TL;DR: A goal without a plan is simply a wish. You can wish to do better or you can plan to do better. Start with the end state. Focus on developing a specific plan and work on the process to achieve your goals. Consider resources needed too. Plan the work that is needed to be done. Measure progress every day. … Read More
New Year Goal Setting with Your Students
TL;DR: The beginning of the new semester is the perfect time to set goals. Goals could be based on academics or social-emotional areas. Help students hold themselves accountable for their goals. The start of a new year and a new semester is a great time to work with students on revising their yearly goals and looking at areas where they … Read More
Strengthening Students’ Reading and Writing Stamina
TL;DR: Giving students time to read and write independently is a classroom routine that encourages students to become readers and writers. A book review script that students can use to share video book recommendations with peers is included. When students share their writing with an authentic audience, it empowers them and builds classroom community. Having students set their own reading … Read More
Involving Families in Goal Setting and Reflection
TL;DR: The value of family involvement in goal setting and reflection. A low-tech method for involving families. A technology-based reflection tool for involvement of families. When it comes to goal setting, it’s important that we make it relevant and authentic for our students. Beyond that, we also have to involve their families. “It takes a village to raise a child.” … Read More
Student Reflection: How to Ensure It’s Done, Done Well, and Done With Grit
Research shows daily student reflection and goal setting has positive effects on students. The missing piece of implementing reflection and goal setting in many classrooms is student ownership. Allowing students to choose the medium used, providing open-ended questions, sharing (some) of that reflection with stakeholders, embedding it into routine to make it a habit, reflection checks, and reflection on the … Read More