No More Giant Backpack: Using the Grid Method

Michelle KasunBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: Follow the journey of Michelle as she discovered the Grid Method. Read five reasons why using the Grid Method is so effective: (1) standards-based (2) strategic and timely assessments (3) varied assessment (4) students work at own pace (5) enrichment opportunities. I recently saw a teacher meme that showed a man with a GIANT backpack and the caption, “When … Read More

Teacher Authenticity: Be You, Not Them

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Be authentic in the classroom. Make connections with children through purposeful activities such as games. Develop classroom norms together and review them often. Take time daily to self-reflect and make a plan for the next day. Justin joined Rae on the Daily Drop In to chat about teacher authenticity. Click here to watch! Be Authentic We often hear about … Read More

“Tough” Love: The Risks, Rewards, and Resilience of Teaching At-Risk Kids

Andrea BitnerBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Working with at-risk students takes a desire to understand who they are. A revelation of working with at-risk students: They don’t mean it. They don’t see it and don’t realize what they are doing. Developmentally, they may not be able to see you. Ruby Payne’s book “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” helps us see “hidden rules” and how they … Read More

Let Them Know You: Substitute Teachers

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Connect Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Introductions are important when subbing. Clearly introduce yourself to students right away and start to show your investment. Form relationships with others in the building by introducing yourself to them, as well. Substitute Teacher: Let Them Know You I walked into a classroom and began to get prepared for the day. Students began to enter and then one student … Read More