Brainstorming with Microsoft’s SmartArt is an easy and free way to make brainstorming in class a breeze. Brainstorming is one of the most common classroom techniques, and Microsoft’s SmartArt can make it easier than you ever imagined. There’s no need to invest in graphic organizers when Microsoft’s SmartArt is there
Differentiating a challenging course can confuse even experienced educators. How do we add rigor to something already rigorous? It can feel like gilding the lily. Yet, even in advanced courses, the students are different. They have different levels of ability, interest and preparation. Where there is need in students, there
Helping children appreciate and enjoy art doesn’t need to be daunting. Gifted children are often tuned in to the aesthetic nature of things and can easily become aficionados with very little encouragement. Both the Waldorf and Montessori methods are based in part on the idea that even very young children can
I became a teacher because I like office supplies. I love kids, and I love learning, but let’s face it: I’m also in it for the colored pens. I think it began with these guys. If I ever meet Mr. Sketch in person, I’m going to plant a big smooch
How you ever wondered how teachers create those cute printables? It’s easier than you could possibly imagine. And free. Which is always good. This tutorial will teach you how to create printables in PowerPoint. You can use them in your home, classroom, blog, or even sell your awesome product! This
PowerPoint Tutorials can make everything easier. If you have ever struggled with working with images in PowerPoint, this tutorial is perfect for you! Have you ever tried to pull an image into PowerPoint and had it be so huge that you couldn’t even find a corner to grab to shrink it?
To sleep, perchance to dream learn. – Shakespeare (kind of) When I went to kindergarten (shout out and apologies to my teacher, Mrs. Beasley), I needed crayons and a nap mat. Today’s kindergarteners need graphing calculators and pens. No nap map required. Or welcome. Fifteen years ago, the New York
Brain breaks are wonderful, and they’re best when they’re quick and easy. Using nothing more than a handful of dice and a free printable, I’ve got 30 quick and easy brain breaks you can do with absolutely no prep. Why Use Brain Breaks? If you read what I wrote about
Practice can be fun using a simple practice cube. The theory behind it is simple: practice can become routine and mundane, and adding a little creativity to it can make all the difference in the world. Surprisingly, this simple cube can make even the most routine practice fun and kinesthetic.
The Reticular Activating System is either your friend or your foe as a teacher. I recommend making it your friend, and I’ve got 16 tips to help you activate the RAS in the classroom. What is the Reticular Activating System? First, what is the Reticular Activating System? I’ll explain it
It’s true: I loved the show Child Genius. I’ve got five things I specifically loved about it. Many others did as well, apparently, because it’s currently casting a second season. Others disagreed. This became apparent when I got tweets like this Ouch. And this So, Jon, I take it you’re not
Don’t let that girl on the cover throw you: I’ve got three ways to get boys to read books about girls. First, do boys resist books with female protagonists? It’s a commonly held belief, and if you look at BoysRead.org created by Jon Scieszka (I can actually pronounce that), you’ll see
