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TeachersFirst®️ hosts a book study at least twice a year – a deep dive into integrating technology in the classroom. We are currently studying Michelle Eaton’s The Perfect Blend and discussing how to create blended learning experiences while teaching remotely. This week, we’ve discussed several roadblocks – student motivation, simulating different spaces, and lesson organization. … read more »
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On September 8th, UNESCO asks us to pause to recognize the challenge of literacy as a human rights issue. This year, International Literacy Day events will focus on the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on teaching literacy. Literacy and problems associated with it are a significant part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The … read more »
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As we begin to resume our K-12 charge – educating the children of our nation – we will need to contend with the diverse issues that our students have been hearing about. From the Black Lives Matter movement to the upcoming presidential election and everything in between, students have been inundated with media. There is … read more »
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Education has moved forward a bit recently. We’ve learned a lot about using technology in the classroom (and remotely) and our readiness to provide instruction in many non-traditional formats. A lot has been said about teaching reading and reading online. But the conversations about reading haven’t extended to teaching digital reading. Digital reading and … read more »
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This week we started the TeachersFirst®️ summer book study. Our text this year is Learning First, Technology Second (ISTE, 2017) by Liz Kolb. I first learned of Dr. Kolb and her work with instructional technology through my work with the ISTE Edtech Coaches PLN. Dr. Kolb was the featured author in a session hosted by … read more »
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June is Effective Communication Month – the perfect time of year to practice the Creative Communicator ISTE standard with students. Students consume media messages a lot more frequently than they create them. June has a few silly “holidays” that can be used as fodder for student practice. Let’s talk about how to make the best … read more »
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As we anticipate the first official day of summer, many educators look forward to a well-deserved break. Thinking of what we accomplished, given the challenges faced, we reflect and wonder how to increase effectiveness next school year. Many outside education think educators spend the summer months enjoying time off when, in actuality, the opposite is … read more »
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The history of cartoons in American newsprint began on May 9th, 1754. Benjamin Franklin had an idea about the need to unite the colonies. A cartoon accompanied his editorial – a single panel image meant to persuade the colonies to work together against common enemies. The picture underscored the message and communicated it differently for those who … read more »
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Today is World Voice Day, and the theme this year is “Focus on Your Voice”. While the organizers are more concerned with the science behind vocal communication, there is an opportunity here to encourage student voice. As educators, we can help students learn to contribute their values and perspectives to conversations as we teach and … read more »
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Today is World Health Day. This year’s theme asks us to recognize the value of nurses. It’s an incredibly timely and wonderful theme that encourages us to remember those who are on the front line as we navigate through our public health crises. One of the best ways that we can honor them is to practice … read more »