Sparking Curiosity With Self-Directed Learning Edutopia 2019-08-02 | Teacher-designed stations linked to core skills prompt students to learn while exploring their interests.Subscribe for free to our email newsletter Edutopia Weekly: edut.to/3G5zIZ4 Wooranna Park Primary SchoolK-6 | Victoria, AustraliaExplore more resources from this school: edutopia.org/school/woorana-park-primary-school*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#primaryschool #educationabroad #elementaryeducation #studentwellness © 2019 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Learning to Synthesize Through a Hands-On Activity Edutopia 2024-10-18 | Using construction paper and glue sticks to practice a higher-order thinking skill makes the task more accessible for students—and more engaging.At Whiting Lane Elementary School, in West Hartford, Connecticut, a commitment to student-centered learning drives all instructional decisions. Principal Karen Kukish says teachers put a lot of effort into preparing and organizing their lesson plans in ways that will address the needs of their diverse population of learners, balancing high expectations with tailored supports for each child. For challenging academic tasks like helping students develop higher-order thinking skills, teachers often deliver instruction through different modalities to engage more learners. In this video, teacher Gloria Torres facilitates a hands-on workshop for her 3rd graders to help them practice synthesizing information from multiple sources.For more strategies on brain-based learning, visit: edutopia.org/topic/brain-based-learningJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#collaborativelearning #socialstudies #elementaryeducation #higherorderthinkingskills © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Playing an Improv Game for Character Analysis Edutopia 2024-10-11 | By acting out a character’s emotions, students can practice literary analysis, build empathy, and sharpen their recall of story detail. In teacher Katie Giordano’s classroom, 4th graders can’t wait to play Love It / Hate It, a popular improv game for character analysis that helps students with perspective-taking and persuasive writing. Giordano teaches at a public pre-K–8 school called Arts and Letters United 305 in Brooklyn, where theater and improvisation activities have a role to play in every classroom. In collaboration with a local arts organization, Child’s Play NY, teachers there have learned to use these games to bring more joy, connection, and movement into their lessons, which serves to deepen the students’ understanding of core content—while they practice executive function skills and build classroom community. For more theater games that support learning, check out the articles that Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene has written for Edutopia: edutopia.org/profile/jocelyn-greene or visit this channel: youtube.com/@childsplayinaction Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#artintegrated #braingames #socialemotionallearning #englishlanguageteaching © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
3 Key Student Mindsets to Cultivate in the Classroom Edutopia 2024-10-04 | By fostering these fundamental mindsets, teachers can enhance resilience, encourage academic risk-taking, and improve stress management in the classroom.Teachers can have designed a flawless lesson plan, but if their students aren’t in the right mindset to learn, then all that work can be for naught. Recent research has highlighted the benefits of three critical mindsets that can significantly enhance classroom dynamics: fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging a healthy tolerance for risk and failure, and providing tools to manage stress. By embracing these strategies, educators can cultivate resilient and inquisitive learners, ultimately transforming their classroom for the better. For more ways to unlock student engagement visit: edutopia.org/topic/student-engagementJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#studentengagement #mindfulness #classroommanagement© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
AI Tool Demo for Teachers: Bringing Student Art to Life with Animated Drawings Edutopia 2024-10-02 | With this easy-to-use tool from Meta AI, teachers can instantly turn their students’ drawings of four-limbed figures into animated gifs doing dozens of different moves, from kickboxing to tightrope walking. Here’s a quick demo of how to use the tool—and some learning outcomes early elementary teachers are tying it to—from Edutopia’s assistant editor Daniel Leonard.Try Animated Drawings here: sketch.metademolab.comFind more resources for using generative AI in the classroom at: edutopia.org/topic/chatgpt-generative-aiJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#teachertips #generativeai #animateddrawingstutorial #earlyelementary© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
60-Second Strategy: 3 Noses Edutopia 2024-09-27 | An active math warm-up that is inclusive and fun puts students in a positive frame of mind—and gets them ready to learn. Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhAt Arts and Letters United 305, a Pre-K to 8th-grade public school in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, the students play theater games throughout the year in every grade. In addition to helping students develop social and emotional skills, make deeper connections to academic content, and exercise executive functions, theater games can also make great warm-up activities to get learners primed to dive into the curriculum. In teacher Katie Giordano’s 4th grade classroom, one of the students’ favorites is 3 Noses, an active math warm-up game they learned from Child’s Play NY (childsplayny.com), an arts organization that helps schools integrate theater and improvisation as powerful tools for education. For more theater games that support learning, check out the articles that Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene has written for Edutopia: edutopia.org/profile/jocelyn-greene or visit this channel: youtube.com/@childsplayinaction *Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#theatergames #mathgames #classroomcommunity #teachingstrategies © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Tackling Difficult Issues With Courageous Conversations Edutopia 2024-09-25 | When students are given the agency to plan lessons around discussing topics important to them, they build a strong sense of voice and empowerment.At Casco Bay High School in Portland, Maine, a school in the EL Education network, “Voice and Agency” is one of the core tenets upon which they base their instructional approach. One example of their commitment: When students feel there is something important that needs to be discussed—a current event, a schoolwide issue, or a social dilemma—there is a process in place to bring the topic to the forefront. Typically, students pitch their idea to the student council and, if approved, they work with their teachers to develop talking points, guidelines, and curriculum around the subject matter. The result is a set of courageous conversations on difficult issues, 60-minute discussions led by trained student facilitators that are held across small group advisory sessions all on the same day—so everyone in the school participates. For more strategies on teaching communication skills, visit: edutopia.org/topic/communication-skillsJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#communications #studentVoice #socialemotionallearning © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia Sessions: Classroom Management for New Teachers Edutopia 2024-09-19 | Classroom management can look easy from the outside, but there’s a lot that’s invisible until you know what to look for, which can be challenging for new teachers. To help them, Edutopia enlisted the aid of 3 educators to shed light on those hidden aspects for this online professional development session, recorded on September 18th, 2024. Thank you to everyone who attended the session. We’re especially grateful to the panelists, Laura Thomas, Jay Schauer, and Audra Lynam. Check out Edutopia's starter pack of resources for new teachers: edut.to/4gnXZt0Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh *Follow us here:* Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopia Facebook: facebook.com/edutopia X: twitter.com/edutopia Instagram: instagram.com/edutopia #classroommanagement #newteacher #education © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
3 Tips for Better Peer Feedback in Elementary Classrooms Edutopia 2024-09-13 | When young students have chances to share ideas and improve on their work with classmates, they begin to take ownership of their learning in new ways.Learning how to exchange feedback with classmates can be intimidating—especially for younger learners who may be new to peer review. But creating space for students to give and receive better peer feedback from one another provides them opportunities to have their voice be heard and to listen to one another, resulting in a deeper level of classroom collaboration and engagement with content, and ultimately higher-quality student work. With the right scaffolding, teachers can help build autonomy and communication skills in a variety of ways.For more strategies on collaborative learning, visit: edutopia.org/topic/collaborative-learningJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#collaborativelearning #criticalthinking #communicationskills #elementary © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Setting a High Bar to Help Students Succeed Edutopia 2024-09-12 | By building a culture of high expectations and accountability, this network of schools instills a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their students.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhIn the Success Academy Network of charter schools in New York City, NY, teachers send the message: We seek to understand our mistakes because they allow us to learn. In their approach, never underestimating students—and holding them consistently accountable to a high standard—means that you believe in them. By comparing exemplary work with developing work on her class projector, third-grade teacher Stephany Neptune normalizes recognizing room for improvement and doing better next time. To see all of Edutopia's coverage on Success Academy Charter Schools, visit: bit.ly/3MBoVrw*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#studentsuccess #studentmotivation #elementaryeducation © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Using a Plan of Attack for Math Problem-Solving Edutopia 2024-09-11 | Spending the majority of their time modeling problems and making sense of relationships in math can help students move beyond a surface-level grasp.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhAt every grade level, math teachers in the Success Academy Network in New York City ask students to spend the lion’s share of their time during math lessons deeply examining the question they are being asked to solve. Students start by asking themselves questions like, “What are the mathematical relationships in the problem?” “What is this problem asking me to do?” and “How can I model my thinking?” Every classroom even has a formula—printed out and displayed on the wall—for the math “Plan of Attack,” which includes three parts: Using 80 percent of the allotted time to conceptualize the question by reading the problem multiple times, then modeling the relationships and actions in the problems, 10 percent to answer the question by determining a strategy they will use to solve it and then computing, and finally double checking in the last 10 percent of their time—by rereading the problem, evaluating their own reasoning, and checking computations for accuracy.To see all of Edutopia's coverage on Success Academy Charter Schools, visit: bit.ly/3MBoVrw*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#mathclass #mathproblems #mathteacher © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Building a Culture of Daily Reading Edutopia 2024-09-10 | When schools prioritize time for independent reading in class every single day, they can increase students’ stamina, bolster their literacy, and cultivate their love of books.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhAt Success Academy, a network of more than 50 charter schools in New York City, every student from grades K–12 spends time reading in school—every single day. For the youngest learners, teachers start with 10 or 20 minutes, but by the time students are in middle school, they may spend up to an hour each day reading. In 6th-grade literacy teacher Kasey Delgado’s class, she helps build endurance by offering multiple activities to keep students engaged in reading, from book choice, to small-group book clubs, to whole-class discussions about the latest novels or nonfiction they’re working through together.To see all of Edutopia's coverage on Success Academy Charter Schools, visit: bit.ly/3MBoVrw*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#literacy #literacyskills #readingcomprehension © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
The Surprising Benefits of Teaching Speaking Skills Edutopia 2024-08-30 | Schools often emphasize reading and writing—but speaking is also fundamental to lifelong success, research shows.When teachers find ways to promote oracy in the classroom—from oral storytelling to small-group discussions and Socratic seminars—it helps students develop social and self-regulatory skills while supporting language and vocabulary acquisition. In fact, a wide body of research shows that knowing how to speak and express oneself well is a significant factor in long-term social, emotional, and academic success.For more strategies on communications skills, visit: edutopia.org/topic/communication-skillsJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
60-Second Strategy: The ‘What Are You Doing?’ Game Edutopia 2024-08-28 | When middle school students play an improvisation game that encourages a bit of silliness, they get more comfortable with each other and themselves.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhWhile classroom activities that incorporate movement and play can be found at the elementary level, by middle and high school they become much less common. But even though older students are often more shy or resistant at first, when they are given the opportunity to move their bodies, connect with each other, and get a little silly, it can build trust and lower the affective filter so they’ll be ready to learn together. Middle school students in particular often struggle with self-consciousness, which can impact their willingness to participate in class, speak up and ask questions, or take academic risks. At Arts and Letters United 305 in Brooklyn, New York, movement and theater teacher Todd A. Rollé, in collaboration with Child’s Play NY (childsplayny.com), an arts organization that helps schools use theater as a powerful tool for education—uses an improvisation game to build classroom community and to get kids to let down their guard. For more theater games that support learning, check out the articles that Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene has written for Edutopia: edutopia.org/profile/jocelyn-greene or visit this channel: youtube.com/@childsplayinaction *Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#theatergames #improvisation #classroomcommunity #teachingstrategies© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Making Cultural Connections Through Technology Edutopia 2024-08-23 | While most students aren’t able to travel across the globe, teachers can bring cultures from many places into the classroom through videoconferencing. Language teacher and world traveler Akash Patel knows the academic value of immersive language and cultural experiences, which is why he regularly connects his students to people around the globe via video calls—and helps other teachers do the same, so they can start making cultural exchanges through technology in their own classrooms. For more resources on technology integration, visit: edutopia.org/technology-integrationTo learn more about Akash Patel's nonprofit, go to: happyworldfoundation.usJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#culturalexchange #globalcitizenship #worldlanguages #socialemotionallearning © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Building Communication Skills With Peer Critique Edutopia 2024-08-21 | When students use a rubric and sentence starters to provide feedback to their classmates, they help each other improve their work.At Whiting Lane Elementary School, in West Hartford, Connecticut, all students are held to a high standard for presenting their ideas—and they receive direct instruction and support in order to be successful in building communication skills. In a 4th-grade classroom, curriculum specialist Karen Bridges leads students through a feedback activity where they have opportunities to practice in trios, using a rubric to give thoughtful, productive critiques of their classmates’ presentations on local history. For more strategies on communication skills, visit: edutopia.org/topic/communication-skillsJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#communicationskills #assessment #criticalthinking #elementary © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
6 Practical Tips for New Preschool Teachers Edutopia 2024-08-16 | The first year of teaching preschool students can be overwhelming, but by making a few simple preparations, pre-K teachers can take on the first few weeks of class with confidence. Stepping into the role of a preschool teacher comes with an additional layer of preparation, as your young, curious students may be new to a school environment. From maintaining a playful mindset and taking time to observe your students, to planning effective transitions and asking practical questions, there are several ways new early childhood education (ECE) teachers can kick off their first year well—and make a positive impact on their little learners.For more strategies on for early childhood educators, visit: edutopia.org/grade-level-prekJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#preschool #newteacher #preschooleducation© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
AI Tool Demo for Teachers: ChatGPT Fun for History and ELA Edutopia 2024-08-15 | Across the country, teachers are discovering unique new applications of ChatGPT that can help drive critical thinking and deeper analysis. Edutopia’s assistant editor Daniel Leonard showcases a few of these—from fake historical figures to mock Shakespearean sonnets.Try ChatGPT here: openai.com/chatgptFind more resources for using generative AI in the classroom at: edut.to/3Y4Jp2O*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#teachertips #generativeai #chatgpttutorial #studentsuccess © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Cultivating Deeper Understanding With a Comprehension Clash Edutopia 2024-08-14 | When an engaging review activity asks students to distill the most essential takeaway from the unit, they must reflect, revise, and debate until they reach consensus.Join the Edutopia community to get curated articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—it's free and always will be: edut.to/3wEVHUhCathleen Beachboard, an English Language Arts teacher at Fauquier High School in Warrenton, VA, doesn’t shy away from debate in her classroom. In fact, she finds it to be an extremely useful tool.At the end of a unit of study, she asks each student to reflect with the following prompt: What is the unit’s most important piece of information? They start with a solo writing exercise, then take their idea and have mini-debates with their classmates, trying to convince others to change their opinion and adopt their idea. “You get to learn persuasive argumentation,” Beachboard says, “and it values everybody's voice in the conversation.” For more strategies for critical thinking, visit: edutopia.org/topic/critical-thinking*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
8 Closing Activities to Wrap Up a Lesson Edutopia 2024-08-09 | Ensure the work of today doesn’t fade away with these engaging closure exercises that check for understanding, clear up misconceptions, and lock in learning.Join the Edutopia community to get curated articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—it's free and always will be: edut.to/3wEVHUhThere’s not always enough time, but a few minutes at the end of a class period is all it takes to surface and correct misunderstandings, emphasize key points, and consolidate recently learned content. And the right closing task can do double duty—it helps teachers check for understanding while engaging students in a fun pursuit that makes learning stick.For more strategies on teaching strategies, visit: edutopia.org/topic/teaching-strategies*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Building Belonging With Cultural Ambassadors Edutopia 2024-08-08 | By asking families to visit the classroom to share their language and traditions, this school creates a sense of community and connection for all students.Join the Edutopia community to get curated articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—it's free and always will be: edut.to/3wEVHUhWhiting Lane Elementary School in West Hartford, CT, is a school that celebrates the diversity of their students—more than 30 different languages are spoken in the building. Their Cultural Ambassador program, developed by an English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher, is one way they show their commitment to inclusivity—and to making all families feel like they belong. Family members are invited to come into the classroom, read a book in their native language, and share aspects of their home culture with the class. Students compare elements of the language to English and are given space to ask lots of questions. As a result, classmates develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of cultures around the world, and families feel truly welcomed by the school community.For more strategies on culturally responsive teaching, visit: edutopia.org/topic/culturally-responsive-teaching*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Setting Up Your Middle School Classroom for Success Edutopia 2024-08-02 | Welcoming environments, clear routines and expectations, and consistent approaches can help middle school students thrive from day one.Join the Edutopia community to get curated articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—it's free and always will be: edut.to/3wEVHUhBy setting up a calm and organized classroom, communicating clear requirements and predictable approaches from the start, and working with grade-level colleagues to build consistency across classes, teachers can create positive learning environments to make the transition to middle school easier for students. For more strategies on classroom management, visit: edut.to/3yoTGMI*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#classroommanagement #classroomsetup #backtoschool #middleschoolteacher © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Setting the Tone With a Get-to-Know-You Game Edutopia 2024-07-31 | Morning meeting becomes a place for kindness and gratitude with a simple but powerful community-building game.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhChild’s Play NY (childsplayny.com) works in classrooms across New York City to help teachers learn to use theater games for a multitude of purposes—building classroom culture, activating student voice, and connecting to curriculum. In Sammi Priti’s first-grade classroom at Arts and Letters United 305 in Brooklyn, Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene visits during a morning meeting to demonstrate ‘I Have a Gift For You,’ a game where students practice using each other’s names, expressing their thanks, and tapping into creativity. The result is a sense of gratitude and positivity that lasts throughout the day—and beyond.For more theater games that support learning, check out the articles that Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene has written for Edutopia: edutopia.org/profile/jocelyn-greene or visit this channel: youtube.com/@childsplayinaction*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#classroomactivity #studentvoice #theater © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Making Math Tangible With a Dream House Project Edutopia 2024-07-26 | When students work together to calculate construction costs and negotiate design choices, they develop skills in math and collaboration—all while letting their imaginations run wild.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhWhiting Lane Elementary School, in West Hartford, CT, has been recognized for its outstanding work in student growth. Its students come from diverse backgrounds—socio-economically, culturally, and educationally. One of the ways its educators support all students in pursuing academic rigor is by presenting them with highly engaging projects that require collaboration, problem-solving, and attention to detail. In Kim Hannan’s third-grade math class, small groups of students work together to design a dream house, where they wrestle with square footage, unit costs, budget constraints, and negotiation skills—and have a great time doing it.*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#mathclass #projectbasedlearning #studentprojects © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
4 Activities to Build Background Knowledge Edutopia 2024-07-24 | When students build their understanding of new topics on knowledge they already have, they are able to draw inferences and make connections that can boost reading comprehension and performance.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhRobust and dynamic reading instruction not only focuses on the main idea of stand-alone texts, but allows for the development of a deep reservoir of vocabulary and thematic knowledge that becomes the foundation for meaningful reading comprehension. This establishes a student’s ability to connect ideas across literature, compound learning by linking subjects, and improve factual recall. Through activities that guide students to explicitly look for connections, similarities, and differences between ideas and details, teachers can help their classes build a framework for tapping into prior knowledge to help them understand new topics. For more resources about building literacy skills, visit: edut.to/3Lzrwlj*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#readingcomprehension #readingcomprehensionstrategies #literacyskills © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
AI Tool Demo for Teachers: Canva’s Text-to-Image Generator Edutopia 2024-07-23 | Teachers are using Canva’s AI image generator, Magic Media, to create fun writing prompts and fake historical images that drive critical thinking. Here’s a quick crash course on how the tool works, from Edutopia’s assistant editor Daniel Leonard.Try Canva here: canva.comFind more resources for using generative AI in the classroom at: edut.to/3Y4Jp2O*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#teachertips #generativeai #canvatutorial #studentsuccess © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
4 Research-Backed Ideas to Upgrade Your Classroom Edutopia 2024-07-19 | As teachers prepare their classrooms for a new school year, these low-cost changes can make a big difference to students’ learning experience.Subscribe to Edutopia's The Research Is In monthly newsletter. It's totally free and always will be: edut.to/3OhfPBAA growing body of evidence shows that the design of a classroom can have a significant impact on the learning within. While some factors are out of teachers’ control, there are a handful of simple but effective ways teachers can make their classroom environments more conducive to learning. From trying more flexible seating to setting up zones for different functions, or introducing potted plants and being more intentional about what's on the walls, these inexpensive solutions help set up a classroom for success—before students even come back through the door. For more strategies on learning environments, visit: edut.to/3Wv6U2L*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#classroomdesign #classroomdecoration #educationresearch #classroomsetup © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Reigniting the Joy of Reading With Book Tastings Edutopia 2024-07-17 | Offering students a chance to sample new genres and styles of books in the school library can help them break out of a reading rut.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhSamantha Sova, an English language arts teacher at Fauquier High School in Warrenton, VA, has heard it time and again: “I hate reading.” In her efforts to inspire students to enjoy reading again, she sees value in giving them choice. “If they like what they're reading,” she notes, “they'll actually do it.”For more strategies for utilizing school libraries, visit: edut.to/3VZlT5N*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#schoollibrary #readingcomprehension #readingstrategies © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
3 Ways for Teachers to Cross-Pollinate and Share Ideas Edutopia 2024-07-12 | When teachers are given the space and time to learn from one another on a regular basis, they discover fresh perspectives and new ways to navigate classroom challenges.Create an account to join the Edutopia community today. It's completely free—and always will be: edut.to/3G5zIZ4Many teachers feel stuck figuring out ways to overcome issues in classrooms all by themselves, which can be isolating and frustrating. But with some intentional effort and time dedicated to collaboration with fellow educators, teachers can build a stronger community of support—and walk away with new strategies for handling their own classes. From professional growth partners who help each other refine teaching practices, to teacher teams that meet regularly to work together to navigate difficulties and review ideas, to learning walks that allow a peek into a colleague’s classroom, sometimes the answers can be found right next door.For more strategies on teacher collaboration, visit: edut.to/4cQlatn*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#teachertips #teachertraining #professionaldevelopment #classroommanagement © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Making the Library a More Welcoming Space Edutopia 2024-06-14 | By offering flexible areas and creative activities that give students a chance to relax and connect, the library can become a haven for belonging—and the heart of a school.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhWhen librarians Becca Isaac and Rebecca Webster set out to turn their library at Fauquier High School in Warrenton, VA, into a more inviting place, they started with the doors—they’re wide open. In between classes, you’ll often find one of the librarians standing outside, ready to greet students as they come in. For more strategies for utilizing school libraries, visit: edut.to/3RttZkp*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#schoollibrary #library #studentsuccess #highschoolteacher © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
How Punch Cards Can Simplify Classroom Management Edutopia 2024-06-07 | By replacing the traditional ticket system, teachers can gain back time and energy while still encouraging positive behavior and strong work habits from students.Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUhIn a positive behavioral intervention system (PBIS) classroom, the paper tickets many teachers give out to reinforce students’ behavior can become cumbersome and difficult to track. 2nd-grade teacher Johanna Cleary at Whiting Lane Elementary in West Hartford, CT, has found a handy solution: She uses a 10-star punch card for each student instead. She’s made her management much more efficient—and just as effective (and fun!) for the kids, who can turn in their completed punch cards for low- or no-cost rewards like extra LEGO time, stuffed animal day, the chance to wear slippers to school, a respite in the classroom mindful corner, and the opportunity to bring in a guest reader. “It’s important to really know your kids and what motivates them,” says Cleary. “I love being able to keep things playful in elementary school and just make the learning space a fun and motivating place to be.”For more strategies on classroom management, visit: edut.to/4bNrXUA*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#elementaryeducation #classroommanagement #elementaryteacher #studentbehavior © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Using Anchors for Emotional Regulation Edutopia 2024-05-31 | When given the space to regulate themselves with simple practices, students learn how to soothe their own nervous systems in moments of stress—and contribute to a sense of calm in the classroom.At every age and grade level, students can become emotionally dysregulated throughout the day, distracting from class work and contributing to the overall level of tension in the room. But when encouraged to identify simple, personalized tools—or “anchors”—for grounding themselves that they can access at any time, and given regular reminders to connect with those anchors, students of all ages can practice the ability to regulate themselves in moments where they feel triggered, which leads to more emotional stability. From a simple stretch, to grabbing a peppermint, to thinking of a trusted adult, finding ways to anchor oneself emotionally can pave the path to a smoother experience in and out of class.For more strategies on social and emotional learning, visit: edutopia.org/social-emotional-learningJoin the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Making Math Review a High-Energy Game Edutopia 2024-05-17 | In the 100 Squares Challenge, math review takes the form of friendly—but fierce!—competition, inspiring students to complete problems under pressure. Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhWhen high school math teacher Jennifer Feehan got home one day, she turned to her husband proudly and said, “I had kids running to do math problems today. Like, running.”Her secret? A game called 100 Squares Challenge, which she uses as a tool for review in her AP precalculus class at Fauquier High School, in Warrenton, VA. To prepare, she sources dozens of math problems from worksheets and AP classroom questions. She cuts up the worksheets so each piece of paper includes just one problem, and makes an answer key for herself. For more strategies on game-based learning, visit: edut.to/4beocXQ*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#mathreview #highschoolmath #mathteacher #precalculus © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Empowering Students to Be Real-World Problem Solvers Edutopia 2024-05-08 | When middle school students are given the opportunity to deeply explore what it means to be a changemaker, they see a path towards making a difference in their own community—and beyond.Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhAt Amana Academy in Alpharetta, GA, every grade level from K–8 has a thematic focus that lasts the full school year and is integrated into each academic subject. In 8th grade, students investigate what it means to be a “changemaker” in their community by tackling real-world problems and studying how individuals throughout history have made a difference. For more strategies on integrated studies, visit: edut.to/4ae0Yjo*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#middleschool #changemakers #historyclass #middleschoolteacher© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
A Teacher Appreciation Message From Derek the Glue Stick Edutopia 2024-05-06 | At Edutopia, it's been our mission—for over 30 years!—to share what works in education. We do so by highlighting the work of real teachers all school-year long. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating teachers' creativity and dedication to ensuring learning sticks. We made you this collection of resources to help share gratitude in your own school community, too: edut.to/4b1MYu6Follow Edutopia here:Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#teacherappreciation #teacherappreciationweek #teacherresources © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
60-Second Strategy: Heat Warm-Ups Edutopia 2024-05-03 | Differentiated levels of “heat” for these math worksheets mean every student starts class feeling both challenged and accomplished.Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhA couple of years ago, high school math teacher Jennifer Feehan taught a group of ELL students who had a wide range of math skills. Some students were catching up on their positive and negative signs, while others were ready to solve equations. To start each class, she needed an activity that would engage students at all levels. And heat warm-ups were born.For more strategies on differentiated instruction, visit: edut.to/4b1syBp*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaX: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#60secondstrategy #englishlanguagelearning #highschoolmath #differentiatedinstruction © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Calibrating Best Practices Across a Whole School Edutopia 2024-04-26 | This school has identified core instructional practices and conducts regular walk-throughs for teachers to observe their peers’ lessons—then designs targeted professional development so every classroom can get aligned.Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhAt Amana Academy, a K-8 EL Education network school in Alpharetta, GA, staff walk-throughs are key to bringing all teachers and classrooms into alignment around their North Stars—school-wide practices that are fundamental for student success. These include having a learning target for each lesson, asking students to grapple with concepts, doing checks for understanding, posting anchor charts, and using consistent discussion protocols. Throughout the school year, teachers are on different parts of the spectrum of implementation—some may be novices and just encountering these core practices, while others are veterans who can model the practices for other teachers. For more strategies on assessment, visit: edut.to/4dfPG0u*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#teachingpractice #instructionalcoaching #studentsuccess © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Motivating Teens With Classroom Competitions Edutopia 2024-04-19 | Making games a regular part of class can get even the coolest high school students engaged in the content—and help them recall key concepts and vocabulary.Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhIn Nicole Goepper’s French classes at Fauquier High School in Warrenton, Virginia, games aren’t something extra: They’re woven into the structure of the classes, and they happen every day. From learning new vocabulary, to conjugating verbs, kids can’t wait to win. “I think when there's like competition and like a prize involved or whatever,” says 10th grade student Kiersten, “it really helps motivate us to want to like, beat each other.” On any given day, students may participate in a verb conjugation Riff-Off (inspired by Pitch Perfect) or whiteboard relay, the colors game (where students race to different walls to touch the color Mme. Goepper names in French), the numbers game (where students line up and form complex numbers, say 1789), or the body parts game (where students must hit certain body parts on a drawing of a human body on the white board, using colorful fly swatters), just to name a few.For more strategies on game-based learning, visit: edut.to/4dgTJtR*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#frenchclass #gamebasedlearning #highschool © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Growing Teens Into Teachers Edutopia 2024-04-12 | Running a preschool inside a high school gives students the chance to try out a career in education—and it benefits the teens and tots alike.Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhThe Career and Technical Education building at Fauquier High School includes classrooms dedicated to skills you might expect: woodworking, cooking, and car maintenance. But enter Nancy Nye’s room and you’ll encounter students getting a very different kind of hands-on experience: running a fully-functioning preschool.For more strategies on career & technical education, visit: edut.to/4cTzt12*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#educationcareer #technicaleducation #preschooleducation #highschool © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
How to Get Teens Learning Outdoors Edutopia 2024-04-10 | Spending class time outside can be harder to do as students get older, but movement, fresh air, and connecting lessons with nature can leave teens less stressed and more engaged.Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUhFrom math to science to language arts, finding ways to apply curriculum beyond the classroom walls and out in the natural world can boost connection to content, spark curiosity, and increase student well-being. In middle and high school, it becomes less common for classes to go outdoors, but no matter the grade, subject, or setting of the campus—urban or rural—teachers can find activities that get students learning in the open air. For more Learning Environments, visit: edut.to/49xBcGp*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#outdoorlearning #outdooreducation #studentwellbeing© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
60-Second Strategy: NAEM Tracker Edutopia 2024-04-03 | With a series of quick check-ins, students can assess their own learning—which lets teachers plan their next lesson with ease.For more 60-Second Strategies, visit: edut.to/3VOtdShAt Amana Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, teachers use a tool called the NAEM Tracker to help kids self-assess where they are in their learning. The process also helps teachers decide whether to move on with the unit or reteach a lesson or concept. NAEM is an acronym: N is Novice (“I don’t know much about this topic, it’s new to me”), A is for Apprentice (“I am aware of this topic, and currently learning about it”), E is for Expert (“I understand the topic well and apply it”), and M is for Mentor (“I understand the topic well, can teach it to others, and support them in applying it”). Students choose which description fits them best at the moment the teacher checks in. There are lots of different ways to have students do this, from raising their hands for each choice, to placing sticky notes on a NAEM Tracker poster board on their way out the door, to giving verbal answers. Typically teachers ask students to self-assess three times during the lesson—once at the start of class, once in the middle, and once at the end. Not only do students take more ownership of their learning, but teachers can more efficiently plan their next lesson, knowing who’s got it down and who needs more support. Create an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#60secondstrategy #formativeassessment #studentsuccess #teachertips © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
How to Make PE More Inclusive Edutopia 2024-03-20 | When gym class is a place where all students feel welcome, phys ed has the power to help kids develop lifelong habits of well-being.Though the positive link between exercise and learning is clear, PE can instill a feeling of dread in many students. If movement is essential to learning, how can we shake off the negative reputation of gym class and encourage kids to take full advantage of the brain benefits that come with physical activity? Explore four ways to reimagine PE and get kids moving and engaged—from giving more choice in kinds of activities to offering non-competitive and competitive options.For more strategies on student wellness, visit: edut.to/3VwldVwCreate an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#physicaleducation #physed #studentwellbeing © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Brains That Fire Together Wire Together Edutopia 2024-03-15 | A 2023 study revealed that while learning, the brains of students and teachers looked remarkably similar.Subscribe to Edutopia's The Research Is In monthly newsletter: edut.to/3OhfPBAWhen researchers used neural imaging technology on students and teachers as they learned together, they caught a fascinating glimpse of how brains can converge around a shared understanding.What’s the practical takeaway? Stronger “brain synchrony” between peers—and between students and teachers—predicted better academic performance on follow-up tests, underscoring the importance of expertise and the role of direct instruction, while also suggesting potential for more value from peer-to-peer and social learning.To see more of the most impactful education research of 2023, visit http://Edutopia.org: edut.to/49c3cjf*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#educationresearch #educationstudy #neuroscience © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Fostering Self-Directed Learning in Makerspaces Edutopia 2024-02-28 | When students have the freedom to tinker and explore, their curiosity leads to perseverance—and the mastery of technical tools and skills.In a small, rural Kentucky town, school leaders at Eminence Independent Schools prioritized their spending to invest in a state-of-the-art makerspace called the EDhub, where students from all grade levels would have opportunities to spend time each week. The outcome went far beyond cool tools and technical training—it sparked student enthusiasm and built a culture of exploration. From button-making to 3D printing, laser cutting to video editing, students choose a tool they want to explore and earn a badge once they achieve mastery. And as a result of this interest-based approach, teachers have seen a lift in students leading their own learning beyond the EDhub. For more strategies on technology integration, visit: edut.to/49SgQrTCreate an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#techintegration #technologyintheclassroom #studentmotivation © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
60-Second Strategy: Role Reading Edutopia 2024-02-21 | By giving each student a job to do when tackling complex text, teachers help ensure that students actually understand what they are reading. In Fatima Belouahi’s classroom in Copenhagen, Denmark, she uses a popular small group activity called role reading to help scaffold her ninth graders’ comprehension of challenging texts. Students are placed in groups of three, then assigned a task to do as they work through the material: One student reads aloud, another writes a summary, and a third comes up with a title for the paragraph. With this approach, students must demonstrate their understanding as they go, which helps bolster their grasp of the text—and the likelihood of getting lost goes down.For more strategies on literacy, visit: edut.to/3ONCDcjCreate an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#60secondstrategy #readingcomprehension #highschoolteacher © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
3 Ways to Support Academic Talk Among Students Edutopia 2024-02-16 | By providing opportunities for students to share ideas with each other, teachers create space for them to develop social skills, retain more content, and deepen understanding of the material.While much energy has traditionally been devoted to keeping a quiet and orderly classroom, research shows that making the most of students’ drive to be social can actually have positive results. Turning students loose for a discussion can feel overwhelming, particularly with a large or lively class, so bringing some structure to group conversations can help everyone stay focused. And while productive talk may take time and practice, encouraging students to articulate their ideas can build self-confidence, and improve both academic achievement and collaboration skills.For more strategies on communication skills, visit: edutopia.org/topic/communication-skillsCreate an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: https://edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
A New Theory on the Teen Mental Health Crisis Edutopia 2024-02-09 | While rising rates of teen mental health issues can’t be pinned to a single root cause, a 2023 study surfaced a compelling connection to the decline in childhood independence.Subscribe to Edutopia's The Research Is In monthly newsletter: edut.to/3OhfPBAThere is growing concern around the widespread mental health issues that teenagers face, and while finding causes can be elusive, a recent study reveals a new angle—rooted in childhood development—that is gaining traction.In 2023, researchers compiled and assessed data trends that showed a drop in opportunities for children to engage in play, chores, and roles that are not directly overseen and controlled by adults (doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.02.004 ). Unsupervised play and purposeful work contribute to the development of important feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness in childhood and adolescence, which lead to healthy young adults. Without those opportunities, children may be missing out on a critical part of their growth. The message seems clear—adults should strive to ensure that children have ample chances to grow in their confidence through independent play and exploration.To see more of the most impactful education research of 2023, visit Edutopia.org: edut.to/49c3cjfCreate an account to join the Edutopia community today: edut.to/3G5zIZ4*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#educationresearch #playbasedlearning #playfullearning #mentalhealthawareness © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
Celebrating What Works in Education Edutopia 2024-02-01 | For more than 30 years, the George Lucas Educational Foundation has shared what works in education. Through Edutopia, we’ve captured and created conversations about practices from amazing schools and passionate educators—here in the U.S. and all over the world. We’ve pinpointed research-backed strategies, supercharged conversations around edtech and AI, and highlighted real educators in real classrooms. You can find this expertise through articles written by practicing educators and our in-house editors, weekly and monthly newsletters, our vast collection of videos (subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date), and more. So, take a look and add to the conversation! Join us in sharing what works in education by spreading the word in your community and joining ours: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.orgYouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#educationmatters #learningisfun #teachingtips #teachers© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
60-Second Strategy: Pass the Marker Edutopia 2024-01-31 | Getting students up on their feet and solving problems together helps build engagement—and stronger math thinkers.In Beth Blissett’s middle school math classroom in Eminence, Kentucky, there aren’t any desks in rows. Instead, are often found standing in groups of three, chattering excitedly, working on math problems together. During an activity inspired by Peter Liljedahl’s thinking classrooms, Blissett divides her students into small random groups, then gives each group a rich math task to work on and a single dry-erase marker. She then sends the students off to collaborate on vertical nonpermanent surfaces—in her room it’s whiteboards and windows—so they can make their thinking visible. One student starts calculating, using the marker, while the others offer ideas and encouragement. As if in a relay race, periodically Blissett calls out “Pass the marker!” and the next student builds on the work of the previous one. Working collaboratively and being able to easily erase can reduce anxiety and make the students more willing to take risks. By the end of the lesson, they’re thinking like mathematicians. For more 60-Second Strategies, visit: edut.to/49gb4QqCreate an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#60secondstrategy #middleschoolteacher #mathclass © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
In Sum, Math Picture Books Work Edutopia 2024-01-26 | A 2023 research review shows that when picture books are integrated into math lessons, student performance—and engagement—can see a sizable boost.Subscribe to Edutopia's The Research Is In monthly newsletter: edut.to/3OhfPBAThey say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, when pictures, words, and numbers combine in the form of a well-written children’s book, the result can have tremendous value in the math classroom.To see more of the most impactful education research of 2023, visit Edutopia.org: edut.to/49c3cjf*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#educationresearch #mathclass #picturebooks #studentsuccess © 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
What Makes Learning More Playful? Edutopia 2024-01-24 | By bringing playful approaches into the classroom, teachers can engage more students at a deeper level, improve learning environments, and boost motivation.Research shows that taking a more playful approach in the classroom could benefit students. But what does it mean to bring learning and play together, for students of all ages? For the Making Learning More Playful video series, we traveled to five schools in four countries to discover some of the characteristics of playful learning. Along the way, we saw a lot of great examples: students engaged in meaningful, hands-on projects; dancing and moving during active, energetic lessons; learning in the outdoors; collaborating to do great iterative work, driven by curiosity and passion; and even playful assessment. The common thread was clear—when more play is intentionally built into teaching and learning, students are enthusiastic and focused, agency and ownership soars, and the classroom environment is a joyful one.For more strategies on making learning more playful, visit: edut.to/3SwbL2PCreate an account to join the Edutopia community and receive our weekly newsletter today: edut.to/3wEVHUh*Follow us here:*Official Website: edutopia.org YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopiaFacebook: facebook.com/edutopiaTwitter: twitter.com/edutopiaInstagram: instagram.com/edutopia#playbasedlearning #playfullearning #studentsuccess© 2024 George Lucas Educational Foundation
