The Evolution of Mathematics: What is a Ten Frame?
Continuing our series on The Evolution of Mathematics, let’s dive deeper into understanding why the math we’ve always done—and the algorithms behind it—work the way they do. In our initial post, we explored the idea that while math itself hasn’t changed, our approach to teaching it has shifted to emphasize understanding why algorithms work, rather than just how to perform them. In this post, we’ll focus on some effective strategies teachers are using to help students grasp these concepts on a deeper, more conceptual level. Let’s start by exploring the foundational tool of the ten frame. What is a ten…
AI Tool: Curipod
Curipod combines the interactive power of Pear Deck with new AI-driven features that boost engagement in fresh, meaningful ways. Students move from passive listeners to active participants, voting on questions, polls, and even topics to explore next. The built-in **AI Feedback** feature offers instant suggestions, encouraging students to refine and improve their responses on the spot. Curipod turns traditional learning moments into interactive, customized experiences, helping students feel seen, heard, and involved as they shape each lesson alongside you.
“Encounter” by Jane Yolen: A Step Towards Inclusivity, but There’s Room to Grow
In today’s classrooms, the stories we choose to tell matter more than ever. When teaching about historical events—especially ones as monumental as the arrival of Europeans in the Americas—the narratives we highlight can shape students’ understanding of the past and its complexities. For many years, the traditi onal Eurocentric perspective dominated history lessons, portraying events like Columbus’s arrival through the lens of European “discovery” and colonization. Thankfully, this has started to change, with more educators seeking out literature that represents Indigenous voices and perspectives. One such book that takes a meaningful step in this direction is Encounter by Jane Yolen.…
Math Books That Inspire: My Current Reads and Future Picks
As a passionate math educator, I find inspiration not only in the classroom but also within the pages of thought-provoking books. Whether it’s deepening my understanding of complex concepts or discovering new teaching strategies, math books have a special way of expanding both my knowledge and approach. In this post, I’m excited to share with you the math books currently on my nightstand, as well as a few that are next on my reading list. From insightful explorations of mathematical theory to practical guides for classroom instruction, these reads offer something for every math enthusiast or educator looking to spark…
Making Magic in the Secondary School Library with Monthly Missions
Tired of seeing bored students during study hall? Looking for fresh ways to get them excited about visiting the library? In this post, I’ll share creative monthly challenges that I’ve used to transform my school library into a hub of activity and imagination. From turning a ghost into a famous book character in October to building epic summer reading stacks in June, these simple yet impactful ideas will inspire students to engage, create, and explore—all while keeping your library lively and fun. Curious? Dive in to discover how you can bring these exciting activities to your own library!
Flip, Flash, and Flourish: Flippity’s Formula for Fun-Filled Learning
Flippity has long been a favorite tool for educators looking to bring more interactivity and engagement into the classroom. With its latest updates, including multimedia flashcards, a vintage video game quiz, and a customizable board game creator, Flippity continues to offer flexible, fun ways to elevate learning. What makes Flippity truly stand out is its ease of use—no coding required. Teachers can simply copy and paste their content into pre-made Google Spreadsheet templates, allowing for quick and simple customization. From embedding YouTube videos and audio into flashcards to turning content into competitive quizzes, Flippity’s tools help chunk information into digestible,…
EDU AI Tool: NotebookLM
Looking for a smarter, more flexible way to learn or teach? Google’s NotebookLM, launched in 2023, is an AI tool that turns articles, videos, and PDFs into personalized, conversational podcasts! Imagine summarizing all your educational resources into a podcast you can listen to while commuting, exercising, or just relaxing. Whether you’re an educator creating dynamic lesson content or a student juggling assignments, NotebookLM makes multitasking a breeze. Simply upload your materials, select the ones you want to summarize, and with just a few clicks, you’ll have an engaging audio overview that feels like a real conversation. Perfect for auditory learners…
A Few of My Favorite Library Things!
After rewatching *The Sound of Music*, I was inspired to share some of my favorite library tools and items! As a school librarian, I'm always on the lookout for resources that make my job easier, engage students, and add a little fun to our daily routine. In this blog post, I’ll highlight some essentials that have become staples in my library setup. From innovative shelf labeling solutions to creative ways to display read-alikes, these items have transformed my space. I’ll also introduce some engaging activities, like using button makers and board games, that spark joy and excitement among students. Plus,…
Using AI to Create DIY Decodable Texts for K-2 Classrooms: A Game-Changer for Phonics Instruction
Struggling to find enough engaging decodable texts for your K-2 classroom? You’re not alone! Many teachers face the challenge of limited budgets and a small selection of phonics-based stories, leaving young readers with repetitive materials. But what if there was an easier way to create custom, decodable stories that match your students' needs? With the power of AI tools like Project Read, you can generate fresh, tailored texts that align perfectly with popular ELA programs like UFLI, Orton-Gillingham, and CKLA. Say goodbye to stale stories and hello to personalized reading experiences that keep your students excited about learning!
AI Prompt Engineering Part 1: RECAP
Curious about how to get the most out of AI? It all starts with prompt engineering—the key to unlocking powerful, precise responses from chatbots. Whether you’re crafting lessons, answering complex questions, or just experimenting with AI, the prompts you use make all the difference. In my latest blog, I dive into a practical framework called RECAP that will take your AI interactions to the next level. From defining your role to tailoring results for specific audiences, this simple model can transform how you and your students work with AI. Ready to start refining your prompts and getting better results?
