3.14 Fun and Engaging Pi Day Activities

Suzanne RogersBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14). It provides a great chance to engage students with tailored activities for different grade levels. Elementary school activities include Pi Day Storytime, creating a pi chain for memorization, and exploring circle art inspired by Russian artist Kandinsky. Middle school activities involve a Pi Day Scavenger Hunt and a Pi Memorization Contest. … Read More

AI 101: Tips and Tools for Teachers

Mason NicholsBlog, Differentiate Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: This post explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. AI tools that can be used in education include MagicSchool, Diffit, Eduaide, SchoolAI, and Brisk Teaching. Some features of AI that can be used in education are email assistance, curated educational content, gamification, AI “assistants,” and reading level adjustments. AI in Education Over the past year, we have … Read More

Using the Grid Method to Teach Real-World Skills

Lisa JonesBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: The author’s favorite unit focuses on imparting practical job skills in an Exploring Careers course, acknowledging the universal need for employment preparation. Using the Grid Method, the unit progresses through levels, starting with basics, incorporating real-life examples in level two, and culminating in assessments and simulations at level three. Emphasizing the importance of real-world connections, the author encourages educators … Read More

Tapestry of Formative Assessment

Suzanne RogersBlog, Engage Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Formative assessment is vital for effective teaching, offering real-time insights into student progress. Tom Schimmer advocates for diverse approaches, including thoughtful questioning, Socratic seminars, and one-on-one conferencing. Peer reviews, interactive technology, and strategies like think-pair-share enrich formative assessments, promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Tapestry of Formative Assessment Formative assessment is a tapestry and the heartbeat of effective teaching, offering … Read More

Why Start Podcasting?

Dana GoodierBlog, Connect Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Plan your podcast’s length, guest criteria, and distribution channels to increase chances of success beyond 10 episodes. Consider your social media presence and marketing strategy to effectively reach and engage with your target audience. Decide on the episode release format (seasonal or continuous) and allocate time wisely, considering potential collaboration and outsourcing options. You may wonder if you should … Read More