Think Better: Supporting Students in Times of Stress

Lindsay TitusBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Supporting students during times of stress requires a mindful and empathetic approach. Four steps to help students through stressful situations: self-reflection and emotional awareness, understanding the student’s needs and desires, evaluating the environment, and crafting an empathetic response. By practicing these steps, educators can foster emotional well-being, resilience, and growth in students while creating a nurturing and supportive environment. … Read More

Strategies to Support Students in Difficult Times

Colissa JordanBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: Over the last year, educators and students have faced many difficult and traumatic events. The first step to supporting your students is to understand the signs of trauma. Understand how to respond when students show their emotions or make an uncomfortable statement. Pay attention to marginalized groups and take notes of students who may be likely to be bullied. … Read More

Envisioning a “New Normal”

Brandi KellyBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More

3 Strategies to Support Student Understanding

Steven WeberBlog, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Schools and districts need to think ahead to the future and prepare a strategy to meet the needs of each learner. The most effective strategy to support student understanding may be to combine the following: Through a deficit approach to provide additional support to fill in the gaps. Building on the strengths of learners through assessments, feedback, and academic … Read More