This past week, I found myself in a YouTube rabbit hole. Has that ever happened to you? You go to watch one video on YouTube and the next thing you know, it’s 3-hours later and you’re still watching, but something so wholly unrelated to what you started with that you couldn’t explain the path you
YouTube Resource Round-Up: Videos for Teachers Read More »
In friendly conversation, people sometimes ask what I do. When I tell them one of the ways I earn income is by creating and selling lesson plans online, a common response goes something like, “Wow … that seems kind of lazy for the teachers to just buy lesson plans. I always thought that was part
In Defense of the Lazy Teacher Read More »
Special Announcement: This marks two times in one month I haven’t posted on my own blog as usual on Thursdays, but the reason is a good one, I promise! I was invited to guest post on a couple of great blogs. I want you to be able to find these posts easily! This week, I have
Guest Blog Post Announcement Read More »
I’ve mentioned before, I hate ice-breakers so much! I acknowledge they’re hard to avoid, but I prefer finding interesting alternatives to interviewing you partner and reporting to the class. One I think is a lot of fun for back-to-school is Apples A-head — get-it? A-head! hahahaha! I love a punny title! It’s a STEM challenge combined with
Back to School STEM Challenge: Apples A-head Read More »
You might have noticed the “Spotlight” tab in my menu above. Each month, I’ll be highlighting something special, and when the time comes to switch out that page (toward the middle of each month), I’ll transfer it to the regular blog posts. Here’s the spotlight from August 2016: This month, I’ve launched a new
Spotlight: August 2016 Read More »
Yay! The time has finally come for me to share my BTS STEM Challenges! I wrote all about them as a guest post on Hojo’s Teaching Adventures blog this month. Check them out! CLICK HERE for BTS AWESOMENESS!
Back-to-School STEM Challenges Read More »
BTS Ice Breaker, grades 4 -8 I have a confession to make: I hate ice breakers, and I have always hated ice breakers. When I see those dreaded words at the top of a meeting agenda, it sends an icy chill down my spine — apropos to its name I guess! Always desperate to escape
Back-to-School Ice Breaker Read More »
It’s time to talk — or sing — materials! Watch the video embedded below, and that will make a whole lot more sense! However, if you prefer to read, you’ll find the video transcribed at the end of this post. (I cannot wait until I get 100 subscribers so I can set custom thumbnails. The
STEM Challenge Materials: Get ’em FREE or Get ’em CHEAP! Read More »
This is part 2 of your role as facilitator (for part 1, click here). Below you’ll find my “Dos and Don’ts” for what to do after the students are done building. The video offers full details, and there is a written summary below. However, if you prefer to read, you’ll find the video transcribed at the
STEM Challenges: Your Role as Facilitator, part 2 Read More »
An important aspect of running great STEM challenges is you! Your teaching philosophy probably already leans away from “sage on the stage” if you’re drawn to using STEM challenges, but facilitating takes practice, reflection, and more practice! Ever caught yourself wondering if you’re running your STEM challenges well? Below you’ll find my “DOs and DON’Ts” for
STEM Challenges: Your Role as Facilitator, part 1 Read More »
