After 25 years of teaching, this past school year left me completely burned out—emotionally, mentally, and physically. In this honest blog post, I open up about the toll it took and the five ways I’m intentionally recharging this summer. From setting work boundaries to creating a Nancy Meyers-inspired life, these are small but powerful steps I’m taking to feel like myself again—and hopefully help other teachers do the same.
Read MorePreparing for a camping trip is no easy feat. It takes a lot of prep work to make sure that once at the lake, stress is at a minimum. There is nothing less relaxing and less fun than having to get into the car and drive off in search of whatever it may be that is needed when you are hours away from home. I am a huge fan of checklists and pretty much use them for everything. Over the years I have created my go-to camping checklist to make sure that all my gear and camping needs are packed and ready to go. When your life is organized, things go so much more smoothly and your time can be spent enjoying your friends and family. There may be no wi-fi in the mountains, but you’ll find no better connection.
Read MoreMany people, teachers included, have an aversion to audiobooks. For some, there is a deep seated belief that listening to audiobooks is “cheating.” While there are many benefits to reading text, there are also plenty of benefits for allowing your students to listen to audio versions of the text they are reading. For our most reluctant readers, opening up the door to audiobooks can be a game changer for their reading lives.
Read MoreDiscover 4 powerful ways to help students become lifelong readers—plus get ideas for easy book trackers you can use in any classroom.
Read MoreUnderstanding the root causes of student apathy is essential if we want to create meaningful change in our classrooms and schools.
Read MoreHere are some English lessons that I like to end the school year with in my 7th grade core class:
Read MoreAs teachers, our goal is not just to impart knowledge but to empower our students to become active participants in their own learning journey. One way to achieve this is by adopting conversation-based grading, an assessment method that focuses on descriptive feedback and clear directions for improvement rather than assigning numerical scores. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of conversation-based grading and share practical insights on how to incorporate it into your teaching practice.
Read MoreTeaching is often described as a labor of love, but let’s be honest: it can also be exhausting. Inspired by the principles of slow living highlighted by Noocity, let’s explore how educators can embrace a slower, more intentional way of living both inside and outside the classroom.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever wondered how to get your students focused the moment they walk through the door, here’s your answer: the “Do Now.” This simple, no-nonsense strategy is more than just a time-filler—it’s a game-changer for your classroom. A short, purposeful task that students tackle as soon as they sit down, the “Do Now” sets the stage for a smooth, productive class. .
Read Moren the age of tech-savvy students, finding ways to enhance their note-taking skills with the latest classroom tools is key. One innovative tool that’s making waves in classrooms is the thermal printer. What if you could make notes more engaging, organized, and accessible by simply printing them out in class? Whether for visual learners or students who need additional resources, thermal printers could be the answer.
Read MoreSocratic seminar lends itself nicely in a high school setting, but students in middle school need a bit more scaffolding to be successful with this structure of learning. There are a few ways that you can organize a middle school class discussion:
Read MoreDiscover the power of chunking—a time management strategy that helps educators stay organized, prioritize tasks, and find balance. Learn practical tips to break your day into manageable blocks, plan efficiently, and incorporate rest while tackling the challenges of teaching. Transform your routine and reduce stress with this proven organizational technique!
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