Podcasts about lesson plans

What an incredible journey we've been on together! In this episode, we reflect on the powerful foundation of belonging we've built and, most importantly, look ahead at how to sustain this vibrant culture throughout the entire school year.Key Takeaways from this Episode:For Reflecting on the Journey:Understand the importance of individual reflection on the "First 10 Days" experience, using prompts to articulate feelings of belonging, pride, and hopes for the future.Learn how to create a final "Growth Chain" link to visibly represent personal growth in belonging.For Inclusive Celebration:Discover the critical need to understand what "celebration" means to all students, recognizing that not everyone views it as loud or noisy.Explore diverse celebration options, including "Shout-Outs" or Appreciation Circles, and flexible "Celebration Centers" that cater to varied preferences (e.g., quiet reflection, music, games).Learn how to incorporate student-chosen music via anonymous Padlets or shared playlists for truly inclusive celebrations.For Sustaining Belonging All Year (Connection to Hill Model & SEL):See how Day 10 activities culminate in profound Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) development, enhancing self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills (through appreciation), and responsible decision-making.Understand how these practices align with the Hill Model's framework for Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, and Intellect, ensuring holistic student development beyond the initial days.For Impacting Learning (Connection to John Hattie):Learn how reflection supports Metacognitive Strategies and how "Shout-Outs" provide impactful Feedback.Discover how celebrating collective efforts boosts Collective Teacher Efficacy and strengthens Teacher-Student Relationships.Understand how articulating belonging contributes to higher Self-Efficacy and positive Self-Reported Grades/Student Expectations.Reflect on quotes from Maya Angelou and Stephen Covey about the lasting impact of feelings and prioritizing what truly matters.In this episode, I mention:The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource BundleFREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & MaterialsIndividual Reflection Prompts (for journal/video)Growth ChainShout-Outs / Appreciation CircleCelebration CentersReady to take action?Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfreeExplore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundleReflection Questions for Educators:How will I gather student input on what "celebration" means to them to ensure an inclusive Day 10?What specific strategies will I commit to implementing consistently throughout the year to sustain belonging?How can I continue to encourage student reflection on their growth and sense of belonging beyond the first 10 days?What is one thing I will celebrate about my classroom community's journey this year?Stay connected:I would absolutely love to know how you are using these ideas in your classroom! What inspiration did you gain from this series? What activities resonated most with your students? Please don't hesitate to reach out and share your experiences.DM me on Instagram: @iteachcustomConnect with me on LinkedIn: Search for Custom Teaching SolutionsEmail: Jocelynn@customteachingsolutions.comWebsite: https://customteachingsolutions.comDon't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

In this episode, we explore how to visually demonstrate that every individual strength and unique identity fits together to form a complete, interconnected, and thriving classroom community. It's about showing that every single student is an essential piece of our collective whole.Key Takeaways from this Episode:For Visualizing Interconnectedness:Understand the "Puzzle Piece Identity Display" as a powerful metaphor for classroom community, where each unique piece is vital for the whole picture.Learn how to guide students in decorating their puzzle pieces to reflect their identity (interests, strengths, culture, dreams).Discover the impact of collaboratively assembling the puzzle, reinforcing that "No matter how small you are, you can make a difference."For Fostering Empathy & Support:Explore how reflection discussions around the assembled puzzle encourage empathy and proactive support within the community (e.g., "How do we support each other's pieces?").Understand that "Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean," highlighting the strength in collective unity.For Holistic Development (Connection to Hill Model & SEL):See how this activity impacts the Hill Model's areas of student development: Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, and Intellect, through self-affirmation, analyzing interdependence, practicing teamwork, and experiencing collective accomplishment.Learn how it's a powerhouse for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), enhancing self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.For Impacting Learning (Connection to John Hattie):Discover how this collaborative task boosts Collective Teacher Efficacy and positively impacts the Classroom Climate.Understand how it strengthens Teacher-Student Relationships through shared purpose and visible interconnectedness.Reflect on Henry Ford's quote: "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."In this episode, I mention:The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource BundleFREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials"Puzzle Piece Identity Display" ActivityJohn Hattie's Visible Learning research (Collective Teacher Efficacy, Classroom Climate, Teacher-Student Relationships)The Hill Model (Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, Intellect)Ready to take action?

Why Kindness Should Be Part of Every Lesson Plan -Ms.Sonika (3&4) || DPS Nacharam

Today's request for "Plan My Lesson" is from a teacher searching for a first week project that helps students get to know each other AND introduces a few key skills along the way. Perhaps you can relate? Here's what she writes: "It's time to switch up the first project I do in English 10… For the last few years I've had the kiddos research their first name, practicing basic research skills, as well as us getting to know them and them doing some self exploration. I want a similar caliber project, but on a different topic." So our goal for the lesson is to introduce key elements for a project that will give students a chance to share something important to them as you build community, learn and practice basic research skills, and get them adjusted to a key platform (in my opinion) for the school year, Canva. As usual, it's a struggle for me to pack it all into one lesson, so feel free to spread this over several depending on how much time you have in your period! Take the Free Canva Confidence Mini-Course: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/getCanvaconfidence  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Launch your choice reading program with all my favorite tools and recs, and grab the free toolkit. Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!   

In this episode, we bring it all back to the individual with a creative twist. We dive into Day 8: Uniquely You Creative Snapshot, exploring how to celebrate the incredible individuality of each student through imaginative prompts and a special visual display that will grow with them throughout the year.Key Takeaways:For Expressing Unique Identity:Understand the "Uniquely You" tree worksheet as a living, evolving self-portrait for students.Learn how to use imaginative prompts (e.g., "If you were a sound, what would you be and why?") to encourage deep self-reflection and creative expression.Discover how this activity, like the "Culture Hand," can be modified to be subject-specific (e.g., "My Scientist Tree," "My Mathematician Tree") and used throughout the year to track growth.For Celebrating Creativity & Authenticity:Explore how this activity allows students' "intelligence to have fun," echoing Albert Einstein's quote on creativity.Understand the power of publicly displaying these "Uniquely You" trees in the hallway or on the door to celebrate individuality and reinforce that "To be yourself... is the greatest accomplishment" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).For Holistic Development (Connection to Hill Model & John Hattie):See how this activity impacts the Hill Model's five areas of student development: Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, and Intellect.Learn how it aligns with John Hattie's Visible Learning research by boosting Self-Efficacy and Student Voice through public affirmation and diverse expression.In this episode I mention:The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource BundleFREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials"Uniquely You" Tree Worksheet"Uniquely You Creative Snapshot" Prompt CardsQuotes from Albert Einstein and Ralph Waldo EmersonThe Hill Model (Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, Intellect)John Hattie's Visible Learning research (Self-Efficacy, Student Voice)Ready to take action?Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfreeExplore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundleHow can I introduce the "Uniquely You" tree to truly spark my students' imaginations and encourage authentic self-expression?Which of the creative prompts might resonate most with my students, and how can I support diverse responses?How will I use the "Uniquely You" tree as an ongoing tool for reflection and celebration throughout the year, perhaps connecting it to subject-specific growth?What steps can I take to ensure all students feel comfortable and celebrated when their unique work is displayed publicly?Stay connected:Email: Jocelynn@customteachingsolutions.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/Website: https://customteachingsolutions.comDon't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

In this episode, we move beyond superficial "get to know you" activities to genuinely deepen connection and shared understanding among your students. We dive into Day 7: Building Classroom Community, exploring how to create a classroom where students don't just sit next to each other, but truly know and support each other. As Helen Keller famously said, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."Key Takeaways:For Deeper Connections & Psychological Safety:Understand why true community building requires sustained, intentional opportunities for sharing, listening, and connecting.Learn how to facilitate impactful Community Circles or Pair-Shares using structured prompts and a "talking object" to ensure every voice is heard.Discover questions that invite vulnerability and foster genuine relationships (e.g., "What's something others might not know about you?").For Impacting Learning (Connection to John Hattie):Explore how strong Teacher-Student Relationships and rich Classroom Discussion are directly strengthened by these activities.Understand how a cohesive community contributes to high Collective Teacher Efficacy.Learn how co-creating a "Classroom Constitution" or "We Belong Here" poster aligns with Student Voice and Teacher Clarity.For Holistic Development (Connection to Gholdy Muhammad's Hill Model):See how intentional community building profoundly impacts the Hill Model's five areas of student development:Identity: Affirming individual place within the collective.Criticality: Analyzing and upholding collective well-being.Skills: Practicing active listening, empathy, and collaboration.Joy: Experiencing positive connection and shared purpose.Intellect: Engaging abstractly with social constructs.In this episode I mention:The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource BundleFREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & MaterialsCommunity Circles or Pair-Shares"Classroom Constitution" or "We Belong Here" posterJohn Hattie's Visible Learning research (Teacher-Student Relationships, Classroom Discussion, Collective Teacher Efficacy, Student Voice, Teacher Clarity)The Hill Model (Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, Intellect)Quotes from Helen Keller and Phil JacksonReady to take action?Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfreeExplore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundleReflection Questions:How can I consistently create opportunities for students to share and listen deeply in my classroom?What specific questions will I use to spark genuine connection during community circles or pair-shares?How will I involve my students in co-creating a "Classroom Constitution" that truly reflects their shared commitment to belonging?In what ways can I continue to nurture classroom community beyond Day 7 to support all five areas of the Hill Model?Stay Connected:Email: Jocelynn@customteachingsolutions.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/Website: https://customteachingsolutions.comKey Takeaways from this Episode:In this episode, I mention:Ready to take action?Reflection Questions for Educators:Stay connected:

We've reached the halfway point of our "First 10 Days" journey! In this episode, we explore how to make the invisible process of learning beautifully visible by launching your classroom's Growth Chain—a powerful tool for metacognition and shared growth.Key Takeaways:For Making Learning Visible:Understand the "Growth Chain" as a tangible, visual representation of individual and collective learning journeys.Learn why giving students a visible way to track their growth boosts engagement and self-awareness.Discover how to explain and model the creation of a concise, personal reflection link for the chain.For Fostering a Growth Mindset (Connection to John Hattie):Explore how the Growth Chain directly taps into John Hattie's Visible Learning research, specifically:Metacognitive Strategies: Students actively think about their own thinking and learning.Formative Evaluation/Assessment: Each link serves as an ongoing self-assessment of progress.Self-Reported Grades / Student Expectations: Seeing tangible growth significantly boosts self-efficacy.Feedback: The chain provides continuous self-feedback and collective feedback.Understand how this activity reinforces that "Growth is not an automatic process. It's a choice." (John C. Maxwell).For Building Community & Affirmation:Learn tips for flexible expression (writing, drawing, symbols) to accommodate diverse learners.Discover how adding links to the growing chain creates a powerful, visible symbol of shared progress and collective development.In this episode, I mention:The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.Growth Chain Paper Strips: Pre-cut strips for student reflections.Growth Chain Prompt Cards: 12 different ideas to inspire student reflections.John C. Maxwell and John Hattie's Visible Learning research.Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfreeExplore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundleTeacher Reflection Questions:How can I consistently integrate opportunities for students to reflect on their own growth?What specific prompts will best encourage metacognition in my students?How can I use the visible Growth Chain to celebrate individual and collective progress in my classroom?How might seeing their own growth impact my students' self-efficacy and motivation throughout the year?STAY CONNECTED:Email: Jocelynn@customteachingsolutions.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/Website: https://customteachingsolutions.comDon't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of words on identity and connection. We dive into Day 5: Belonging Through Words, discovering how choosing a personal "power word" and creating a collaborative "Belonging Wall" can beautifully personalize your classroom space and reinforce a collective sense of belonging.For Understanding the Power of Words:Reflect on quotes that highlight the lasting impact of words, both positive and negative.Understand how a single word can evoke feelings, represent beliefs, or describe aspirations.Learn why choosing a personal "power word" is an act of self-reflection and empowerment.For Creative Self-Expression:Discover various ways students can express the meaning of their chosen word: through art, poetry, journal entries, music, song, or dance.Explore how these diverse modes of expression tap into different intelligences and ensure all students can participate authentically.For Building a Living Classroom Display:Learn how to create a "Belonging Wall" – a dynamic, visual representation of your classroom's collective values and identities.Understand the importance of revisiting this wall at least once a quarter (or as needed) to reflect the evolving sense of belonging throughout the school year.See how each unique word contributes to the richness and strength of your classroom community.The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket."My Word" Brainstorming Sheet: A printable sheet to help students select their power word."Belonging Wall" Guidance: Tips and ideas for creating and maintaining this impactful display.Quotes on the Power of Words from Rachel Wolchin and KushandWizdom.

In this episode, we move from individual sparks to a collective flame. We dive into Day 4: Creating Norms Together, exploring how to transform initial brainstorms about respect, community, safety, and belonging into shared, actionable agreements that will guide your classroom throughout the year – a true collective promise.For Understanding Rules vs. Norms:Learn the crucial distinction: rules are often imposed, while norms are shared agreements collectively decided by the group.Understand why co-creating norms fosters greater student ownership, accountability, and a truly equitable community.Discover how norms are about the how – how we want to interact, learn, and feel together.For Co-Creating & Finalizing Norms:Explore strategies for reviewing and revising brainstormed norms, guiding students to create clear, positive, and actionable statements.Learn how to create a prominent "Class Norms Poster" and involve students in its design and "signing" to foster deep ownership.For Practicing Accountability & Revisitng Norms:Understand how to facilitate discussions about what it looks like to live by the norms and how to gently remind each other when a norm is forgotten.Discover the power of using sample role-play scenarios (e.g., talking over others, not sharing materials, disagreeing respectfully, off-task distractions, group exclusion, uneven workload) to practice navigating common classroom challenges.Learn why norms are "living documents" that should be revisited periodically to reflect the community's growth.The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket."Class Norms Poster" Template: A large printable template for your collaborative classroom agreements.Role-Play Scenario Cards: Printable cards with various situations for students to practice applying norms.

If there's one thing I want for your first day of school, it's for the pressure to be off you. You've got enough to worry about without needing to pull off a 45 minute lecture that magically holds students' attention before they even know you five times in a row. That's why for this lesson, requested for our summer "Plan my Lesson" series, our goal will be to hit all the day-one must-dos while also building community and keeping things engaging and low-stress. This is your chance to start connecting with your students and helping them feel comfortable in your classroom, while at the same time showing them what your class is going to be like. Grab the Syllabus Templates: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/free-syllabus-templates  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Snag three free weeks of community-building attendance question slides Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! 

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of student voice and storytelling. We dive into Day 3: Student Voice & Storytelling, discovering why inviting students to share their personal narratives is a powerful act of validation that strengthens empathy, fosters self-awareness, and builds deep community bonds.For Understanding the Power of Storytelling:Recognize why stories are fundamental to how we make meaning, connect, and build community in the classroom.Understand that inviting a student's story is an act of profound validation, telling them their experiences matter.Learn how sharing stories builds empathy, fosters self-awareness, and strengthens community bonds.For Implementing "My [Subject] Story":Discover how to use the "My [Subject] Story" mini-lesson to connect students' personal learning journeys to academic subjects.Learn the importance of modeling vulnerability by sharing your own "My [Subject] Story" (including challenges and triumphs).Explore scaffolding tools like sentence starters, mind maps, and graphic organizers to support all learners in drafting their stories.For Fostering Peer Connection & Feedback:Understand the value of pair-sharing as a low-stakes way for students to practice sharing and active listening.Learn how to encourage partners to ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding.Discover how a "Partner Feedback Form" can ensure positive, constructive feedback that highlights joy and connection.The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket."Sharing Your Story" Mini-Lesson: Guidance and examples for teaching this activity.Story Scaffolding Handout: Printable tools like sentence starters and graphic organizers.Partner Feedback Form: A template for structured, positive peer feedback.

In this episode, we move beyond first impressions to truly celebrate the unique identities each student brings to your classroom. We dive into Day 2: Identity & Belonging, exploring the "Culture Hand Activity" as a powerful visual handshake that helps every student feel seen, valued, and essential to the richness of your classroom community.For Unpacking Student Identity:Understand the "Culture Hand Activity" as a unique "visual handshake" to introduce student uniqueness.Learn how to guide students to represent five aspects of their identity (heritage, hobbies, talents, values, etc.) through drawing or writing on their hand outline.Discover how this activity moves beyond surface-level introductions to invite deeper self-reflection.For Fostering Connection & Growth:Recognize why seeing and sharing uniqueness reveals individual strengths and areas for growth.Explore strategies for facilitating small group sharing and whole-class reflection on the "Culture Hands."Learn how to guide discussions that highlight the "richness of identities and experiences" in your classroom, emphasizing the value each unique background brings.For Extending the Impact:Gain insight into several additional ways to use the "Culture Hand Activity" throughout the year (e.g., "My Learning Hand," "Our Class Hand," "Future Self Hand") to continue building community and exploring identity.The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.The "Culture Hand Activity" Worksheet: A printable outline of a hand for students to use.

Welcome to the very first episode of "First 10 Days: Building a Classroom of Belonging" from The Culture-Centered Classroom Podcast! Join your host, Jocelynn Hubbard, as she kicks off a special Back to School series dedicated to creating a truly safe, affirming, and inclusive classroom environment from day one.In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we explore the foundational steps to cultivating a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued from the moment they walk through your door. Discover how intentional greetings, modeling vulnerability, and co-creating classroom norms can transform your learning space and set a powerful tone for the entire school year.For Crafting a Welcoming Atmosphere: Learn the profound impact of personalized greetings at the door and how your open posture signals an inviting space.For Building Trust & Connection: Explore how sharing your own identity through an "I Am..." statement models vulnerability and humanizes you to your students, building immediate rapport.For Empowering Student Voice: Understand the crucial difference between imposed rules and co-created norms, and how involving students in defining respect, community, safety, and belonging fosters deep ownership and accountability.The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

Send us a textThis encore episode takes you inside the everyday world of homeschooling and parenting. From navigating sibling tension and academic pressures to embracing individuality and battling comparison, we explore what it means to raise kids while doing school under your roof—and why it matters for all parents, no matter your educational path.

There's a lot of conversation happening lately around student reading stamina. Rose Horowitch's Atlantic article, "The Elite College Students who Can't Read Books," helped stir the pot. I'm sure you've seen evidence of the same issues she brings up - that students are struggling to stay focused through books, and often come to you having read a lot of excerpts and short pieces rather than full novels. Test-prep, phone culture, COVID - there are all kinds of reasons, but the bottom line for you as a teacher is, what can you do about it? Today's request for our new "Plan My Lesson" series comes from a teacher looking for ways to help her students build their reading stamina. She's wondering how she can help her students work toward longer reads and more of 'em. Perhaps you're wondering the same? This is a big question, and we're just planning one lesson. But let's zoom in on a snapshot of a class that could help students move toward longer, more-engaged reading sessions. We'll start, like The Odyssey, in medias res. Related Links: Episode 196: How Caitlin's Verse Novel Book Clubs Engaged Seniors 'Til the End: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2023/06/how-caitlins-verse-novel-book-clubs-engaged-seniors-til-the-end.html How to Host a Book Tasting: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2019/03/how-to-host-book-tasting-free-resource.html  Episode 204: Students Need Diverse Texts and Choice, with Dr. Claudia Rodriguez-Mojica and Dr. Allison Briceño: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2023/07/students-need-diverse-texts-and-choice-heres-help.html  The Dos and Don'ts of Donors Choose: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2019/01/the-dos-and-donts-of-donors-choose-for.html  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Launch your choice reading program with all my favorite tools and recs, and grab the free toolkit. Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! 

In this conversation, Marc and Nick discuss the intricacies of lesson planning, emphasizing the importance of structured questioning and engagement techniques. They explore how to effectively plan lessons that foster student participation and understanding, while also considering the role of AI in education and the balance between creativity and structure in teaching. Follow Marc on X, online, TikTok, or YouTube Check out Marc's new book, CAPTIVATE

Ken Liu's short story, "The Paper Menagerie," is an easy and powerful add to your curriculum. Not only does it explore family relationships, The American Dream, and identity (themes you can easily connect to other texts as you build units), it introduces - briefly, painfully, powerfully - China's Cultural Revolution. I'll admit I've never studied the history of communism in China with much depth until recently. In college, I took a Socialist-Realist literature course that kicked off a life-long interest in how people are influenced by propaganda for me. Later, I lived in Bulgaria after the fall of communism there and my interest only increased as I taught 1984 to students whose families had lived through Communism. I visited Memento Park in Budapest, home to dozens of Communist sculptures and a terrifying video exhibit about the way the government watched its citizens. I visited the Museum of Communism in Prague, which walks visitors through daily life under communism as well as showing its frightening extremes. I moved to Slovakia, where I listened to my son's best friend's father tell me how wonderful aspects of life under Communism had been years before in the very neighborhood where our family was living. Yet despite my interest in learning about Communism and propaganda, it was Ken Liu who first made me pay attention to The Cultural Revolution. When his main character reads a letter from his mother about her life in China before she escaped to The United States as a bride in a catalogue, it woke me up dramatically. None of the other books I'd ever read throughout so many years of studying and then teaching English had ever really explored this huge event in world history. I thought of the story immediately when a teacher wrote in with her request for our new "Plan My Lesson" series, asking for a bridge to help her students prepare to read Red Scarf Girl, A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution. Since then I've dipped into Red Scarf Girl (until I got so sad I had to take a break) and done a deep dive into The New York Times' exploration of The Cultural Revolution, including three particularly striking stories: one in which a small local museum remembering victims of the Cultural Revolution was wrapped in propaganda posters, one featuring memories of folks who were students in China during the Cultural Revolution (like the narrator of Red Scarf Girl), and one about current president of China's Xi Jinping's experience as a middle schooler during the Cultural Revolution. But knowing many classrooms wouldn't have access to The New York Times, I continued into resources on the BBC and Crash Course, the Asian Society and Getty Images, which I eventually built into today's curriculum. Today, I'm going to walk you through a lesson on "The Paper Menagerie" that you can use on its own, or as a transition toward Red Scarf Girl. Our goal is to help students build some understanding of The Cultural Revolution at the same time that they explore related literature. To be honest, I really fell down the rabbit hole on this one, and could easily now spend a month building curriculum around how we know what is true, how propaganda wields influence, the cultural revolution, Ken Liu's short story, and Red Scarf Girl. And because the history surrounding these stories is so painful, and the repercussions so very real in our world, it's hard not to feel a tremendous responsibility for students to explore these questions and texts. But at the moment, we're talking about one short lesson period - probably about 38 minutes of available time. So let's focus on that, starting now. Grab your copy of the agenda and webquest curriculum: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HSG6g7-a1U_j5y1ceh7jMGA_Q3pJFn-hatKW2aRYolY/copy  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Grab the free Better Discussions toolkit Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! 

A vision for integrated education and the science of teaching and learning, from Michael Thomas. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with all the latest research on child development and learning at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram.Subscribe to BOLD's newsletter.

Trevor Noah's Born a Crime is trending, and for good reason. I'm seeing the evidence everywhere. This spring, as I ran our curriculum book choice tournament across the high school levels and hundreds of teachers weighed in, I watched it soar to the finals in BOTH the 9th/10th category and the 11th/12th category. Then, as summer began and I opened up this new podcast series, "Plan My Lesson" (which starts today, right now), I immediately received three separate requests for Born a Crime lessons. Naturally, with this book soaring in popularity but new to the scene, there isn't that much out there being shared yet. One teacher was searching for ways to get students connecting the text to the 5 key themes of the I.B. curriculum (identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet). Another teacher was planning to use it as an anchor for a memoir class, and still another wanted to help students identity rhetorical devices inside while also developing their question-asking skills and connecting key moments in the text with argument claims. Is it possible to fulfill all these needs with one lesson? I think so. What we want is an in-depth lesson on a section of Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, with a focus on connecting its big ideas to big ideas in our world today and in students' own lives, exploring text passages carefully along the way for writer's craft moves and theme development. And of course, we want it to be engaging. And fit neatly in one class period. So today, in the first of our summer "Plan My Lesson" series of podcasts, let's dive into planning an engaging, goal-fulfilling lesson for Trevor Noah's Born a Crime. Whether or not you're teaching this book, you'll find lots of ideas for lesson planning here. After we walk through the lesson itself, we'll be talking about helpful takeaways from designing THIS lesson that you can apply to designing ANY lesson, so be sure to stay tuned to the end. I'll also be telling you how to grab all the curriculum for this lesson totally free. So let's dive in! Grab all the materials for today's lesson free here: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/bornacrimelesson  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Launch your choice reading program with all my favorite tools and recs, and grab the free toolkit. Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!  Camp Creative : Your Shiny New Short Story Toolbox is coming June 23-27. In this fun and free 5 day summer workshop, you'll… ⭐ Learn about 5 fabulous short story options from me (plus SO MANY others from the thousands of other teachers at camp!) ⭐ Walk through 5 creative out-of-their-seats and/or outside-the-box short story lessons (bye bye, comprehension questions) ⭐ Take away 5 classroom-ready curriculum kits for next year (hello, major time-savers!) Each day's materials are designed to take just 10 minutes to peruse, and they come straight to your email so you can join us day by day or, if you're busy (or still teaching), catch up later. Sign up here: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/CC2025  

Tennessee Farm Bureau is dedicated to connecting people with the story of agriculture, not just on the farm, but in the classroom too. Through its Ag in the Classroom program, the organization equips educators with tools to help students understand where their food, fiber, and fuel come from. 

Last year, at this time, I was preparing to move from Bratislava to California when I released the episode we're revisiting today, all about the easiest way to approach the last day in ELA. And it turned out to be the most popular episode I've ever released, with more than 25,000 teachers tuning in. So it seems only fitting that as the end of the year approaches once again, and my life is ONCE AGAIN in boxes, preparing for our move on Thursday for a very new and exciting job for my husband in the Midwest, I would share this episode one more time. I hope it will make your last day of school a fun, creative, LOW-STRESS day that gives you a chance to say goodbye to your kiddos in a way that feels meaningful and relaxed.  Lighthouse members, you'll find the last day stations in your seasonal section under "Spring."  For folks in search of my version of these stations on TPT, here they are: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Last-Day-of-School-Stations-for-ELA-13423108 Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Snag three free weeks of community-building attendance question slides Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you!    Camp Creative: Your Shiny New Short Story Toolbox is coming June 23-27. In this fun and free 5 day summer workshop, you'll… ⭐ Learn about 5 fabulous short story options from me (plus SO MANY others from the thousands of other teachers at camp!) ⭐ Walk through 5 creative out-of-their-seats and/or outside-the-box short story lessons (bye bye, comprehension questions) ⭐ Take away 5 classroom-ready curriculum kits for next year (hello, major time-savers!) Each day's materials are designed to take just 10 minutes to peruse, and they come straight to your email so you can join us day by day or, if you're busy (or still teaching), catch up later. Sign up here: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/CC2025  

Drex and Alisa sit down, with Catherine Smith and Javier Garcia, to chat about their lives and what its like teaching in rural Texas. Bygone Brown new locally produced podcast (Relive those thrilling days of yesteryear with this extensively researched and entertainingly told - using the voices of Lyric Players - this series brings to life American and Texas history in the 19th century from the perspective of Brown County, Texas) Legally Blonde (the bubbly, pink musical based on the beloved movie is performing on the Lyric stage June 27-July 13) https://lyricperformingartscompany.thundertix.com/events/238176 Our Presenting Sponsor for this episode is E3 Studios of Brownwood, from 3d prints to commercial paper products, shirts, hats and more! Visit them on Facebook at E3 Studios!

Send us a textReady to transform your classroom with culturally responsive teaching resources? Veteran educator Jebeh Edmunds takes us on a journey through her specially designed lesson plans that celebrate diversity while meeting educational standards.Discover the Natural Resources unit plan for sixth graders that explores the ecological wealth of the African continent, complete with activities focused on Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai and comprehensive student resources. For seventh graders, the "Young, Gifted and Black" lesson plan spotlights over 50 influential African and African-American figures who have made significant contributions as scientists, activists, and changemakers. Younger students will connect with "Your Name is a Song," a lesson that honors cultural identity through naming traditions, and the "I Am Enough" plan that builds self-esteem and classroom community for second graders. Each lesson plan is standards-aligned and "prep light," giving you everything needed to implement culturally rich content without spending hours planning. The materials include graphic organizers, presentation rubrics, vocabulary resources, and guiding questions that promote deeper understanding while celebrating diverse perspectives.Episodes Mentioned: Season 6 Episode #3 My Conversation with Award Winning Author Jamilah Thompkins-BigelowSeason 6 Episode #9 Embracing Change: Jamia Wilson on Literature, Activism, and Empowering the Next GenerationLesson Plans Mentioned:Young, Gifted, & Black Lesson Plan Gr. 7Natural Resources Unit Plan Gr. 6Your Name is A Song Lesson Plan Gr. 4Your Name is A Song Lesson Plan Gr. 3Kwanzaa Lesson Plan Gr. 2 COME SAY Hey!! Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_ Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting LinkedIn: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback!Buy My eBook: Empowering Your BIPOC Students Enroll In My Digital Course: How To Be A Culturally Competent LeaderBuy My K-12 Lesson PlansSign Up For Our Newsletter Enjoy the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast? Share the love! Refer a friend to Buzzsprout and both you and your friend will enjoy exclusive benefits. Click the link to get started and support our mission of promoting inclusivity! #SpreadTheWord #CulturalCurriculumChat

Did you try something last year in your homeschool and it worked really well, but now it's not serving you?Do you hold onto it because it used to work?In today's podcast, I am talking about being willing to change and adapt and I am also going over the lesson plans for May.

Send us a textEm Shipman, Executive Director of Kidsgardening.org joins us to discuss kids learning through gardening. We discuss tips to get kids interested by playing in the dirt, experimenting with seed plantings and even just bringing toys into the garden bed. Developing an interest as to where food comes from by activities in and around the garden. Join us for a casual conversation, especially educators and childcare facilities, to learn how Kidsgardening.org can help with lesson plans and more!https://kidsgardening.org/Black Diamond Garden CentersWelcome Black Diamond Nursery & Lawn Service. We been a local business in Toledo for over 70 years!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBlack Diamond Garden Centers; Toledo, Perrysburg and now Waterville Ohio!https://blackdiamondgrows.com/Please visit our Facebook and Instagram links!https://www.facebook.com/yourmidwestgardenpodcast@yourmidwestgardenpodcast

You pour your heart and soul into your classrooms, but what happens when a migraine threatens to sideline your passion and impact?  We get it. The juggling act of lesson plans and throbbing head pain is a unique challenge many of you face. This week on the podcast, we're diving deep into the real struggles of navigating the teaching profession with chronic migraines. We're not just talking tips! We're sharing a relatable story from a fellow educator, Kimberly, a special education teacher who knows firsthand the battle of surviving the school year with daily pain. In this episode, Kimberly shares her journey from feeling like she was just surviving each day to finding genuine relief and renewed passion for her career. She's opening up about the challenges, the frustrations, and most importantly, the turning point that helped her break free from the grip of debilitating migraines. If you've ever had to push through a lesson with a pounding head, felt the guilt of taking a sick day due to migraine, or wondered if true relief was even possible while balancing the demands of teaching, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU. In this episode, you'll hear: The common and ineffective advice Kimberly received for migraine management before joining the Migraine Freedom™  program – you'll probably relate to this, too. How Kimberly went from suffering 24/7 to having 1-2 monthly minor pain days – and is now free from medication! How her career in teaching almost (literally) killed her, but she used her stubbornness to persevere.  How to move through your resistance/objections about getting support to finally find REAL, life-long relief.  Resources: Get powerful strategies and lifelong migraine relief in just 90 minutes. Join me on May 7th for my brand-new masterclass, Breaking the Pain Cycle: A 30-Day Guide to Migraine Relief Without Relying on Pills or Quick Fixes to Get You Through the Workday.    Join the Free Women's Migraine Freedom™ Group, and be sure to share your Diamond Tip experiences with us! Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women's Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/ Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources. 

Dr. Marc Isseks, author of Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions, talks bluntly about cell phone policies and his opinion that attempting to ban cell phones is pointless. He also discusses the ways that you can engage students who have a short attention span (sometimes it feels like zero, but there are a few seconds -- 3 seconds. Some would say that is zero!) His thoughts on starting class are important ones to discuss. Whether it is pop culture, or other tips he offers, we can engage students in learning from the moment they walk in the door. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e877  

If you're teaching Long Way Down (and ready for some Long Way Down lesson plan ideas!), let me just start by saying “YAY!” It's a reader-maker, an incredible book you can teach in a short time with a high impact. Today, I'm going to be sharing some of my favorite ideas and resources for you to pair with this book. We'll talk about discussion formats, project ideas, Jason Reynolds-themed multimedia waiting around the web, and a creative writing pairing that I think you're going to love too. Heads up, as I'm sure you're aware, this book does have some language. You may need to give a heads up to parents, depending on your school community. But you can, at the same time, mention the Walter Award, Coretta Scott King Award, Printz Award, Newberry Honor Book Award, etc. Maybe throw in the fact that the Library of Congress named him the national ambassador for Young People's Literature.  Here's a quick peek at the visuals available in the FULL BLOG POST: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2025/04/long-way-down-lesson-ideas.html.  Discussion Option: Hexagonal Thinking Discussion Option: Silent Discussion on the Walls Activity Option: Flash Verse Creative Writing Activity Option: The Open Mind for Character Analysis Links to Explore: One example of conversations happening in Creative High School English about Long Way Down in our Book Brackets Dear, Dreamer documentary about Jason Reynolds Long Way Down graphic novel opening There was a Party for Langston read aloud Ain't Burned all the Bright trailer Jason Reynolds on working with artist Danica Novgorodoff Long Way Down Curriculum 

History is interesting because it is usually written from the point of view from the victor.Have you ever looked at the other side?It really helps you to see the full story when you can do that. It also teaches your kids critical thinking skills because now they can look at both sides and form their own opinions.In today's podcast episode, I talk about looking at both sides of history and I go over the lesson plans for next month.

President Trump signs an executive order aiming to dismantle the Education Department. Benjamin Netanyahu's foreign policy advisor, Ophir Falk, speaks to “Start Here” about the renewed push into Gaza. And a federal judge expresses concern about the Trump Administration's defense of its deportation flights.  Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I love following themes on the podcast, and for the month of March, I'm taking you through my lesson plans STEP by STEP! Having a structured plan leads to less stress, less last-minute scrambling, and more time focusing on students. While every counselor's approach will be unique, I've found that creating a curriculum map for the entire year and breaking down my monthly plans by tier has been incredibly helpful. These lesson plans are based on trends I've noticed and what typically works during this time of year, but of course, your plans will shift depending on your students' needs. My goal is to give you ideas and inspiration for your own program! Grab my FREE curriculum map & plans in the resource section below to help you plan the remainder of this year! Want ready-to-go lesson plans each month? Check out my IMPACT membership—members get instant access to all my resources and step-by-step lesson plans. Learn more in the links below! Tier 1 Lesson Plan for March: Self-Regulation The second semester is a great time to revisit emotional recognition and self-regulation strategies. One of my favorite ways to teach this is using "temperatures" to help students gauge their emotions. Lesson Breakdown: Icebreaker: Introduce the concept using a "temperature check" (cool = calm and ready to learn, hot = angry, overwhelmed, or high-energy). Have students act out different temperatures/zones to engage them physically and set the tone for the lesson. Discussion Activity: Conduct a gallery walk with images of kids in different emotional states. Students move around the room and identify which emotions/temperatures each image represents. Main Activity: Introduce coping strategies and split students into small groups. Each group learns about a different self-regulation strategy (deep breathing, talking it out, etc.) and teaches it to the class.  Reflection: Wrap up with a self-reflection journal prompt to help students process what they learned. I hope this helps you plan your March lessons with confidence! Stay tuned as I continue breaking down my step-by-step lesson plans this month. Resources mentioned: Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here! Check out my FREE lesson plans! Take a look at these self-regulation class lessons If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest  Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

What does it look like to incorporate Transformational Coaching into everyday instructional coaching practices? Get ready to see it in action. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to transform lesson plan feedback from transactional to transformational. Notable moments:01:27 Role Play Demonstration Setup03:35 Feedback on Lesson Plans07:15 Reflecting on Independent Work10:02 Planning and Tracking Student Progress16:37 Engaging Students in Their Learning20:50 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Keep learning: Join our Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC and learn everything you need to know about incorporating Transformational Coaching strategies into common instructional coaching supports like providing feedback on lesson plans or co-planning. You'll also find a video recording of this coaching demonstration and a debrief where Elena shares the thinking behind her coaching moves.  The First 10 Minutes (tool)Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching to build your coaching toolkit Attend The Art of Transformational Coaching Workshop to grow your coaching skills Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: How was this conversation similar to or different from how you approach providing lesson plan feedback?What coaching moves did you hear Elena make that would build trust and agency with her coaching client?What is one thing you want to take from this conversation and try on in your coaching practice? Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

In this enlightening episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Amy Howerton sits down with Abby Bartle, a second-year teacher who took the bold step of joining a curriculum committee just weeks into her first teaching position. Abby shares her transformation from curriculum novice to knowledgeable participant, offering valuable perspectives for other early-career educators. Listen as they explore how curriculum development extends far beyond daily classroom activities, the power of backwards design, and why keeping student needs at the center of all curriculum decisions is essential. Abby reveals how her committee experience provided a broader understanding of educational frameworks and directly improved her classroom practice. Whether you're a first-year teacher feeling overwhelmed by curriculum demands or a veteran educator looking for fresh perspectives, this conversation offers practical insights on how engaging with curriculum development can enhance your teaching journey. #newteachers #earlycareerteachers #curriculum #curriculumcommittee #backwardsdesign #podcast

Welcome, educators! In today's episode, we're diving into impactful and engaging lesson ideas to help you plan for Black History Month. These lessons are designed to build background knowledge, strengthen reading comprehension, and encourage thoughtful discussions among your students. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to introduce Black History Month with engaging videos and read-alouds ✅ A simple Gallery Walk activity to encourage student interaction ✅ A Cause & Effect mini-lesson using historical events ✅ A Close Read strategy to develop listening and reading comprehension skills ✅ Writing prompts that help students reflect on the causes and effects of Black History Month ✅ How to take students on a virtual field trip to explore Black history museums Resources & Links:

Lesson Plan for Today: Think of this as your crash course in Meal Planning. We're covering: What meal planning really is (and isn't). How to start without getting overwhelmed. The top strategies to keep it simple, save money, and actually stick with it. And of course, a little room for extra credit and teacher's tips at the end!   ENROLL in my next FASTer Way 6-week online class at https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/AMYBRYAN CONNECT with Amy Bryan any of the following ways:  SCHEDULE a discovery call, VOICE MESSAGE me, JOIN my free Facebook community group, and DOWNLOAD my latest freebies at www.linktr.ee/amybryanfasterway EMAIL me at amy@fatlossschool.net.

Feeling overwhelmed by lesson plans, resources, and activities? You're not alone! In this week's podcast episode, we're diving into why simplicity is the secret to homeschool long term. I will also be covering the lesson plans for January. You are not going to want to miss this!

Welcome to episode 286 of The Cloud Pod – where the forecast is always cloudy! Welcome to the final show of 2024! We thank you for joining us on our cloud journey over the past year. During this last show of the year, we look back on all the tech that changed our jobs and lives, and make predictions for an AI filled 2025. Join Justin, Jonathan, Ryan, and Matthew as they look forward to even more discussions about undersea cables. Happy New Year!  Titles we almost went with this week: We thought 2024 would never end I can sum up 2024 – AI AI AI AI and uhh AI AI has taken over the Cloud Pod – we are not really here 2024 the year we hoped AI would replace us… close but not yet A big thanks to this week's sponsor: We're sponsorless! Want to get your brand, company, or service in front of a very enthusiastic group of cloud news seekers? You've come to the right place! Send us an email or hit us up on our slack channel for more info.  General News 00:31   2024 Predictions Look Back Matt Simpler and Easier to access LLM with new services Kubernetes will become simpler for smaller companies to operate that doesn't require Highly Paid Devops/Scientists Low Employee Churn Rates and increased Tenure (Quiet Quitting) 02:07 Matthew – “How is it simpler and easier? I think that there are more ways to run it. The general public has an easier way to access it. And they are simpler as Justin said that they are becoming easier and more efficient and better to use for the average user. So I know that I talked to many people that I work with now and just in general and people that are not in tech, which I feel like a year ago.” Jonathan There will be mass layoffs in tech directly attributed to AI in Q1 2024 (10k or more) Someone will start a cult that follows an AI LLM God believing in sentience, a higher power.  AI will find a new home in education. Lesson Plans, Personalized Learning plans by students, etc.  02:07 Jonathan – “Well, there is a religion called the First Church of Artificial Intelligence, but it’s been around for longer than this year. I think it’s like five, six years old at this point. So that’s kind of cheating. Ryan Start seeing the financial impact of AI to better profitability by using AI. AI Solution tied towards new employee onboarding (replace wiki technology) Removal of stateful firewalls as traffic ruleset (next-gen next-gen firewall) 02:07 Ryan – “I mean, agentic AI is something that’s been rolled out in a lot of companies. I know in my day job, it’s been rolled out. I hope to see this get even stronger and more obvious just because I think that, you know, the days of searching through thousands of documents or the one, you know, unmaintained team page that someone built three years ago when they were new are over. And so I’d like to see this continue. Justin LLM will hit the trough of disillusionment either on Cost, Environmental impact or people realizing how limited these models are Another AI model other than Transformer based We will see another large defector from Public Cloud (not 37 Signals or X/Twitter) 13:26 Justin – “I feel partially vindicated that I was sort of right, just I thought we didn’t be in the trough a little faster, but maybe it’s coming still. I don’t know. they’re innovating pretty quickly. I don’t think they’ll get there, but definitely environmental is going to become a big, big conversation around AI.” 17:02  Favorite Story of 2024 Did you r

A frustrated young teacher impulsively tries to rob a bank only to realize through a chance encounter with a former student that what she truly needs is a shift in perspective, not money.

We've all had that amazing lesson plan that we were so excited to teach. And when we finally got to teach it, it fell apart within the first 30 seconds. So what went wrong? I'm riding solo today, with my individual takeaways from a conversation with educator, administrator, headmaster, director… Dr. Ray Swann. Check out my conversation with this veteran educator in episode 3. In this episode, you'll learn: Why safety is more important than your most amazing lesson plan How teachers make the weather in obvious and subtle ways I'm going to answer this question - Where do I find the soul of teaching? And I'm curious to hear your answers to this question as well… (0:00) Class in session (2:10) Takeaway 1 - a story about letting students know you have their back, even when it means disagreeing with another educator (12:10) Takeaway 2 - how teachers make metaphorical waves as they move about the classroom (14:55) Takeaway 3 - reconnecting to the soul of teaching before you start your winter break --- Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345  Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com  Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/  --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ --- Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support  --- Connect with Ever Forward Club: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support

Welcome to your one minute masterclass! To get the latest episodes first, subscribe to the DiscoverDance mailing list: https://discoverdance.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9d0eb3d3536d1544ab2f7979c&id=221ecffc19&fbclid=IwAR3nrjIxWTLLEb65jNpntPxm6EMlNqhuZNanQgSK51ZfXjsiFY2z4BAEGMo   Enjoy~ Andrea  

You wouldn't  believe how quick our lesson plans go south…  TOD Live episodes at the Saved By the Beach Bored Teachers Comedy Fest 2025: https://www.savedbythebeachfest.com Grab your tickets for the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour here: https://bit.ly/TODBTCT Check out our MERCH! https://shop.boredteachers.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beacons.ai/teachersoffdutypod  _________________________________  As teachers, we always want to try to create fun and new ways of teaching our students, and sometimes these ideas can go a bit south. So this week on Teachers Off Duty, our hosts Gabe Dannenbring, Tyler Jackowski, and Anna Kowal are going to be talking about the funniest classroom project fails.  From weird Kahoot names to trying to make a discussion post fun, we've been through a lot of ups and downs. For example you wouldn't believe how quickly Tyler's classroom pet became a complete disaster.  This week we're actually going to be hearing from you guys! We're going to be reading some of your submissions for your insane classroom project fails, and we can't believe some of the things that y'all have gone through! So maybe consider just wheeling in a tv and watching the Magic School Bus because we're going to show you how hilariously things could go wrong on this week's episode of Teachers Off Duty.    Teachers get your perks!! This episode is brought to you by: Uncommon Goods | To get 15% off your next gift, go to https://www.uncommongoods.com/tod    Manscaped | Get 20% off, plus free shipping with the code "OFFDUTY" at https://manscaped.com    _________________________________________________ Teachers Off Duty - a Bored Teachers podcast

One of the things I love to do is help make life easy for you which is why I have created some pretty amazing Christmas lesson plans!! These lessons are designed to keep your life simple while still giving your child a great education.   Lesson plans include- read aloud, memorization, arts, book of poems, science, history, and writing. Make sure to check out today's episode about keeping it simple and to hear more about my Christmas lesson plans.

Many people treat social skills groups as if they're the complete package, when in fact they're just one part of a bigger service plan. When we “lesson plan” we can't think of our intervention as something that starts and ends with a 20-minute therapy session. Instead, we should think of it as a “planning” or a “priming” session. That's why one of the very first things I teach clinicians in the School of Clinical Leadership is how to utilize multiple service delivery models when supporting executive functioning because social skills should fall under this umbrella.  In this episode, I wanted to share two sneak peaks from the program. I'll share the audio from two video clips from the School of Clinical Leadership that will set the stage for effective social skills intervention.You'll learn:✅How to use social skill-building sessions in a way that builds resilience, situational awareness, and considers a student's neurodevelopmental differences. ✅Why many premade social narratives don't result in good generalization, and how to be a good consumer of commercially available products. ✅The three components of effective social skills intervention and where the “social skills group” fits. ✅The components of good social narratives, and how to create them “on the fly”. *In the video modeling tutorial, I mention that a lot of people write goals for eye contact-and I wanted to clarify that I do not recommend writing eye contact goals. Instead, I recommend focusing on helping kids with the underlying communicative function, such as showing others you're paying attention or gaining attention of others, which can be achieved through other ways besides eye contact. In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadershipIf you're already a member of either program and you refer a friend, tell them to email me at talktome@drkarenspeech.com if they join and let me know you referred them and I'll send you a $100 referral bonus.  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

What do you do when your children are getting their chores done regularly? What do you do with homeschool as your kids get closer to their teen years? You take your homeschool to the next level. Check out this episode to hear how to do that and what it looks like. Also, I am going over November's lesson plans, so make sure to check those out.

They say teachers make more minute by minute decisions than brain surgeons, and I would venture to say that teachers who are also moms make more than that! Join Emily, Kara, and Sarah as they explore the joys and challenges of balancing lesson plans with family plans, navigating the hectic school year while creating cherished memories at home, and making sure all of their kids (at home and at school) get them at their very best.

Struggling to write clear and effective language objectives for your ELL students?In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher breaks down a step-by-step approach to crafting purposeful language objectives that align with your content goals. Using the easy-to-remember L.E.A.P. method, you'll learn how to write objectives that target specific language skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Beth also shares practical ChatGPT prompts to help you quickly turn any content objective into a focused language objective. Tune in for tips on creating language objectives that support academic success and meet your students' diverse language needs.Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store[FREEBIE] ChatGPT Prompts for Writing Language Objectives[FREEBIE] Language Forms & Functions WorksheetListen to ep. 39: How to Lesson Plan for ELLs Using Language Forms and Functions

Next month's lesson plans are ready to go!  In today's podcast episode, I not only cover what your kids will be learning, but I also give you some homeschool tips to help you to create success without feeling completely overwhelmed. https://www.coachmegthomas.com/category/lesson-plans

Get ready for back to school with the help of Brave New Teaching!  We're taking you through the practical (outfits and meals) AND the classroom priorities for the first days of school.  Download your checklist HERE and join us for our mini podcast series on episodes 218 - 222. "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Support the Show.