Bluesky: A New Kind of Social Media
BlueSky brings back the authentic connections educators once cherished on social media. With its decentralized platform, free of algorithmic manipulation, it fosters collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful conversations. Don’t miss TLSkyChat, launching December 4th, to join the conversation!
Unlocking the Power of Words: How Vocabulary Trees Can Transform Learning in Grades 4-12
Struggling to engage her 7th graders with the language of social studies, Mrs. Ramirez tried something new: Vocabulary Trees. By breaking down intimidating terms like “democracy” and “oligarchy” into their roots, prefixes, and suffixes, her students began to unlock meaning—and confidence. Suddenly, words became tools, not obstacles. Debates came alive with precise language, essays reflected deeper understanding, and test scores soared. “It’s like they finally see the connections,” Mrs. Ramirez marveled. Vocabulary trees didn’t just boost comprehension—they transformed her students into critical thinkers ready to tackle complex texts. Want your students to thrive? Plant the seeds with Vocabulary Trees! 🌳
Play to Learn: Quick and Fun Games to Spark Learning
International Games Month is the perfect time to celebrate how games can transform learning into an engaging and meaningful experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick classroom activity or a fun family game night, these short, educational games deliver big on fun and skill-building. I recently brought these games to the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State Annual Conference, where they were placed around the room during the opening night cocktail hour. They were a HIT! Here’s a roundup of some fantastic options: 1. Tsuro In this beautiful tile-laying game, players guide their markers along paths, aiming…
AI Tool: SchoolAI a Solution for Student AI Use?
The conversation around AI and education is often filled with fear—fear that students will cheat, plagiarize, and misuse this powerful technology, leaving teachers overwhelmed and academic integrity compromised. But what if we’re approaching AI the wrong way? Instead of keeping it locked in metaphorical dark rooms, whispered about but not fully addressed, what if we brought it into the light? Imagine AI as more than a threat—what if it became a trusted partner in education? Tools like **SchoolAI** are already paving the way, offering safe, customizable, and transparent solutions for teaching and learning. With features like personalized chatbots, innovative tools…
Why Teaching Microskills in a Politically Charged Climate is more Effective—and less controversial—Than Debates
This article discusses the importance of teaching microskills like facts vs opinions, critical thinking, source evaluation, and media literacy in a politically charged classroom environment. Rather than engaging students in potentially polarizing debates about political candidates, the article suggests focusing on nonpartisan microskills to promote civic engagement, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. These foundational skills allow students to navigate complex information without risking bias accusations or backlash from parents or administrators. By teaching microskills, educators can maintain a neutral classroom environment while equipping students with lifelong skills.
Play, Learn, Connect: Bringing the Power of Games to Your Library or Classroom
Did you know that November is International Gaming Month? When I was in the district, I taught a gaming course and brought board games into study halls as a way to help students connect, unwind, and think critically—all while having fun. With students often experiencing too many study halls and a decline in homework, they’re left with time to fill and a need for real, meaningful engagement. Board games are a simple but powerful way to build connections, and they offer an alternative to screens that actually gets students talking, strategizing, and even laughing together. What’s great is that study…
Unlocking Student Success: Integrating Literacy Skills to Master Next-Gen Science Standards
Are your students struggling to meet the Next Generation Science Standards? One of the biggest obstacles isn’t just content knowledge—it’s the ability to make inferences. This essential skill is often overlooked, yet it’s a game changer when it comes to understanding complex scientific concepts. By integrating literacy strategies, like inferencing, into your science instruction, you can help students connect their background knowledge with evidence and build the reasoning needed for deep comprehension. Ready to empower your students to think critically and ace those performance expectations? Dive into our latest post for practical tips and tools to make it happen!
The Case for AI in Schools
Curious about how AI is reshaping our classrooms—and why every school needs clear rules to keep it in check? A recent lawsuit in Massachusetts shows just how high the stakes can be. When a student was penalized for using AI in a project, the lack of clear guidelines led to unexpected consequences. Discover why bringing AI “into the light” with a transparent Code of Conduct can protect students, support teachers, and prevent confusion down the line. Ready to dive in? Find out what every educator needs to know.
Is AI the New Napster?
Curious about the wild frontier of AI and how it echoes the early, chaotic days of Napster and torrent sites? Imagine a world where AI, fueled by endless data—including copyrighted content—generates art, music, and stories without clear rules or permissions. From lawsuits against AI companies to concerns about deep fakes and content creators’ rights, we’re at a tipping point that could reshape the future of creativity and information. Dive into this article to explore the ethical questions and the urgent need for regulation that could either harness AI’s potential—or let it run wild.
Canva Updates: Droptober is HERE!
Canva just dropped a massive update, and trust us—you don’t want to miss this! From the new Dream Lab AI image generator to automatic page numbers (finally!), Canva’s latest features are designed to make your work easier, faster, and more impactful. Imagine creating stunning visuals in seconds, adding page numbers with a click, and designing accessible, on-brand video captions—all within Canva! Plus, the Teacher Work Kit is packed with templates and resources to take your lesson planning to the next level. 🌟 Ready to see how these tools can transform your classroom or library? Dive in and discover what’s new!
