As teachers, we understand that learning doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Students arrive in our classrooms with problems, challenges, and trauma we may know nothing about. For children with a difficult or unstable home life, walking into class and focusing on academics is extremely challenging. Asking children to learn math, write paragraphs, and follow the rules without addressing their internal…
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Do Students Learn More When They Feel Safe and Connected?
Meaningful Ways to Provide Closure at the End of the School Year
The end of the school year is a big transition for students (and teachers). Don’t just let the year fizzle to a close—end your year with memorable, meaningful, and reflective activities. Celebrate the experiences you shared, highlight what’s special about every child in your classroom, and leave students with a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Sounds like a tall order,…
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Give Your Students the Ultimate Challenge: Show Gratitude on a Regular Basis
Science says it’s natural for people to focus more on negative thoughts than on positive ones. Emotions like fear, doubt, and shame produce stress chemicals in the brain, which drive negative thinking. This can be even more true for children, who are still navigating their places in the world. One way to shift negative thought patterns is to develop an…
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The Benefits and Pitfalls of Using End-of-Year Awards
In 2017, a middle school in Georgia presented end-of-year awards at a school assembly. Students received beautiful glass trophies with their names engraved on them. In front of the entire school, a girl with ADHD was awarded “Most Likely to Not Pay Attention.” Meanwhile, in Houston, Texas, a 13-year-old girl received a certificate that named her “Most Likely to Become…
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Your Happy Heart Activities and Review
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure here. You know I love a great picture book and this one, Your Happy Heart by Amie Dean, is a true gem. Javon is a 5th grader who has the opportunity to work with a kindergarten book buddy. His excitement turns to disappointment after he meets Richard, a quiet, reserved…
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