How to Set Up Socratic Seminars: The Paired Inside-Outside Circle Approach
So, you’ve heard of Socratic Seminars and are considering introducing them into your classroom? Fantastic choice! Like introducing task cards, embracing the Socratic method can be transformative. But just as with any new teaching technique, there are both delightful discoveries and potential pitfalls to watch out for. Why Socratic Seminars? Socratic Seminars encourage critical thinking […]
Fun Halloween Activities for Middle Schoolers
Looking for fun Halloween activities for middle schoolers? You’re in the right place! Here, we’ll explore some hands-on activities for Halloween with lots of opportunities to learn about other cultures. Whether it’s Samhain in Ireland, El Dia De Los Muertos in the Americas, or Kawasaki in Japan, you can use these activities to dive into […]
Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom
I’ve been using task cards in the classroom for a long time now, and I’ve come to love them. Here are a few reasons why: They are engaging because of the variety of activities and topics you can cover – students never seem to tire of them Anything – like task cards – that gets […]
Back to School Letter Activity for Teens
Thinking of the first days of school? Here I share a ‘letter to my teacher’ activity for teens in middle school and high school (11-18). It can be used with younger or older students and the template I provide is fully editable for customising to your needs. Why Ask Students To Write A Letter? For […]
Mindset and Culturally Responsive Sustaining Classrooms: How?
In the last post on mindset, we explore the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of a growth mindset in the culturally sustaining classroom. This time, I share how I explore the topic of a growth mindset with my middle and high school students. Getting Ready to Learn About Growth Mindset in the Culturally-Sustaining Classroom As we know, […]
Back to School: The First Days of School
For many in the Western hemisphere, the holidays are ending and teachers are thinking about their back to school lessons. Whether it’s Meet the Teacher or All about Me for students to get to know each other, this post explores how to start the year strong. Back to School Priorities To create a safe and […]
Blackout Poetry (Found Poems)
Many students find poetry daunting, so – for me – it’s important to find low-pressure, fun activities to use with poems. Blackout or found poetry is one approach students love. Here, I’ll share how I use this activity with students online or in person. For me, poetry is ultimately about playing with and manipulating language […]
Voice and Choice in World Mythology
Offering students more choice and voice in the classroom can contribute to a culturally-sustaining classroom. As you design with students, you are naturally more likely to create a space where they feel valued as contributors. One way I do this in our World Mythology course is by asking students what topics they want to learn […]
Inclusive End-Of-Year Activities
For many in the Western hemisphere and beyond, the school year ends in June or July. And what a year it’s been for schools! Online, offline, hybrid…whatever you’re particular challenges have been, here are some inclusive end-of-year activities to help round off this epic 12 months. If you’re still in school, you may just find something […]
Cooperative Board Games In The Classroom
A while back, I came across the concept of cooperative games through the popular board game Pandemic. Since then, my family and I have purchased several more including Forbidden Island and Outfoxed. Watching my kids play without sibling rivalry, and seeing how they really wanted each other to succeed, I wondered how I could harness […]