A short exercise break can relieve boredom, improve thinking, and reverse the negative health effects of sitting. To be most effective, however, it must be purposeful. It must be targeted in a way that increases your heart rate yet stimulates every muscle in the … Read more
Your students are wilting like gardenias in a downpour. They yawn and fidget. They daydream and sigh. They struggle to follow along amid a thousand and one distractions clawing for their attention. Television blaring in the other room. Siblings sitting just inches away. The … Read more
A student questioning a grade isn’t a problem. In fact, it should be encouraged. Inquiring why they received a particular grade shows initiative and the desire to do well. Following up with how they believe they deserve a higher grade is, in my book, … Read more
A teacher acquaintance was recently attacked and injured by an enraged six-year-old. She was kicked in the face while trying to calm him down. According to the NEA, six percent of teachers have been attacked by a student. That’s over 200,000 teachers. But you’re … Read more
Whether you’re teaching in person, online, or a hybrid of the two, there is one thing you must do to begin 2021. It’s easy, requires zero preparation, and takes no more than ten minutes. But it’s absolutely essential. What is it? It’s to review … Read more
Wow, we made it! When the pandemic first hit and schools were closing, I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough to write about in 2020. As it turns out, I probably could have posted twice a week. We had some of our most popular … Read more
I read an article recently in which a teacher said he would no longer give failing grades during the pandemic. I get where he’s coming from, I really do. It’s a tough time for many students. But removing the bare minimum standard is a … Read more
There is a strategy that elite performers use every day. It’s something that takes just a few minutes, yet can be the difference between success and failure. Oddly, it isn’t taught in school. In fact, it’s never mentioned as part of any curriculum, professional … Read more