Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?: The Neuroscience Behind Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
Mister Rogers and his philosophy of loving our neighbors as they are has gained momentum over the past year, especially since the release of the biographical documentary film Won’t You Be My Neighbor? in 2018. What’s more, the trailer for the film “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers was […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
“This is NOT a Drill: Back To School is REAL!”
About a week or so before your summer comes to an end, feelings of sadness, anxiety, and uneasiness start to set in. Summer is coming to an end and all of the memes about how great it is to have summers off are fading into the distance. If your summer was good, you’ll smile at […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Patriotism and Politics: “In God We Trust” in Public Schools
As the 2019-2020 school year commences, the calendar might as well read the year 1956–the year President Eisenhower included “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and the national motto declared: “In God We Trust.” Although the futuristic year of 2020 is upon us, we continue to live in a time of anxiety […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
3 Dangerous Phrases to Remove From Your Vocabulary
As a teacher, we can get overwhelmed fast. In the midst of being tired, irritable, and frustrated, we can say some destructive words to ourselves, and if we’re not careful, to our students as well. Here are three phrases you should try to stay away from this school year. “Is it summer vacation yet?” I’m […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Imagining a National Teachers’ Strike
Back to School Hopes and Fears Kids and teachers around the country are heading back to school. In New York City, we have a few weeks more of summer vacation. But like many teachers, my mind is already thinking about the year ahead. I’m curious about the kids I’ll teach, and the families I’ll work […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Most Dangerous Teachers in Your Building
You know them when you see them…or hear them. “I’m tired of this school.” “I can’t wait until this year is over.” “I’m just here for my check.” “I can’t stand any of these children.” I’m sure that halfway through reading those statements above, someone (or a group of someones) came to your mind. Am […]
Posted inBack to School
Digging Into Learning: Using Archaeology in the Classroom
There are some subjects that fascinate us. Archaeology is one such subject. Archaeology can take us to Egypt and the tombs of the Pharaohs, or unravel the mysteries in our own backyards. Many people go through an archaeology phase, though few become archaeologists. Plus, everyone likes digging in the dirt. The Society for American Archaeology […]