Teaching Through the Circles: Previewing the Standards

Carrie LaRueBlog, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: A great idea can be transferred to many different applications. Don’t be afraid to put your spin on a great idea. Give credit where credit is due. Teach Better Team I am honored to be part of an incredible community of teachers through the Teach Better team, my own district, and several teaching groups via social media. A little … Read More

Teaching Is an Adventure

Tim StephensonBlog, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: It’s a new school year! Even though your curriculum may be the same, the students will be new. Look forward to all of the new relationships and experiences you will be encountering. It happened again! I just completed another epic kayaking adventure through Desolation Sound in the Pacific Northwest. This is a body of water that Captain George Vancouver … Read More

Take Care of YOU: One Cannot Pour From an Empty Cup

Donnetta NorrisBlog, Self-Care

TL;DR: Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your students. Set a goal for when to leave school. Prioritize your weekend and schedule time to prep for the week. Work out and take care of yourself physically. Journal to reflect on how things are going and to experience calm. Make a list of what you love … Read More

STRONG: 10 Ways to Flourish & Reduce Stress This School Year

Pamela HallBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Reflect Better, Self-Care

TL;DR: STRONG is an acronym to help you stay focused on your big rocks, like your health, family, and students’ wellbeing. Flourish by taking a day trip, enjoying a sunset, scheduling time with family and friends, journal your thoughts, and more. STRONG: 10 Ways to Flourish & Reduce Stress This School Year You start the school year fresh and feel … Read More

In Praise of Split Classes

Sandra WeirBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: A split class is a class created with students from two different age groups. Split classes allow you to form deeper relationships with students. Students are seen as individual learners in a split classroom. A split classroom allows students the opportunity to lead younger students. split class: a class grouping that includes students at two adjacent grade levels (for … Read More