In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators are faced with an entirely new set of difficulties that consistently evoke anxiety and unease in the classroom. Moreover, our students themselves bear the weight of post-COVID trauma, further adding to the complexity of the teaching environment. Recognizing this, it becomes imperative for us as educators to equip ourselves with strategies that promote the regulation of our nervous systems and effective stress management.
Read MoreIn today's digital age, technology has opened up endless possibilities for creative exploration and learning. One such avenue is the use of AI image creators, which allow us to visualize and reimagine characters from literature, making the reading experience more interactive and engaging. This got me thinking, what if we used these tools to help our students reimagine or recreate their favorite book characters into visual representations?
Read MoreMisbehavior is key to building life skills. It is how we respond to that misbehavior that sets the foundation for our learning environments. Discipline is inevitable when in a class…however, it should be consistent and positive and not punitive in order to maintain a solid relationship with your students.
Read MoreWe all want our students to learn deeply, but what does that look like? Understanding must be earned by the learner through active mental manipulation of higher order thinking skills. In our information saturated world, teachers are no longer dispensers of information, but rather need to become facilitators of helping students to understand information by directing active meaning making.
Read MoreAs teachers, we have the power to shape young minds and prepare them for life's hurdles. In today's fast-paced world, it's crucial to grasp why so many youngsters seem emotionally fragile. So, let's dive into the captivating YouTube video "Why Modern America Creates Fragile Children" by the insightful Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist extraordinaire. He offers eye-opening insights into the cultural and societal influences that impact our students' resilience.
Read MoreAs teachers, our goal is not just to impart knowledge but to empower our students to become active participants in their own learning journey. One way to achieve this is by adopting conversation-based grading, an assessment method that focuses on descriptive feedback and clear directions for improvement rather than assigning numerical scores. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of conversation-based grading and share practical insights on how to incorporate it into your teaching practice.
Read MoreAs educators, we are well aware that language skills play a pivotal role in academic success and lifelong learning. Among the various facets of language development, vocabulary stands out as a critical component that directly impacts students' reading comprehension, writing ability, and overall communication skills. Renowned scholar Isabel Beck's extensive research supports the notion that making vocabulary instruction a daily priority is not only beneficial but essential for students' cognitive growth. In this blog post, we will delve into the academic research and statistics put forth by Isabel Beck, emphasizing the significance of teaching vocabulary on a regular basis.
Read MoreAs educators, we strive to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for our students. We put in countless hours to plan engaging lessons, provide individualized attention, and foster a sense of belonging in our classrooms. However, despite our best intentions, it's important to recognize that we cannot make everyone happy
Read MoreHere are some tips and tricks that we have learned along the way to elicit productive comments from students in the hopes that they recognize their own self worth and try their best in school.
Read MoreSo, what does it mean to be "argumentative" in the context of education? It's not about being stubborn or confrontational; it's about learning how to make a clear and convincing case for your point of view. This involves a range of skills, including critical thinking, research, organization, and communication.
Read MoreAre you using any of these outdated grading practices?
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