Putting Play in PD

BreAnn FennellBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Sometimes professional development doesn’t use the research-based teaching strategies that we know are super impactful. Learn how to use play both in your classrooms and when planning professional development for colleagues.  Discover four ways to merge technology and play. Put the play in PD. Get excited about Teach Better 22 Conference! Professional Development That Doesn’t Align With Research There … Read More

Learning Opportunities for Elementary Gamers

BreAnn FennellBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: This post shares learning opportunities for elementary gamers, including Sumdog, Teach Your Monster to Read, Prodigy, and Boddle. These learning opportunities for elementary gamers bring fun and play to learning. Learning Opportunities for Elementary Gamers Now that we are about a month into the school year, I have had the opportunity to introduce some favorite educational websites and explore a … Read More

Play and Science Can Fuel a Love of Learning

BreAnn FennellBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: When planning your schedule, be intentional to include science so students can learn to ask questions to spark thinking, be wrong, and make mistakes. You can find time to teach the standards AND incorporate science. Try new ideas and explore with students. Have a space in your classroom, such as a wonder wall, to place student questions. Model questioning … Read More

Big Fun in the Sun

BreAnn FennellBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Research has shown that playing outdoors has great benefits for adults and children alike.  Some examples of outdoor play is Giant Jenga, Human Foosball, and simply water! There are huge benefits to outdoor play for adults and children. Research shows that play has cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits. Moving play to the outdoors provides different stimuli and interactions … Read More

Choose Your Play for Summer Days

BreAnn FennellBlog, Self Care Better

TL;DR: This summer, step out of your comfort zone and try some new ways to play! This post shares some new ways to choose your play this summer, including CrossFit, yoga, gaming, and art. Summer is finally here this week for our school district. Let me tell you, I need some play! Play looks different for people. I know a … Read More