Blog
Ideas. Experiments. Research. Opinions.
Getting Away from SMART Goals and Crafting a Bigger Story
“A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.” I’m getting away from SMART goals and focusing on a different, simpler way of writing down what I’m working towards.
“Don’t Smile Until Christmas” and Other Bad Advice
While classroom management is important, it comes a lot easier when you build intentional, caring relationships with your students…not by being a strict, unapproachable teacher.
Embracing the Feedback We Receive
Let’s face it – you’re going to get feedback as an educator, and it can be one of the most powerful tools to fuel your growth. Are you ready to embrace it?
Turn Students into Passionate Readers
Here are 12 strategies for helping to make reading more enjoyable and less of a chore.
What AREN’T We Teaching Students (That We Probably Should)
From money, character, electronics, and mindfulness to so much more…are there topics we could do a better job talking about in our schools? Here are 9 suggestions.
Three Basic Approaches to Successful Cross-Curriculum Integration
Students have tried to tell me I can’t talk about a different subject when teaching my class. Where do they get this rule? I intend on breaking it.
What I’m Interested in Being
I am interested in continual improvement in myself. My students are counting on me to make myself better and better, day by day.
Vertical Teaming – Laying Out Your Students’ Pathway
We usually get our students for one year – but what are they learning before and after our year with them? Vertical Teaming is the key to scaffolding your curriculum and instruction.
Way of the Warrior Kid – A Book Review
“The watch will help you stay disciplined by making you remember to get better every second of the day. I already set the alarm for early morning every day. The compass will remind you to stay on the warrior path. Discipline Equals Freedom.” -Uncle Jake I recently had...
The Advantages of a Written Assessment
What format do you use to assess your students’ skills and knowledge? Having students write their answers may offer several advantages you consider the next time you’re designing an assessment.
Seven Small Separations Between Work and Home (and a few ways I break them)
Thanks to a new era of tools, it’s easier now more than ever to blur the lines between our school work and our home life. Here are a few ways I try to put a little space between the two.
How Annotation Reshapes Student Reading
”When I read, I take notes and underline things. So reading is a vigorous process for me. But I read in bed. My poor husband is trying to go to sleep and I’m reaching over him for the Post-It’s. -Sally Mann, photographer-Sally Mann, photographer...