Using or banning cell phones in class is one of the most controversial topics these days. Some teachers embrace them as part of instruction and learning. Others consider a complete ban the only way to go. Many schools and districts have created their own cell phone policies, but others leave things up to individual teachers. … Read more
If the phrase “school bathroom” makes you shudder, you’re not alone. Public restrooms are notoriously iffy at the best of times, and school bathrooms can be some of the worst. Some of the gross factor can be chalked up to kids who are too little to know better. In other cases, it’s a lack of … Read more
There are a wide variety of scholarships for women pursuing degrees in all fields, from arts and humanities to engineering and computer science. If you’re looking for information, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s an overview to help students begin their search. What are the different types of scholarships for women? Just like any … Read more
Our favorite part of setting up a classroom is creating the classroom reading nook. As you design your classroom, you can help inspire a love of reading in your students by creating a reading nook they can’t wait to visit. Energize the space with pops of color, playful patterns, and special reading nook furniture that … Read more
It’s never been easier for students to create fun and engaging videos to show off their knowledge! There are a lot of terrific video programs out there, including one of our favorites, WeVideo. Their easy-to-use editing tools and classroom-ready templates make it simple for kids of all ages to assemble impressive videos on any topic. … Read more
(This posting includes a handout which you are welcome to use with your students.) In Part 1, I analyzed the assumptions teachers have made about having students do class-presentations. (See ESL Student-Presentations (Part 1): Questioning the Reasons for Doing Them As I concluded in that post, there seems to be weak support for having students … Read more
@TeacherToolkit In 2010, Ross Morrison McGill founded @TeacherToolkit from a simple Twitter account through which he rapidly became the ‘most followed teacher on social media in the UK’. In 2015, he was nominated as one of the ‘500 Most Influential People in Britain’ by The Sunday… Read more about @TeacherToolkit What if Ofsted addressed the … Read more
Dear WeAreTeachers:I know it’s unpopular. I know it’s controversial. But I can’t help it! I hate sharing the resources I’ve created. I worked so hard for so many years to develop really amazing lessons with accompanying Google Docs, intricate breakout rooms, interactive Smartboard games, and other time-intensive learning resources. Last year I shared everything I … Read more
Dear WeAreTeachers:I know it’s unpopular. I know it’s controversial. But I can’t help it! I hate sharing the resources I’ve created. I worked so hard for so many years to develop really amazing lessons with accompanying Google Docs, intricate breakout rooms, interactive Smartboard games, and other time-intensive learning resources. Last year I shared everything I … Read more
More and more, it seems like requirements like homework and summer packets are becoming an unreasonable ask of families. (And maybe they always have been.) But how much do those kinds of assignments really matter? I’d venture to say not that much. I think we’d be better served by encouraging a variety of everyday activities … Read more