Facilitating Small Group Instruction to Meet Student Needs

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Small group instruction and one-on-one conferences are possible this year. Five tips to make these types of instruction happen – whether you’re fully virtual or hybrid. In my classroom, like many others, small group instruction is a cornerstone of our structure. In fact, a majority of the teaching I do is done in a small group model. I work … Read More

Strengthening Students’ Reading and Writing Stamina

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

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

Counseling: An Innovative Approach to Listening

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: Counselors can continue to support school communities by digitally providing resources, ideas, and learning opportunities. CASEL’s SEL Roadmap for Reopening Schools helps guide counselors’ efforts to connect with students. There is value in all educators delivering SEL content to students. Resources from American School Counselor Association (ASCA) are shared. “We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen … Read More

Virtual Restorative Circles

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Restorative circles are personal class discussions. Some benefits of restorative circles for your students include building community and creating a sense of acceptance. Restorative circles can provide a safe environment for students both in-person and virtually. I learned of restorative circles at the December 2019 AIMS Network Conference. The session I attended described how these circles transformed classroom culture … Read More

Building Relationships with Staff Online

Jennifer AppelBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: Build relationships with staff by maintaining a consistent connection, having fun, removing obligations, and engaging everyone. Having a game morning meeting, using social media, and having office hours to chat, brainstorm, or ask questions are just some ways to strengthen relationships with colleagues. Thinking of your colleagues as a family can help foster successful relationships. “Education is understanding relationships” … Read More