Education
Using Portfolios for Assessment and Year-End Passages
Explore how to use portfolios as a means of assessment and how to use them to prepare students for Passage Presentations.
Teaching
How To Help Students Overcome Procrastination - Video, Tips, and Resources
Help students get more done and avoid the dark playground.
Teaching
End The Year With Engaging STEM Challenges - Free Mousetrap Cars and Paper Bridge Challenges For Teachers
Here are a few STEM/STEAM challenges I've used in the past that worked quite well. I'll include a PDF version and a Word version in case you'd like to change it to suit your needs. These activities provide an opportunity for students to grapple with and strengthen their growth mindset.
Teaching
Three Lessons Learned While Painting That Transfer To Teaching
Here's what I learned while painting houses that transfer to teaching.
Education
Give Me a Break
Harness the power of Brain Breaks to supercharge learning.
Education
Thoughts on Teacher Appreciation Week
I learn a great deal from my connections on Twitter. As you can imagine there are quite a few conversations occurring around the topic of Teacher Appreciation as next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Here are a few threads I found interesting with a few of my thoughts to follow.
Education
Using Proficiency Scales to Track Student Learning
Here is how I use proficiency scales with my middle school science classes. You'll also downloadable copies of each scale.
Teacher Pep Talk
Pep Talk: Foolish and Stupid
Maybe it's time for you to be more foolish and stupid.
Education
Student-Led Conferences - Resources and Reflection
Here are some student-led conference resources that help to put students in the "driver's seat" of their learning.
Teacher Pep Talk
Teacher Pep Talk - Knowledge and Understanding
Explore the difference between knowledge and understanding. How can this be applied to education and teaching?
Teacher Pep Talk
Become A Better Teacher by One Percent Everyday
How can becoming one percent better improve your teaching over time. Learn about the compounding effect of building small habits.
Science
Forces and Motion Teaching and Learning Resources for Middle School Students and Free Activities
Here are some of my favorite resources I’ve used with my 8th graders when we study Forces and Motion. These resources and activities would work with grades 5-9 and maybe even with some high school students.