The first time I really understood what testing does to a kid’s brain, I wasn’t even teaching my own subject. I was proctoring a state reading assessment for a group of sophomores, walking the rows as you do, when I noticed one of my history students staring at his screen with that glassy, thousand-yard look. … Read more
I remember standing in the hallway during passing period, coffee in hand, when a student I’d never taught came up to me and just started talking. About her morning. About a fight with her mom. About how she didn’t know if she could make it through the day. I didn’t know this kid, but she … Read more
I remember the exact moment I realized something had shifted. I was teaching my World History class, and we were discussing primary-source accounts of the Rwandan genocide. A student raised her hand and asked, completely matter-of-fact, “Why didn’t they just move to a different country?” No malice. No coldness. Just a genuine question that revealed … Read more
I still remember the exact sound. It was a Tuesday in late October, second period, my 9th-grade world history class. We were mid-discussion about the Treaty of Versailles, and for one of those rare, precious moments, nearly every student was locked in. Hands were going up. Students were responding to each other without my prompting. … Read more
If you’ve been following our series on brain breaks in the classroom, you know we are passionate advocates for their power to reset student focus and enhance academic performance. In our fast-paced world, these short breaks are absolutely vital, giving students time to collect themselves so they can return to learning with renewed energy. But … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, fostering a classroom environment that encourages student success is a top priority for educators. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating open-ended prompts for student behavior into your teaching strategies. These prompts not only promote critical thinking and creative thinking but also help address challenging behaviors and build strong connections with students. To put … Read more
Every school year, teachers take pride in creating an inspiring learning space for their students. The right classroom supplies can transform your room into a dynamic, student-centered environment. From bulletin board sets to flexible seating, research shows that thoughtful classroom decorations and layouts significantly impact student engagement and success. Instead of searching for “teacher stores … Read more
Many educators wonder, “What are brain breaks in the classroom?” Brain breaks are short breaks that give students (and teachers!) a chance to reset, recharge, and refocus. Research shows that students who take movement breaks perform better academically, manage stress more effectively, and stay more mindful. Brain breaks are short, intentional pauses during tasks that offer significant … Read more
From our earliest years, we’ve been taught the importance of being thankful, yet as educators, we often overlook integrating this powerful practice systematically into our teaching practices. The field of education increasingly recognizes gratitude not as a seasonal sentiment but as a foundational element for creating strong relationships, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing academic success on a daily basis. Teaching gratitude in the classroom is … Read more
If you’ve ever been in the middle school classroom you will know that being a middle school teacher is not work for the faint of heart. There is a wide range of students who sit before you, hormones are flying, and you may or may not have a weird smell issue. But in this time … Read more
We are in a weird time in education. Not only are the pressures on the profession at an all-time high, but teachers by nature put their heart and soul into their work 24/7 while the school year is in session (and a lot of it often carries over when the year is not in session as … Read more
Unfortunately, since reviewing Hero Journey Club, they have ceased operations. You can click on the photo below to find their Instagram announcement. It’s no secret that gaming is becoming a huge piece of the lives of so many, especially our children. For many parents, this has created a unique challenge: watching their child thrive in … Read more