I've been milling this post over in my head for the last month or so. Trying to think about how to condense everything I've been thinking and feeling into a coherent message. But I don't have one. These are complex times with complex situations that call for....you guessed it, complex answers. It's not really something … Continue reading When there are no answers…
teaching
Is your classroom a place where people #WantToBe?
I think kids should want to be at school. All kids, in all grades, should want to be there. Kids spend so much time between Kindergarten and 12th grade in our care. It should not be a torturous experience. I feel like people have accepted that the older kids get, the less they like school, … Continue reading Is your classroom a place where people #WantToBe?
From Reality TV to Growth Mindset
During the school year, I don't watch much TV, but I do indulge during the summer.For those of us who love dance related of shows, World of Dance (WOD - the one with Jennifer Lopez) was an exciting new program this summer. The question among dance fans became - which is better - WOD or So You … Continue reading From Reality TV to Growth Mindset
Assessing Students with Breakout EDU
About this time last year, I discovered Breakout EDU, and I've been hooked ever since.If you're not familiar, it essentially turns your classroom into an escape room environment where students solve a series of puzzles to get INTO a box. (That part confuses them at first, but they get over it).The best part is that … Continue reading Assessing Students with Breakout EDU
8th Grade ELA Common Core Planning
So, one of my major undertakings this summer has been to prepare myself to teach the Common Core standards. I don't want to completely re-invent the wheel, but I also want to make sure that I'm teaching everything I'm supposed to.As a result, I've created this planning document!One of my goals for the upcoming year … Continue reading 8th Grade ELA Common Core Planning