacher conference model. These conferences foster independence, self-reflection, and stronger connections between students, parents, … Read More
Stretching Your Professional Edges
TL;DR: Grow your professional competencies beyond your classroom walls by supporting new teachers, contributing to team meetings, and joining district initiatives. Offer guidance to new staff, share resources with peers, and seek out leadership roles even without the formal title. Stretch your professional edges by actively seeking opportunities for growth in your school and district. While I was getting dynamic … Read More
Rocking Reading: Using Music to Engage Reluctant Readers
TL;DR: Engage reluctant readers by integrating music into literacy instruction. Use body percussion and instruments to teach syllabication in a fun and interactive way. Access a video tutorial and free lesson plan to get started. Can you relate? We’ve all been there. You have a student (or five) in your class who are like “I HATE reading” . . . … Read More