It is so important to make our students feel comfortable upon the first day of school. We need to remember the backgrounds that our students come from. And we can’t assume that just because we have kids in the middle class that they are coming from homes that have everything together. We also need to […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Techno-Sceptic’s Guide To Using Technology in the Classroom
I am not usually a big fan of technology in the classroom. To quote a former colleague on the subject, it’s often just “window dressing.” Just because students are using computers or smart boards or document projectors doesn’t mean that they are learning 21st century skills. If all that they are doing is coloring in […]
Posted inFeatured
Why You Should Feel PUMPED About a New School Year
While parents are clamoring away, eager to get their children back into the whole school routine, many educators don’t feel ready. On the other hand, this teacher feels super pumped about starting a new school year. Is she mad? Has she lost her mind? What’s wrong with this woman? Well, my friends, I am crazy. Crazy excited […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
[Podcast] Season 2: Episode 1- Classroom Libraries How to Build Them For Independent Reading and Choice
Introduction Welcome to Episode 1 Season two of The Educator’s Room podcast! In this episode, Franchesca interviews, Colette Bennett, Literacy Teacher Extraordinaire and proponent of choice in reading. This year we are going around the world to talk to educators who are doing awesome things- just like you. Starting the school year is always tough for […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Teaching Civil Discourse in Toxic Political Times
It is impossible to ignore the downward spiral of discourse and debate in American politics over the last year. Teachers pay special attention to public discourse because they know that what happens at the higher elevations of society always trickles down to their students. How adults in leadership speak to and about each other will […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
How Do I Teach My Students To Write Better?
I know that the thought of teaching students how to write seems so daunting. But it’s simple—you just teach them to think. If I can engage my students, get them writing about a new idea or an idea that they care about or an idea that they don’t quite understand but want to—then usually, […]
Posted inFeatured, Teacher Burnout
The End
You know the feeling you get when school is right around the corner? No, not the dreadful groaning of ‘no more summer.’ The other one. The feeling of excitement as you get your classroom decorated, put names on student desks, go to back to school lunches with your fellow teachers, see your newly painted classroom, […]
Posted inThe Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teaching Diaries: Before We Start
Teaching is about learning. Teachers take classes to learn about content, strategies, behavior, classroom management and more. In order to move our educational system forward, however, the knowledge, experience, and expertise of master teachers needs to be shared with those entering the profession. Each college has its own path for how this learning takes place; […]