TL;DR: Build an “EL Family Wall” in your classroom. Build connections between your students. Create a bond and feeling of belonging in the classroom. Building Connections with EL Students Each day, I meet with 10 groups of EL students from grades 1-8. One of their favorite weekly activities occurs every Tuesday: Voting Day! We have three whiteboard “zones”: Zone 1, … Read More
Productive Struggle
TL;DR: What does a healthy or productive struggle look like in a classroom? Design classroom instruction with the end in mind and support students through a struggle. The opportunity to struggle through something offers so many benefits to kids! Student understanding requires productive struggle. Do students enter a risk-free classroom or do they engage in productive struggle on a regular … Read More
EdTech Refresh
TL;DR: Spring is a great time to think about ways to refresh your classroom. Consider using Google Forms to help with grading. Google Sites can be used to create a testing hub. Flipgrid is a great way to see what students know. Danae joined Rae on the Daily Drop In to talk about tech resources to refresh your teaching. Click … Read More
Engage and Elevate Better: The Summing Up
TL;DR: We have almost reached the finish line for this school year. Take some time and sum up your year, and reflect on your accomplishments and goals for next year. Teachers and administrators should sum up the school year with students and staff. Plant the seeds for another successful school year in August. There is only one thing about which … Read More
The Mindset Pendulum: Keep It Swinging Towards Positivity
TL;DR: Reflect on the strategies you are using daily to keep a pulse on your mindset. Keep your mindset pendulum in check by not losing hope, remembering your purpose, and keeping your eye on the pendulum. When was the last time you conducted a self-check on your mindset? Mindset, or mental attitude, can positively or negatively impact all aspects of … Read More