Posts in School
Unmasking the Mysteries of Student Writing: A Teacher's Guide to the Chrome Extension Revision History

Ever wonder if your students are wizards of words or if there's some digital magic afoot in their writing? As teachers, we strive to nurture genuine creativity and honest effort. But in the age of AI, how do we ensure that the essays and reports we receive are truly the fruits of our students' labor?

Enter the Chrome Extension: Revision History. This handy tool doesn't just track changes—it reveals the story behind every keystroke. Let’s delve into how this can be your new favorite classroom assistant.

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How to Engage Middle Schoolers with Spooky Podcasts : A Perfect Halloween Lesson

As Halloween approaches, finding engaging, educational activities that capture the spirit of the season can be a challenge. This year, I’ve designed a lesson that taps into middle school students' love for spooky stories through podcasts, paired with a deep dive into the psychology of fear. It’s a blend of literature, science, and, of course, a whole lot of chills—perfect for the Halloween season.

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Boost Classroom Energy: Engage Students with a Personalized Class Mood Pin Board!

Building a vibrant classroom community hinges on embracing the unique energy and spirit of each group of students. One creative way to cultivate this is through a class mood pin board. This visual representation not only captures the dynamic mood and humor of your class but also strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Here’s how you can harness class energy with a personalized mood pin board:

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Fun Classroom Games by the Makers of Exploding Kittens

Incorporating games into the classroom can be a fantastic way to engage students, foster teamwork, and build critical thinking skills. The creators of the wildly popular game Exploding Kittens have developed several other games that are perfect for a classroom setting. Here’s a look at three of their best: Power Hungry Pets, That Escalated Quickly, and Danger Danger.

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Plants in the Classroom

Oh, my word! There are so many wonderful benefits to plants not only in your home but in your classroom. Did you know that some indoor plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in one day? Also, indoor plants help to regulate humidity. That sounds super, right?

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Transforming the Classroom through Emotional Intelligence

Our brains, having evolved for higher-order thinking and reasoning, require a sense of safety to access these capacities. When we feel threatened, our brains prioritize survival over learning, focusing on fight, flight, or freeze responses. This fundamental principle still applies today: for effective learning to occur, students need to feel safe both physically and emotionally.

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Challenging “Colorblindness”

Racial injustices in America and around the world show the increasing inequalities which simply cannot go unnoticed or ignored anymore. I am routinely floored by people when they are presented with visual and factual information of historically preserved inequities and yet, somehow, still believe that racism doesn’t exist in the world and how some contribute and benefit from the system.

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Why So Many Teachers Quit Within the First Five Years: Challenges and Solutions

Teaching is a noble profession, often described as a calling rather than just a job. Some might argue that this sentiment is used to justify not compensating teachers according to their expertise and educational level. However, it's no secret that many teachers leave the profession within the first five years. Understanding the reasons behind this exodus is crucial to addressing the issue and improving teacher retention. Let's delve into why so many teachers quit and explore potential solutions to ensure that more educators thrive in their careers.

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