Student Voice: The Power of the Experienced Curriculum

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The written curriculum and taught curriculum are different from the experienced curriculum. Teachers should find ways to obtain feedback from students on their experienced curriculum. Hundreds of books and articles have been written addressing the curriculum in schools. Teachers and administrators have read books describing the written, taught, assessed, enriched, prioritized, or guaranteed curricula. In addition to these common … Read More

Reconnect Happier

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: We can try many things to reach our struggling students, but have you tried asking them what they need? Provide students with an opportunity to give you feedback, like a Teacher Report Card, so you can better respond to their needs. Being open to receiving feedback and making changes in response leads to improved connection and belonging. Reconnect Happier … Read More

Developing Agency in Students

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: As educators and parents, we need to develop agency in our kids. Help them set goals to work towards. Give them opportunities for independence. Build their self-confidence. The start of a new school year is a very exciting time for students, teachers, and parents. For many, it’s a bustling time for last-minute summer fun activities. In addition, preparations are … Read More

One Simple Strategy to Teach Better: Ask for Feedback

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Teenagers are not bored, disengaged, and unhappy by nature. Teachers can improve rapidly if we ask students to give us feedback. It can be scary to ask; we need to train ourselves to depersonalize the feedback. A healthy feedback loop produces happier students AND a happier teacher. One Simple Strategy to Teach Better: Ask for Feedback One of our … Read More

Kids Do Better When We Talk to Them

Bobbie FrenchBlog, Connect Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Talk to your students. Students need the opportunity to explain their thinking and express their thoughts and feelings. As an educator, ask students questions and listen to their responses. We all want students to rise to their full potential.  We want that as educators, parents, and even as a community. I could get up on my soapbox about how … Read More