We know that learner-centered education is all the rage in education circles, but are there actually hands on learning benefits that outweigh the time it takes to craft these lessons? While we constantly hear about the benefits of hands-on learning, we often end up questioning whether this is really an effective way for young children … Read more
Click above to listen to Episode 37 of the Student-Centered World Podcast: Simplifying Classroom Differentiation (Transcript at the bottom of this page) Differentiation of instruction shouldn’t be the bane of a teacher’s existence. Though there are many ideas for differentiated instruction out there, it seems overwhelming to attempt to do this for every single one … Read more
If you’re like me, it feels like we just started learning about Generation Z and what makes them different from the millennials. However, time waits for no one and we are now diving into looking at the new generation, the Gen Alpha kids. The term Generation Alpha refers to the group of individuals born between … Read more
As teachers, we so often rely on our own experience each year that passes in the classroom when it comes to developing lesson plan ideas. Once 2020 hit, the entire dynamic of education and what that means for the classroom changed, and searching for a lesson plan template that made sense in terms of learning objectives and educational … Read more
The concept of mindfulness in the classroom has become quite a buzz phrase over the past few years in education. This term floats around quite often, but what exactly does mindfulness in the classroom mean and how do you incorporate calming brain breaks into the classroom naturally? As defined by a quick Google search, mindfulness … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered if your administrator has a distinct plan for what to look for when doing a lesson observation or teacher evaluation, you’re not alone (even if you’re not a new teacher). Sometimes they are very specific in their “observing teachers in the classroom checklist” and their expectations, and other times, you are left … Read more
In our last post in our Ultimate Guide to Brain Break Activities series, we took a look at calming brain breaks in the classroom. These particular brain breaks help students achieve a sense of regularity amongst themselves and help bring down an unnecessarily high energy level in the classroom. What about when students need a little pick-me-up? Just as … Read more
We know that our classrooms are not one size fits all. It doesn’t take a special education teacher to interact on a daily basis with neurodivergent students. However, it does take a little extra effort to be proactive and understand how best to support these students. Unfortunately, many general education teachers are not extensively trained … Read more
Since starting Student-Centered World, I’ve had the chance to speak with educators across the teaching profession—from new teachers to veteran teachers and school leaders. Teacher stress (or “teacher tired“) is a pervasive issue that affects everyone, no matter where they are in their careers. However, the primary concern given the current teaching climate, universally, is … Read more
I talk frequently about self-grading assignments, but sometimes that is actually moving too quickly. It is important to answer the question, “what is self-grading?” before even moving towards how to utilize it in the classroom. In knowing that answer, you can develop a self-grading system, which will work for both the teacher and the student. … Read more
When teachers are attempting to determine the best plan for student engagement in their classrooms, they often find themselves asking, “what is an engaged learner?” It’s an extremely valid question because knowing what you’re working towards is a large part of the process. What is an Engaged Learner? There are a variety of different definitions … Read more
We know that classroom management and discipline go hand in hand, but it is also important to strike a balance that works for all parties involved. When you think about it, discipline is simply an orderly pattern of behavior that helps create a safe learning environment. Students who engage in good behavior are more prepared … Read more