TL;DR: Reminders for prioritizing your self-care over the summer. Focusing on what you need as a person and as an educator. Depending on where you teach, you’re probably in the midst of your summer break. In case no one has told you: make sure to take time for yourself. Whatever form of self-care you decide this summer, I want you … Read More
Using Surveys to Get to Know Your Students
TL;DR: Using a survey to get to know students in the first weeks of school. Partnering with parents through the use of a survey. No matter what the beginning of the school year looks like, one thing is certain: we need to make a plan to get to know our students. Getting to know our students in the first weeks … Read More
The Teacher’s Role in the Grid Method
TL;DR: One teacher’s experience using the grid method. A focused look at the role of the teacher in the grid method. “So you don’t really teach anymore.” “The students teach themselves.” “When will I get to see you teach?” In implementing the grid method, I’ve heard them all and I’ve heard them a lot. So what is teaching and what … Read More
Promoting Student Engagement and Collaboration using Breakouts
TL;DR: An introduction the many ways breakouts can be used in your classroom. A “how to” for planning and implementing a breakout in your classroom. As a middle school teacher, I’m always looking for fun new ways to engage my students. Their current favorite? Breakouts! Planning a breakout can seem overwhelming, time consuming, and daunting. I’m here to help walk … Read More
Shame’s Role in Education
TL;DR: The role of shame in education, as told through a specific student case study. A journey through finding what works for kids. Steps to challenge the role of shame in education. “Shame is the intensely painful feeling that we are unworthy of love and belonging.” -Brene Brown This was a tough week for me. One of my students, we’ll … Read More