I get it. I’m an old, boring English teacher—the kind that kids will look back on when they’re older and think, “Wow, that guy was bor-ring!” But listening to To Kill a Mockingbird on an audiobook isn’t very thrilling for fifteen-year-olds. It’s not even my fault; I’m told to teach that sleeping pill to students […]
How to Wake Up a Sleeping Student: 10 Fun & Funny Methods Read More »
Lately, I’ve become fascinated by the idea that seemingly irrelevant activities at the beginning of a class might lead to improved student outcomes. Two ideas have stood out so far: using some variation of a hypnotic script and psychological priming activities in the classroom. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the latter. The
New Potential: The Power of Classroom Priming Activities Read More »
Teaching for almost two decades brings a lot of changes and reflections. Some things get better, some… not as much. Like many teachers, I’ve been shifting towards a differentiated approach over the past few years. The traditional skill-and-drill had its place, but I felt like something was missing – a way to make deeper connections
Why Differentiate TKAM? For Better Student Engagement! Read More »
The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) recently announced that it is updating the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines. The CAST team has spent years researching and receiving input from various stakeholders and has finally released its proposed UDL updates. These changes reflect the understanding that educational environments must evolve to support every learner
Embracing Inclusive Education: Understanding the UDL Updates Read More »
Welcome to a journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional learning! In this lesson, we’ll explore the transformative power of a seemingly small word: “yet.” As we navigate through various subjects and life lessons, we often encounter hurdles that seem insurmountable. However, by understanding and applying the concept of “yet,” we unlock a world of
Unlocking The Potential of Yet in Learning and Growth Read More »
Memory skills are essential tools for academic success and everyday life. Educators can significantly improve student outcomes by teaching memory techniques. In the next several Brain Builders Workshops, we will focus on developing memory skills for middle school students. These will primarily be in the form of classroom lessons that provide direct instruction on how
The Vital Role of Memory Skills in Middle School Success Read More »
The landscape of education continues to evolve, largely pushed by responses to equity concerns and technological advancements. Below we will focus on the ten most important education trends of the year with a focus on how these innovations and changes shape how students learn. From inclusive classrooms to the rise of artificial intelligence, these trends
Key Educational Trends in 2024: What’s Shaping Learning? Read More »
Welcome to the resource hub for Brain Builders Workshop: Teaching Motivation to Middle School Students! Here, you’ll find the downloadable / print-ready documents and handouts associated with the Brain Builders motivational lessons. These resources are tailored to complement the strategies and insights you’ve gained from the book and various blog posts, providing practical tools to
Motivational Handouts for the Brain Builders Workshop Read More »
As we approach the culmination of our personal interest project, it’s time to reflect on the journey we’ve embarked upon and bring our visions to life. Over the next two to three class periods, students will have the opportunity to complete their projects, integrating their personal passions with academic subjects. This phase involves expressing unique
Personal Interest Projects to Boost Success and Creativity Read More »
This lesson should be a lot of fun but you might need a bit of a thick skin while middle school students re-work lessons that they previously found uninteresting. By allowing groups of students to craft new lessons for their classmates, students will discover the joy of learning (and teaching) through interaction and creativity. This
Transform a Boring Lesson into Something Exciting! Read More »
