Intrinsic motivation, a fundamental concept in human motivation and behavior, stems from an internal desire to engage in activities for their own sake, driven by personal satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, and the pure enjoyment derived from the task itself. This type of motivation contrasts sharply with extrinsic motivation, in which actions are driven by … Read more
In the realm of education, there are numerous methods for crafting curricula and designing courses, each with its own merits and applications. However, few approaches rival the depth and efficacy of backward design, a framework developed by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins. This innovative methodology has revolutionized the way educators conceptualize and implement their teaching … Read more
The foundation of a well-managed classroom lies in establishing clear classroom management routines and procedures. These strategies are crucial at every grade level, from elementary school to high school, and across all subjects. An effective teacher understands that implementing specific routines from the beginning of the school year sets the tone for a secure, positive … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has become crucial for fostering innovative learning experiences (and making your life just a little easier). Among the myriad options available, MagicSchool stands out as the leading AI platform, with over 1 million educators worldwide embracing its magic. MagicSchool is truly designed … Read more
In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, teachers are constantly seeking innovative tools to enhance their students’ learning experiences. One such tool that has gained traction is Diffit, an AI-based platform designed to facilitate differentiated instruction. Teachers can leverage Diffit to cater to diverse learning needs, foster critical thinking, and streamline comprehension checks. Step into my series … Read more
It’s interesting to consider how the pillars of student success have changed over the years. Today my family was out taking a bike ride around our neighborhood. We live on a big, three-mile loop, so there are always people exercising. I mentioned to my husband that, while we were both working the other day (we … Read more
One of the most common challenges when choosing a new teacher planner is finding one that meets all a teacher’s needs. I would often have my school planner for my day-to-day and a separate personal life planner. It was such a waste of space and time (and I never had the one I needed where … Read more
Teachers are unique in that we are always trying to hone our craft, yet we often don’t have the time or resources to do it effectively. How many times have you attended a stellar PD workshop and then never actually got a chance to implement what you learned effectively because there just isn’t the opportunity … Read more
We are constantly hearing about “classroom management”, but definitions of what that means seem to vary greatly. While some think it’s about behavior, others think it’s about culture, and some others even consider it academic. What’s classroom management? It’s a delicate balance between all of these factors. Classroom management is what we need to make … Read more
All teachers are expected to have a classroom management philosophy, but what does this actually mean (and what should it look like in a 21st-century classroom)? The answer to that question depends on three things: the teacher’s purpose, the learners’ needs, and a good understanding of how young people develop in a digital age. In … Read more
The best part about teaching primary school students is that for those first years, so many of them are excited about learning. Every day is a new adventure and it isn’t as difficult to get student buy-in for whatever silly lesson you have planned for that day. This doesn’t mean that lesson planning for the … Read more
Utilizing small group instruction is not a new concept in education. However, in terms of student learning, there is often a grey area about what the best practices are for making this education model effective for individual students and lesson objectives. Using small group planning and instruction consistently serves a bit of a different purpose … Read more