Teachers and other educators play such an important role in students’ academic and social and emotional development. Much research shows that a strong and caring teacher/student relationship can greatly impact students’ success. Here are some ideas on how to lay the groundwork for strong relationships with your students at the start of the new school [...]
Getting back into a morning routine can be challenging after summer break. With a little planning ahead, you can avoid hectic and stressful mornings. These tips and tricks will help ensure you start each school day at your best. 1. Get a Good Night’s Rest We coach our students to get a good night’s rest [...]
A new school year doesn’t just mean new students. Parents and caregivers are part of the classroom community too. Family engagement is a critical component of students’ success in school. Building strong relationships with your students’ parents will help maximize students’ success. These four strategies will help you develop strong home-to-school connections, which in turn [...]
There are so many free and inexpensive technology tools out there to help you manage your classroom but who has the time to go searching for them? We’ve saved you a few precious minutes by compiling this list of seven classroom management apps that will help you engage students, set clear rules and expectations, assist [...]
Setting up your classroom so it’s warm, welcoming and conducive to learning is one of the most important activities you’ll do as you gear up for the school year. Here are 10 creative and inexpensive ideas for adding functionality and fun to your classroom. 1. Use wall space wisely There never seems to be quite [...]
Data is everywhere. From state assessments to exit tickets, teachers have a constant flow of data coming in. Too little data is rarely the problem. As school leaders, how can we help teachers effectively use all the data they have to better understand each student’s individual progress and learning needs? A good starting place is [...]
The first week of school is critical. What happens in those first few days sets the tone for the rest of the school year. Get off on the right foot with fun, engaging activities that promote social emotional learning skills that will support academic achievement and foster a classroom environment everyone looks forward to coming [...]
Social and emotional learning is just as critical to students’ academic achievement and success in college and careers as mastering math, science and reading. Unlike teaching multiplication, teaching social and emotional skills takes a more subtle approach and should be woven into subject area lessons and daily classroom activities. These three games are a great [...]
You’re a pro at organizing your classroom with the latest and greatest school supplies. But there may be a few things you should always have handy that you may be overlooking. Check out these five things that will help you get through the school day a little easier. 1. Emergency Supplies Just like your students, [...]
Pop quiz! What’s a quick way to make sure students are keeping pace with what you’re teaching? Give a quiz! Quizzes provide short, straight-to-the-point checks for comprehension that help you adjust instruction so that everyone in your class stays on track toward mastery. Here are six tips to help you create quizzes that deliver the [...]
