TL;DR: It can be difficult for students to hear you through a mask and face shield in a virtual setting. You can use common devices around your house and classroom to prevent this issue. This post includes a step by step guide for using settings on your Windows 10 device to project your teacher voice. Remember, if you are using … Read More
Finding the Magic
TL;DR: Finding the magic in education means realizing the impact you are making as an educator, even if it’s not visible right away. The story of how one teacher changed a student’s life by believing in him and empowering him. Anyone else feel like it’s all just too much right now? The uncertainty? The polarizing viewpoints? The concerns of our families … Read More
Simple Ways To Foster Relationships
TL;DR: Surveying students and the 2×10 strategy are two ways to strengthen relationships with your students. Initiating meaningful conversations with others to foster classroom community. When I first interviewed for teaching positions, I was never asked a single question about how I build classroom community. I was asked about my philosophy around classroom management (firm, consistent, and fair), and how … Read More
Addressing Creativity and Wellness with Your Students
TL;DR: Kahoot teaches and reinforces understandings. Vector graphics give students an outlet to share how their daily lives are going, and lead to open discussions with individuals and/or classes. Educators can examine data from surveys in Google Data Studio to track wellness over time. Last school year was one like no other before. We spent our summer uncertain as to … 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