In 2024, teachers in the United States are facing challenges related to curriculum restrictions and censorship in the classroom. Laws known as "educational gag orders" have proliferated since 2021, aiming to limit what teachers can teach, particularly on topics like race, gender, sexuality, and U.S. history. These laws are vague and carry severe penalties, leading to self-censorship among teachers and depriving students of valuable learning experiences.
Read MoreHaving opportunities to work as a team helps to build a strong and healthy classroom community.
Read MoreVelocity of Being: Letters to Young Readers is one of the most beautiful books we have ever read, inside and out, and we highly recommend it to every language arts, English, and reading teacher out there.
Read MoreAs educators, we've all faced the ultimate quest: turning our students into super-engaged knowledge-hungry geniuses. You know, the kind that don't just survive school but thrive and conquer the universe. No pressure, right?
Our secret to student engagement? The "4 Cs for Better Student Engagement" by ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). In this blog post, we'll break it down, sprinkle a little humor, and show you how these 4 Cs can turn your classroom into a circus of curiosity and a carnival of creativity.
Read MoreExplore the profound impact of inclusive education on critical thinking and democracy in the 21st century. Learn how inclusive curricula, diverse perspectives, and open dialogues are shaping our society. Discover the essential role of inclusive education in fostering a vibrant and inclusive democracy.
Read MoreWe have been doing self assessments ever since, but we have learned a few key things along the way. Students need structure and guidance when self assessing. When you give students a chance to explain their learning journey, consider the following:
Read MoreTeachers and educators face overwhelming workloads, trying to accomplish numerous tasks with limited time and energy. Students spend only 12 percent of their lives each year in school, yet there is external pressure to do it all, from implementing new initiatives to meeting testing standards. This workload can negatively impact both teachers and students.
To address this issue, it's essential to accept the limitations of time and energy and focus on two critical ideas:
Read MoreFan fiction is fictional writing written by a fan. Usually, fan fiction writing is based on an existing work of art such as a fictional novel, movie, TV show, comic book…you get the idea. If you have never heard of fan fiction, we can almost guarantee you that your students have. Many of our students are avid readers and writers of fan fiction.
Read MoreAre you tired of spending hours scouring the internet for the perfect online lesson materials? Do you find yourself drowning in a sea of endless resources, unsure of which ones are actually credible and effective?
Read MoreI do it. (Teacher modeling)
We do it. (Teacher with class and small groups)
You do it. (Independent practice)
All lessons that teachers design should have this gradual release of responsibility. True learning happens with the help of others and is always intentional.
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