TL;DR: Intentionally plan and invest in moments that significantly impact students’ lives, rather than leaving them to chance. Design school activities and lessons, from everyday classroom interactions to major events like graduation, to create memorable and transformative experiences. Educators need to balance structured planning with the flexibility to seize unplanned teachable moments, fostering curiosity, adaptability, and reflection in students. “The … Read More
5 Bridges That Support the Whole Child
TL;DR: Education is about building bridges, with teachers as bridge builders guiding students through their K-12 journey. Bridges need to be built between misunderstanding and understanding, dependence and self-regulation, learning for grades and lifelong learning, illiteracy and civic literacy, and one right answer to adaptability. A whole child education includes academic skills and additional aspects that prepare students for the … Read More
5 Thought-Provoking Questions About Assessment
TL;DR: Teaching and learning should be framed around a desired set of learning targets. Identify how teachers will measure student understanding. The classroom should be a safe place where students are receiving feedback from their teacher, peers, and own reflections. 4 key reflection questions to consider before and after a unit are shared. Find ways to celebrate small wins in … Read More
Using the Lessons of the Pandemic to Improve PD
TL;DR: We can use lessons learned in the pandemic to make improvements on professional development (PD). Improve PD by focusing on lifelong learning, considering an EdCamp or Facebook PD, or attending a Twitter chat. So in the words of the #EduDuctTape podcast, I am about to get out my soapbox. How many times have you sat at a staff meeting … Read More