Imagine this: you walk into a classroom and instead of rows of desks, you see a variety of couches, cozy chairs, high top tables, bean bags, stools, string lights, clipboards, learning nooks, and more. Flexible seating classrooms, like the classroom described above, are … [Read more...] about Flexible Seating 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Classroom Ideas
How can I use power standards in my classroom?
Recently, my state and district have made a push to select and use power (or prioritized) standards in our classrooms, and it got me thinking: What is the formal definition of power standards? Are power standards something new that could truly revolutionize my teaching? How can I … [Read more...] about How can I use power standards in my classroom?
How I Graded 81 Assignments in 6 Minutes
I accomplished this today, and I thought I should blog about it! In my first years of teaching, I didn’t use this time-saving practice. Instead, in those early years, I would have said, “Pass your work to the front of the classroom, please” and then I would collect the work, sort … [Read more...] about How I Graded 81 Assignments in 6 Minutes
31 Whole-Class Incentives and Rewards That Aren’t Food
Don’t get me wrong -- I love candy. And, a jolly rancher, a tootsie roll, or a starburst can work wonders in the classroom for student motivation and enthusiasm. So can pizza parties, and cupcake days, and brunch, and...I’ve had so many types of food parties I can’t even keep … [Read more...] about 31 Whole-Class Incentives and Rewards That Aren’t Food
Beyond the Fidget Spinner — 7 DIFFERENT fidget gadgets for students
Finally, for all the fidgeters out there -- Fidgeting is cool. … [Read more...] about Beyond the Fidget Spinner — 7 DIFFERENT fidget gadgets for students