Classroom Décor and Learning
A recent study, published in Psychological Science (2014), found that children in highly decorated classrooms are more distracted and make smaller learning gains compared to a minimally decorated classroom. The results are not surprising, as it aligns to what we now understand about the functioning of the brain, attention and sensory input.
What do […]
How can I Motivate Parent Volunteers?
Each parent needs to feel valued, to feel like they’re a necessary part of the school success equation. When they feel valued, they are more willing to give to others – in this case, they are more willing to partner in ways that are most successful.
When people feel that what they can contribute […]
Teacher Resources, Tools & Giveaways for the week (Oct 19 – 26, 2014)
TOOLS
Screencast-O-Matic
Web tool to use for sharing your computer screen.
Typing Club
Typing club gives you a complete control over your student’s typing progress.
ChartsBin
Create your own interactive map.
RESOURCES
Many Things
Website for studying English as a second language.
Science Kids
Science experiments for kids
As always before using tools or resources be sure to conduct due diligence regarding alignment of […]
Rewards for Grades
I was recently reading about different ways students can be motivated to get good grades, and different strategies parents and schools have used in the past. Rewards have been used frequently and they can be as simple as candy, or as expensive as a car. In fact, some parents have given students money […]
What is the Universal Design for Learning or UDL ?
Universal Design for Learning is a research-based set of principles that helps in customizing and adjusting the curriculum. To make learning universal in nature, this scientific based framework refines the approach of the educator in the way they teach, what they teach, and how they teach.
The key of the UDL framework is “flexibility.” […]
How Can I Teach My Students to Research Effectively Using the Internet?
In today’s world, research is often synonymous with Google. The use of Google is so frequent among students that referring to books seems to be an act of the past. Despite this, are we certain that our students are well versed in online research? Do they present quality and relevant information on their […]
How Can Plus Minus Interesting Strategy be Used in The Classroom?
Plus minus interesting (PMI) strategy is a creative lateral thinking tool developed by Edward de Bono. The PMI tool can be used to critically examine texts, analyze the implications or consequences of actions and to stimulate the sharing of thoughts and ideas. Using the PMI tool, students are encouraged to broaden their thinking, […]
How Can I Teach Students to Organize Research Using Zotero?
Zotero is a referencing tool that you can add on to your Firefox browser as an extension. If you’re browsing a page and want to keep track of the source information, this extension does exactly that. It also allows you to store the information in a format you prefer (e.g. APA, MLA). In […]
What are the Golden Rules for Setting Goals in the Classroom?
At the start of every academic year, we spend time setting goals for our classroom. These then serve as a benchmark for us to evaluate the progress of our students, be it academically or otherwise. But on completion of the year, have you ever felt that your goals were not achieved or that […]
Teacher Resources, Tools & Giveaways for the week (Sept 20 – 27, 2014)
TOOLS
News-O-Matic
Newspaper for kids on iOs and Android.
Socratic Smackdown
A framework to develop discussion and debate skills.
RESOURCES
Science is Fun
Activities for science.
Cell games
Game & Quiz about different parts of a bacterial, animal& plant cell.
Theme Poems
Learn and create your own poem.
GIVEAWAYS
Magformers
Here is a chance to win this magnetic construction set.
