What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in a position that is directly between the Earth and the sun. This alignment causes the Earth’s shadow to temporarily dim the sun’s brightness from us, turning the day into night.

Date and Visibility

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the total eclipse will move across North America, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. According to NASA, if you live in the United States the path of the eclipse will travel through, “Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.” These states will experience a total eclipse and a partial eclipse before and after.

Here is an example from NASA’s website if you were viewing from Buffalo, New York:

Partial begins: 2:04 p.m. EDT

Totality begins: 3:18 p.m. EDT

Maximum: 3:20 p.m. EDT

Totality ends: 3:22 p.m. EDT

Partial ends: 4:32 p.m. EDT

Classroom Activities

The solar eclipse is an excellent teaching moment, not just in science class. To further enrich students’ knowledge about the upcoming solar eclipse, consider these classroom activities that cover a broad range of curriculum topics.

Astronomy

Go back to the basics and begin by explaining or having students research what a solar eclipse is. Discuss the positions of the Earth, sun, and moon and how they align to create a solar eclipse. Discuss the different types of eclipses such as the total, partial, and annual, and have students research if the eclipse is visible where you live.

If you are in the path of totality or partial totality, organize a viewing event for your school. Be sure to discuss safety measures such as eclipse viewing glasses. If you are not in the viewing path, you can have students view a live stream from NASA on the day of the event.

Environmental Science

Solar eclipses affect the environment and animal behavior. The sudden shift of daylight to darkness can change temperature and animal behavior. For example, the temperature dropped 15 degrees Fahrenheit during the 2017 solar eclipse. Also, bats have been reported to be active during the day, and family pets have been seen displaying confusion or restlessness.

Ask students to observe these environmental and animal responses both before, during, and after the eclipse. After monitoring these shifts, have students explore the connections they’ve found. This will help deepen students’ understanding of the interconnectedness of the earth and its species and systems.

Mathematics

It takes mathematics to predict a solar eclipse. One of the concepts used to predict an eclipse is the Saros Cycle. Challenge students to predict when and where the next solar eclipse will happen by using this method. Discuss the geometry that’s involved in eclipse path such as the angles and different types of eclipses, this will help students understand the geometric principles.

You can also use the solar eclipse to teach students about measuring time and shadows. Students can observe and measure the shadows before, during, and after the eclipse. Then, students can compare their findings and better understand proportional reasoning.

Geography

The path of totality will span across the United States from Texas to Maine. Have students examine a map of the United States and answer specific questions on how different locations within the United States will experience the solar eclipse. You can modify NASA’s online lesson plan for grades sixth through eighth for younger or older students. Or, you can have students map out the path of totality themselves and research which countries and regions will experience the solar eclipse. This lesson can then lead to a history lesson about how other cultures view the eclipse.

English

The 2024 solar eclipse offers an opportunity for students to have a deeper appreciation of the solar event through creative writing and literature. Inspired by the solar eclipse students can create a poem or create a story about themselves or a character witnessing the eclipse. They can write a blog post, a journal entry, or even a persuasive essay about observing this celestial event. By integrating the solar eclipse into your English activities, you are encouraging creative and critical thinking skills and helping students make sense of this rare event.

Art

Unlock your students’ creativity and let the eclipse inspire young artists. Encourage students to explore their creative side by drawing, painting, creating digital art, or photographing the solar eclipse. If photographing, be sure to discuss the dangers of looking directly into an eclipse and how to capture the shot innovatively through the use of solar filters. Any artistic form of creative expression will only enhance students’ understanding of the solar eclipse and help to leave a lasting impact on this astonishing phenomenon.

The solar eclipse creates a unique learning opportunity where students can directly engage in their wonderment of the universe. The next solar eclipse won’t cross the United States again until 2044, so make this special event a focal point of learning and partake in these classroom activities because this experience is a rare phenomenon that will help to create a deeper understanding of the universe and beyond.

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What is a Makerspace?

A makerspace is an area in the classroom that is used for students to learn, explore, create, and collaborate. It’s also a place where students problem-solve, test, assemble, build, invent, and think outside of the box. These spaces are equipped with a variety of materials and tools that allow students to learn new skills and develop ideas.

Materials and tools may include arts and crafts, engineering supplies, and technology and robotics supplies. Emphasizing hands-on project-based learning, a makerspace is designed to appeal to all different learning styles and abilities. It’s a space to unite students to collaborate on projects, explore curiosities, and empower them to develop skills and solve problems.

Benefits of a Makerspace

Integrating a makerspace into your classroom can offer a multitude of benefits. Research has demonstrated that makerspaces enhance students’ creativity, critical thinking, and design skills. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of setting up a makerspace in your classroom.

Enhances Engagement

A makerspace enhances student’s learning experience by involving them in hands-on, interactive activities. This active participation fosters a deeper connection to what students are learning, making the process more enjoyable. As students see their creations come to life, their internal motivation and self-confidence rise. This engagement can lead to a more fulfilling learning experience for students.

Nurtures Creative Thinking and Innovation

Makerspaces are a dedicated space that fosters creativity and exploration. Learners are challenged to push the boundaries and think outside of the box. As students experiment with their ideas and with the tools and materials provided, they are creatively risk-taking and embracing innovation. As creators, they are developing skills that are necessary for their future.

Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

While creating in a makerspace, students will encounter challenges. These experiences will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will learn how to navigate a variety of problems and how to assess and problem-solve to make an informed decision. This analytical process will equip students to tackle any future problems with confidence.

Encourages Collaboration and Communication Skills

Makerspaces are a collaborative environment where students use their interpersonal skills to work in a team to complete a project. This cooperative environment is a place where students share their ideas, listen to others, and share responsibilities. Through this interaction, students are exposed to different perspectives, which will not only help to broaden their understanding of others but also will equip them with the social skills they need to collaborate with others in the future.

How to Create a Makerspace in Your Classroom

Creating a makerspace doesn’t require a large budget or a lot of space in the classroom. Here are a few tips on how to get started.

Establish your Goal

What do you want your students to get out of the space? Whether it’s to foster creativity, encourage innovation, or enhance problem-solving skills, you need to come up with a clear objective. It may be all three of those things. If so, figure out what your goal is so you can then gather your materials and begin your setup of the space.

Gather your Materials

You will need a variety of materials and tools that will align with the specific age group and skill level of your students. Source basic craft supplies such as paper, glue, scissors, and markers, which are items that are most likely already in your classroom. For younger students, you can acquire engineering and technology items such as Legos, iPads, magnetic blocks, and other manipulatives. To acquire larger sources such as 3D printers or other high-tech equipment, you will need to talk to the administration to see if there are any potential technology or science grants or seek contributions from donors.

Design the Space

A makerspace can be a table in the classroom, a designated corner, or even a mobile cart that is stocked with materials and can be wheeled around wherever you need it to go. This specific zone should be organized with materials and tools readily available for students to create. Ideally, a well-thought-out makerspace should be adaptable, flexible, and accessible, and inspire students to think creatively and critically.

Guide and Instruct Students

It’s crucial to equip students on how to safely create and collaborate in the makerspace. Instruction and support should be ongoing to foster a safe and confident learning environment. The more you expand your skill set on how to make the most of a maker space, the more enriching you will make your students’ learning experiences. Start by explaining the purpose of a makerspace, then go over safety protocols and how to safely use tools and the space properly. Next, encourage students to explore and experiment by working on projects with others.

Creating a makerspace in the classroom will not only enhance your student’s learning experience but also prepare them for any challenges in the future. By fostering a space where students can be creative and innovative, as well as work within a team, you are equipping them with the skills that are necessary to succeed in the future.

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The Importance of Good Handwriting

Research suggests that writing by hand engages the brain more than if you were typing on a keyboard. It also improves your memory and understanding of what you are learning. Additionally, neat, legible handwriting can have a positive impact on student grades.

Understanding the Purpose

To foster neat handwriting skills, students need to understand the purpose behind their writing. To ensure great penmanship students must know who their audience is and why their message needs to be clear. Once they understand this, it will help pave the way for them to communicate more legibly.

Identifying Challenges

Before teaching any improvement strategies, you must understand any challenges students may have. For example, lack of fine motor skills, poor grip, lack of confidence, or lack of interest. You must first address these challenges before moving on to any new strategies.

Improvement Strategies

Here are a few effective strategies to improve handwriting skills.

Back to the Basics

Improving handwriting skills means focusing on the basics like pencil grip and correct posture, these two components play a huge role in enhancing the quality of a student’s writing. Try adjusting their grip to find what’s comfortable for them. Proper posture is another important component of neat handwriting. Sitting upright with feet on the floor and paper-angled can help students write better and prevent discomfort.

Daily Practice

Handwriting improves with practice. Therefore, students must practice their handwriting daily. Worksheets are great for practicing letter formation and proper spacing between letters and words. One way to incorporate daily handwriting exercises into your curriculum is to create a handwriting station. This designated area in the classroom should include paper, pencils, practice writing worksheets, markers, crayons, stickers, stencils, or any other material that would make handwriting practice fun.

Creating Incentives

Creating incentives to improve handwriting is a strategy that will motivate students to work harder and put forth their best effort. Whether it’s a tangible award like a prize from the prize box or simple praise from a teacher or peer, or a display of students’ work, students are more likely to try.  Incentives can also help to build confidence and give students a sense of accomplishment.

Using Multi-Sensory Techniques

To ensure you’re meeting the needs of diverse learning styles use multisensory techniques. Here are a few ideas. Tactile learners can trace letters in sand or shaving cream helping them feel the correct formations of the letters. Kinesthetic learners can form letters in the air with their arms, mimicking the shape of the letters. Auditory learners can step, clap, or sing the letter formation to help retention. While visual learners can use visual aids or charts as a model to emulate.

Incorporating Technology

Technology may sound counterintuitive when it comes to improving handwriting skills, but there are specific apps designed to complement traditional handwriting methods. For example, the app Writing Wizard allows students to trace lines, shapes, and letters with the option to remove tracing lines. Students also have to trace the letter five times correctly before they can move on to the next letter making it an engaging and interactive way to practice letter formation.

Personalizing Student Experience

You must remember that each student is unique and what works for one student may not work for another. That is why it’s essential to identify any challenges a student may have first, then work with them to employ specific techniques that are tailored to how they learn best.

Using positive Reinforcement

Handwriting is a long process that takes a lot of patience, which is why it’s so important to offer plenty of positive reinforcement. The more supportive a student’s learning environment is, the more they will be motivated to practice. The more they practice, the better their handwriting will become.

Get Parents Involved

Involve parents in the process by sending home practice materials to reinforce what’s being learned in the classroom. For example, handwriting worksheets, names of apps to download for practice, as well as tips such as creating a comfortable writing space in the home and using a reward system to keep their child motivated.

Handwriting is an essential skill that cannot be overlooked even in this digital era. Not only does it enhance cognitive development and understanding but it also improves memory retention and comprehension. To foster neat handwriting in students, it’s important to highlight its purpose, implement effective strategies such as incentives, technology, and daily practice, as well as motivate students to take pride in their penmanship. By doing so you are equipping students for academic success that’s beyond digital tools.

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There’s no denying that technology is a powerful tool to have in the classroom, however, despite the numerous benefits, more people are realizing the importance of taking a step back and unplugging from technology. Taking a tech break offers relief to both teachers and students as well as promotes a classroom environment that engages interaction and supports various learning styles.

How a Tech Break Can Be Beneficial

Tech breaks can have a significant impact on both students and teachers. Here are a few of the benefits.

Increases Focus and Attention

Numerous studies have examined the impact that screen time has had on a child’s attention and concentration and have found that excessive screen time is associated with attention problems such as distracted focus and reduced concentration. A tech break allows students to adjust their focus and become more engaged in learning with material that is not on a screen.

Promotes Social Skills

While tech tools offer ways to connect with others it doesn’t offer the face-to-face interaction that you get when you are in front of someone. These types of interactions are crucial for developing social skills like learning social cues that are needed to interact with other humans. By stepping away from technology and encouraging direct communication, students will learn the interpersonal skills that are essential for them to navigate through life.

Reduces Anxiety

Studies have shown that depression, anxiety, aggression, eye strain, and memory problems are just a few of the health concerns that technology is responsible for. Yet, we continue to pick up our smartphones and use our digital devices each day. By unplugging we can help calm our students’ minds. Tech breaks can help alleviate digital fatigue, stress levels, and our overall well-being.

Stimulates Creativity

When you’re unsure about something, it’s convenient to simply “Google” it for a quick answer. However, without technology, you’re compelled to engage in critical thinking. Unplugging from technology forces students to be creative and think outside of the box, encouraging them to come up with ideas without relying on technology. This not only boosts their imagination but also their problem-solving skills.

Helps with Present-Moment Awareness

Technology can be distracting, the constant notifications on your phone can force you to react immediately. Unplugging can help students live in the moment. One study from Greater Good Berkeley found that when students went on a media fast they reported feeling present-moment awareness. They also used words such as mindfulness, presence, and sensory awareness to describe their experience without technology, indicating their ability to engage in the moment they are in without the distraction of technology.

Ways to Unplug From Classroom Tech

Implementing strategies to disconnect from digital tools offers an enriching educational experience. Here are three ideas on how to foster more human interaction.

Implement Tech-Free Zones

Create designated spaces throughout your school where technology is off-limits. For example, a specific place in the library where students can unplug and use traditional research methods with books. Specific classrooms such as the art room or music room where students are required to partake in hands-on learning.

During lunchtime, students will be forced to interact with one another instead of being on their smartphones. By implementing tech-free zones, you are supporting a variety of different learning experiences that will help contribute to a balanced educational experience that students will hopefully see the value of.

Take Learning Outdoors

Whenever feasible, take learning outside of the classroom. Outdoor education steps beyond traditional teaching methods and creates educational opportunities where students are in nature or other spaces that are not the classroom. Outdoor educational experiences take students away from their screens and give them real-world experiences where they can develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Nature walks, and field trips to museums or businesses offer engaging experiences where students can gain knowledge and skills that will enrich their education beyond using technology.

Integrate Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) entails students actively exploring real-world issues and challenges through hands-on learning and experiments. This learning approach fosters an interactive, collaborative experience that doesn’t have to rely on technology. Through teamwork and experimentation, students learn from one another while developing essential skills that will prepare them for their future.

Utilize Creative Arts

Implementing the use of more creative arts is another way to unplug from technology. You are taking them away from screentime by having students engage in painting, drawing, theater, music, drama, or any art form that will help them express themselves. Allow students to explore their creative interests and get a break from the constant stimulation of technology. Not only will they benefit from creativity, but the break will also contribute to their personal well-being as well as promote a healthy balance between digital devices and hands-on learning experiences.

Finding a Balanced Approach

Unplugging from technology offers many benefits such as increased focus, present-moment awareness, more face-to-face interaction, and a calm mind. However, it’s also important to understand the value that it brings to education. The key is to find a balanced approach. To do this you may need to set tech guidelines for students to follow to ensure digital tools are being used to enhance learning and not distract students from learning. You may also create a classroom atmosphere where students understand the value of using tech tools and other traditional educational experiences.

Taking a tech break and unplugging from classroom technology does not dismiss the use of digital devices; it simply demonstrates the need for balance. By integrating tech breaks and showing students the value of digital and non-digital learning experiences, you are fostering an educational setting that equips students for any challenges in their lives.

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What are Focus Walls?

Focus walls are dedicated spaces in the classroom where learning objectives, key concepts, important vocabulary, essential questions, or other relevant information are visually displayed. These displays are tailored to students’ learning, providing them with a visual reference point to refer to. It could be a cheat sheet, which students can use for quick reference or reminders that will help them recall information.

The Learning Potential of Focus Walls

Focus walls are more than just a decorated bulletin board on your classroom wall; they are a display that reinforces learning, making it easier for students to retain information. They visually map out specific concepts, goals, or themes, helping students connect the dots between what they’re learning in lessons and lectures and offering them a broader understanding.

Additionally, focus walls can cater to diverse learning styles, making them a great tool for many students. They support visual learners, auditory learners when linked to podcasts or videos, kinesthetic learners through hands-on interaction, and social learners through group activities and projects centered around the display.

How to Create a Focus Wall

Creating a focus wall involves a lot of planning and creativity. Here is a quick guide to help you create one of your own.

Define your objectives and choose a location

Think about what objective, concept, or theme you want to focus on or highlight. Younger students may benefit from sight words, weather, numbers, character traits, etc. Older students may benefit from skill development, college readiness, project-based learning criteria, or highlight events or essential questions for specific themes. Next, you want to find a location in your classroom that is visible to all students. This space should be easily accessible and not interrupt other students if being used interactively.

Design your layout and gather materials

Design your layout by first creating a quick sketch of what you want it to look like. This is when you decide whether to make it interactive and cater to all learning styles. Next, you will gather your materials. This may include printing QR codes for auditory learners, gathering interactive elements like sticky notes and envelopes for kinesthetic learners, and including any printed visuals you want to include.

Create and assemble your focus wall

Using your materials create your focus wall. This is where you include definitions or images, state your objectives, pose thought-provoking questions, use charts or diagrams, or add interactive elements that students can move around. Arrange the content on the bulletin board, and keep your materials close by if you plan on updating the wall throughout the lesson or unit.

Introduce the focus wall and keep it up-to-date

Finally, explain the purpose of the focus wall and how students can use it. Encourage them to ask questions and make suggestions so they will get the most out of the learning experience. Be sure to maintain the wall and update it regularly if you plan to keep it relevant and engaging.

Creative Focus Wall Ideas

Being creative and thinking outside of the box is key to maximizing the impact of your classroom focus wall. Here are a few innovative ideas to help spark your imagination.

Make it interactive

Incorporate interactive elements that students can manipulate themselves to make it more hands-on. For example, post open-ended questions, provide a blank timeline that students can fill in, use Velcro to have students match terms with their definitions, or display a map where students can add flags or pins. You can also add quizzes or polls that are related to your content. Interactive focus walls make for a more active learning experience that can help deepen the learning process.

Incorporate technology

Embrace technology by incorporating digital elements into your focus wall. For example, QR codes or digital screens can link to additional resources or interactive content. Include apps that complement your objectives or multimedia elements, such as videos, sound clips, or interactive quizzes. You can also include augmented reality and bring images to life by linking to video explanations, or animated illustrations, making complex concepts more tangible for students. Integrating multimedia into your focus wall creates a more dynamic learning experience that caters to digital learners.  

Involve students

Create a focus wall with student-generated content. Use it to showcase student work or allow students to take turns as curators of the wall. Each week or month, assign different students or small groups to be in charge of the wall. This will encourage students to be creative, take ownership of their learning, boost their confidence, and connect more deeply to the content.

Beyond Decoration

Focus walls do more than just decorate your classroom. They act as a driving force to boost learning and engagement while fostering an immersive learning experience. Not only are these displays eye-catching, but they also serve as an educational tool to help facilitate a deeper connection to what students are learning.

Essentially, they are more than just a decorative element on the classroom wall; they play a critical role in enhancing students understanding. Focus walls provide a visually stimulating way to highlight and refine concepts students currently learn in the classroom. With a little forethought and creativity, you can create a focus wall to enrich students’ learning experiences and create a setting where they are constantly engaged.

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Breaking the Silence

To transform a muted classroom into an actively engaged one, you must first understand the barriers that prevent students from participating. Fear and anxiety are on the top of the list for both boys and girls followed by self-esteem and seating position, says a 2018 study on the Factors Behind Classroom Participation. Many students are afraid to speak up in fear of being judged by their peers, while for others, past negative experiences like responding with incorrect answers may affect their self-esteem.

Additionally, the classroom layout, particularly when students sit in the back of the class, has been associated with students being less engaged and less focused in class. Understanding these barriers is important to foster a more inclusive, engaged classroom environment.

Strategies for Boosting Student Participation

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable and confident enough to participate in classroom activities and discussions requires intentional strategies. The most widely used strategies use the active learning approach. This involves engaging students in activities requiring them to actively process and apply knowledge rather than just passively listening to an instructor. By involving students in the process, active learning can boost participation and engagement. Here are a few methods to try to help solicit student participation.

Student-directed Discussions

This approach has students taking the lead to drive the classroom discussion. This can be done in large groups, small groups, or individually. Students lead the discussion on a specific topic of their choosing, where they will pose questions and engage with their classmates. Taking the role of facilitator encourages deeper engagement, which can be empowering for students.

Utilizing Interactive Technology Tools

Digital platforms such as Kahoot, Flip, and Google Classroom can make classroom participation more engaging and fun. These tech tools allow students to respond to questions, participate in online discussions, and complete quizzes and projects right from their devices. These interactive digital platforms also cater to students’ unique learning styles and interests making it more appealing for students to participate.

Implementing Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning strategies such as the Think-Pair-Share and Jigsaw method are two great choices to boost student participation. The Think-Pair-Share method involves posing a question, giving students a moment to think about their response, and then pairing up with a peer to discuss their thoughts before sharing with a larger group.

This approach reduces anxiety in students by allowing them to think about their response, and then share it with their classmates before having to discuss it in a whole group setting. The jigsaw method is another collaborative technique that allows students to become an expert on a topic before teaching it to their peers. After each student in the group researches their part, they teach it to their group members. This approach ensures active participation by giving each student a specific role.

Gallery Walks

Gallery walks are an active learning experience where students move around the classroom to engage with different “galleries.” These “galleries” are learning stations displaying specific topics, student projects, or questions students must answer. The way they work is you set up different stations around the classroom, each dedicated to a specific topic or question. Students then rotate through the stations in small groups, interacting and discussing the material within their group. This approach is a great way to get students up and moving while actively engaging with content interactively.

Fishbowl Discussion

This approach involves a small group of students discussing a topic while the rest of the class watches and listens. A small group of students known as “the fish” sit in the center of the classroom to discuss a specific topic or question while the rest of the class or “the bowl” observes them. After a specific amount of time, students who are in “the bowl” can ask questions or make comments. This is a great setup to encourage students to participate as well as engage the listeners actively.

Why Student Participation Matters for Us and Them

The advantages of student engagement go much further than just day-to-day classroom activities. For educators, student involvement means valuable insight into student understanding allowing them to adjust their teaching methods accordingly. Once educators can understand individual student challenges, they can personalize instruction to meet that student’s needs. Additionally, when students are more engaged, it makes for a more enjoyable learning environment, which can increase job satisfaction and give teachers a sense of accomplishment.

For students, active engagement helps to deepen their understanding of subject matter, which leads to better retention. It also enhances their critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills. Through regular classroom participation, students develop stronger communication skills which can boost their confidence and self-esteem, all contributing to a more positive learning environment.

Unleashing the power of student participation requires time, a little creativity, and a lot of dedication. By understanding the barriers that may prevent students from participating, as well as implementing strategies to encourage engagement, educators can transform their students’ learning environment into an immersive, engaged experience.

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Learning Management Systems

Google Classroom, Schoology, and Moodle are all learning management systems that offer a centralized hub for both students and teachers. This is a place to manage coursework, share resources, and participate in discussions. Many LMS’s offer productivity tools within their platforms. For example, Google Classroom which is a widely favored LMS tech tool, integrates other Google tools such as Google Meet, Docs, Gmail, etc. into their LMS platform.

This makes it easy for students and teachers to interact, collaborate, and gain access to information all in one place. This streamlined educational experience is a game-changer for teachers because of all the time they are saving having everything all in one place. Students love it too because of its user-friendly interface and simplified learning experience.

Assessment Tools

Several edtech tools are designed to help teachers evaluate students’ progress and performance. Kahoot is one of the most popular tools because it’s a game-based learning platform that engages students through interactive games. Teachers create a fun learning game or access one from the library then add videos, images, or diagrams to engage students further. Student’s answers are saved, and teachers can use this information to gain insight into student knowledge or to help plan future lessons.

Another favorite edtech assessment tool is Quizizz, which is similar to Kahoot. This tech tool turns quizzes into games, provides instant feedback to students in real time, and gives teachers a detailed report on individual students and the overall class performance. One of its standout features, besides real-time analytics, is how it accommodates diverse learning styles so students can work at their own pace.

Short-form Video Content

Attention spans today are much shorter than they used to be, which is why many educators are choosing short-form videos to help explain the content or illustrate ideas to cater to these short attention spans. Flip (formally Flipgrid) is one of the most popular video discussion platforms.

The way it works is that the teacher creates a discussion prompt by using short video clips, then students respond with their own short video about the given topic. It’s a beneficial tool for less sociable students, too, because they can share their thoughts privately without the stress of speaking in front of others.

Another widely used platform is Edpuzzle, which allows teachers to customize video clips with interactive elements like questions, quizzes, voice notes, and audio notes to help actively engage students. It also provides real-time feedback which is beneficial for both students and teachers. Furthermore, it offers detailed analytics on student performance, making it a great edtech assessment tool. Both edtech tools cater to short-from video content and greatly enhance students’ learning experience.

Artificial Intelligence

AI can be a powerful tech tool in the classroom and is gaining popularity by the day because of its ability to personalize students’ learning experiences. One notable AI edtech tool is ChatGPT, which says it’s “shaping the future of technology.” Educators are utilizing this tool to assist in the development of their lesson planning by helping to create or refine their plans to be tailored to each student’s specific needs and abilities.

Meanwhile, students use this tool to clarify topics or provide supplementary information. Additionally, the platform’s new ability to see, hear, and speak is helping students learn new information in an instant making it the most frequently used app.

Other AI tools that have gained popularity are Magicschool.AI, a well-liked lesson plan assistant, and Gradscope, a favored AI-assisted grading tool. Both of these edtech tools are making it easier for teachers to do their job so they can focus more on their students.

Collaboration Tools

Collaboration is an essential component in every classroom and can help empower students and deepen learning. One collaborative platform that should be added to your teacher toolkit is the widely favored Google Classroom. Google Classroom isn’t just one of the best learning management systems because of its centralized hub, it’s also highly popular because of its collaborative platform.

Some key collaborative features include the real-time sharing of documents, discussion boards where students can share thoughts and ask questions, announcements and notifications, collaborative grading, an integrated calendar, and parental involvement where parents receive updates.

Another reputable collaborative platform is Microsoft Education, specifically Microsoft Teams which is a central hub for communication and collaboration among teachers and students. This is where both students and teachers can communicate through chat or virtual meetings. Additionally, Microsoft Office applications are integrated (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) enabling multiple users to collaborate on the same document and work together on assignments in real-time. Both Google and Microsoft offer an interactive, collaborative work environment that makes it easy to communicate.

The integration of Edtech tools in the classroom has become an integral part of education. From learning management systems to collaborative tools to using artificial intelligence, today’s technology is constantly evolving and adapting to cater to the needs of both teachers and students. Embracing these new technologies opens up endless possibilities for future generations.  

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Employing innovative strategies to reignite students’ interest is essential to address this challenge. Here we’ll explore a few key areas to help you make science class more appealing so your older students will get excited about science class again.

Igniting Curiosity: Reframing Science as Relevant and Real

An effective way to ignite curiosity in science class is to connect science to everyday life, current events that are happening right now, and potential career opportunities that they may want to pursue in the future. By showcasing real-world relevance, you are making the subject more relatable and interesting.

Connecting Science to Careers

To help pique the interest and inspire older students, you can discuss the various career opportunities science has to offer. Guest speakers can share their experiences and offer insight into the field of science. Hearing directly from these professionals makes having a career in science more tangible.

Assigning career-themed projects is another way to make a real-world connection to science. For example, a physics engineering challenge like designing a machine or device can help demonstrate the application of physics in engineering. Additionally, arranging a field trip to a science-related workplace like a technology company can help students understand and appreciate how professionals apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Science in the News

Discussing current scientific events, such as scientific breakthroughs or medical advances, can help demonstrate science’s relevance to the world. When students see that these scientific discoveries impact society, it will help to make the connection between what they are learning in the classroom and the outside world. By incorporating these real-world events you are making science more intriguing and relevant.

Hands-on Engagement: Beyond the Textbook and Lecture

To captivate the attention of older students it’s essential to look beyond traditional teaching methods like textbooks and lectures. Hands-on, interactive activities can engage students and make science class more exciting.

Hands-on Experiments

Conducting more hands-on experiments is a great way to make science class more fun, and it will help reinforce science concepts as well as help students develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. For example, try connecting chemistry to real life by simply demonstrating the reaction of baking soda and vinegar, which produces carbon dioxide, causing a volcano eruption. This experiment will help make science more relatable and foster a deeper understanding of chemical reactions in everyday life.

Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning involves actively involving students in real-world scenarios and challenges. Having students choose a science project that requires research and experimentation empowers them to take ownership of their learning. For example, students may create an eco-friendly greenhouse requiring research, design, prototype, analysis, reflection, and so on. This type of project fosters student’s creativity and curiosity all while getting them excited about science.

Bringing Science to Life: Creative and Immersive Experiences

Creating more captivating learning experiences will make your science class more interesting and enjoyable. You can do this by incorporating technology. Here are a few ideas.

Virtual Lab Simulations

Virtual Lab simulations that offer interactive experiments allow students to explore science concepts digitally. Websites such as Labster, Gizmos, and LabXchange, allow students to interact with lab materials in a virtual lab without the constraints of physical equipment they may not have access to in the classroom. For example, students can learn how to fly an airplane through a computer simulation. These simulations can help to enhance a student’s learning experience.

Augmented Reality

AR technology can enhance student learning by providing them with an immersive learning experience. What augmented reality apps do is enhance real-world objects by adding an interactive layer to what you are already seeing. For example, science teachers can use an AR app like Brainapse to explore human anatomy or use an AR app like Plant ID to help identify plants. This can help improve student’s learning experience and understanding of complex concepts by applying knowledge to a real-world experience.

Science-Related Podcasts

Podcasts are increasingly popular among older students mostly because they provide a hands-free way to listen, so students can multitask. Since podcasts are easily accessible and offer a diverse range of topics, you can have students listen to podcasts that explore a wide range of science topics. Some engaging podcasts that may resonate with older students are, “Science for the People” by Desiree Schell, “Brains On!” by American Public Media, and “Science Vs” by Wendy Zukerman.

3D Printing

3D printing technology enhances hands-on learning and can help students better understand abstract ideas. It offers an innovative way to engage students in a variety of science topics. Whether it’s exploring a multi-layer cell, building a DNA model, or constructing a geological formation, 3D printing is a great way to boost students’ understanding and learning.

Virtual Guest Lectures

Arrange video conferences with experts in the field of science. This will help students gain insight with professionals in specific scientific fields. For example, Skype a Scientist is a popular platform that connects you with thousands of scientists from across the globe. This allows students to have a virtual Q and A session and get their answers straight from an expert.

Getting older students excited about science class can be achieved with a little forethought. By incorporating innovative, hands-on experiences that are both relevant and engaging, you will captivate learners and foster a lifelong love for science. Connecting science to current events and potential careers and utilizing technology will help sustain student interest and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for the future.

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Understanding Sensory Processing and Regulation

Sensory processing refers to how your nervous system responds to the things you see, hear, smell, or touch. For some children, it can affect all of their senses, and for others, it may only affect one. For children with autism, sensory processing typically means they’re overly sensitive to something other people are not. For example, they don’t like the feeling of a tag on their clothes, they may be sensitive to loud sounds, or a smell bothers them more than it should.

This can result in sensory overload where they will show a certain behavior when they are experiencing a sensory issue, like refusing to wear certain clothes, covering their ears when they hear a loud noise, or flapping their hands or rocking back and forth when they are experiencing a sensory issue, says Autism Speaks.

Accommodating or regulating these sensory issues can help ease discomfort and help children with autism manage their emotions. Since the environment influences sensory needs, sensory rooms can be designed to control these sensory experiences. These rooms are designed to help students feel calm and accommodate students who have hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity.

For example, they may include earplugs, headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, soft textures, light covers, sunglasses, or other sensory tools. They may also include soft lighting, calming paint colors, and an open floor plan with adjustable seating.

How Sensory Rooms Can Be Extremely Beneficial to Students With Autism

Sensory rooms can offer numerous benefits for students with autism. Here are a few of the advantages of having one in your school.

Promotes Self-Regulation 

Multi-sensory environments or sensory rooms were found to be an effective way for students with autism to control their emotions better, which can lead to improved control over their emotions, according to a 2021 study. Since sensory rooms are tailored to address the unique sensory needs of each individual, students can engage in sensory experiences that are comfortable for them, promoting a sense of autonomy or feeling of independence which gives them a sense of control.

Reduces Anxiety

Oftentimes, children with autism who have sensory processing issues feel powerless, so being able to escape to a sensory room can help reduce their anxiety. The calming elements of the room can make them feel safe and allow them to de-stress and cope with their sensory challenges in a low-stress environment.

Develops Social Skills

Sensory rooms can have a positive impact on students with autism’s communication skills. Group activities like games that encourage taking turns foster interaction and cooperation among students in a low-stress learning environment, which in turn helps to develop students’ social skills.

Improves Concentration

Sensory rooms are associated with increased focus and improved attention among children. According to a 2022 paper, research has found that sensory rooms have had a positive impact on students’ performance, increasing their focus and their ability to stay on task and follow directions. A well-designed sensory room can help students focus and sharpen their concentration.

Addresses Difficult Behaviors

Sensory rooms can help manage challenging behaviors by providing a supportive and calming environment that is tailored to children living with autism spectrum disorder. If a student shows a certain behavior when experiencing a sensory issue such as a meltdown, redirecting them by going to a sensory room can help them feel a sense of calm. This sense of calm can quickly reduce their behavior, allowing them to refocus their attention and energy on whatever they were doing before they felt a sensory overload.

What to Include in Your Sensory Room

Creating a well-designed sensory room for autistic children involves carefully selecting materials that can cater to a range of students’ unique sensory needs. Here are a few suggestions for creating a calming space.

Lighting and Sound

Soft, warm, dimmable lighting, as well as battery-operated candles, twinkling lights, and lava lamps, can create a soothing atmosphere. Sound insulation can help prevent distractions as well as earplugs, headphones, and working in a space with a closed door.

Tactile Materials

A variety of tangible materials, such as soft blankets or fuzzy pillows, can be soothing and comforting to touch. Textured balls and fabrics can offer tactile stimulation while beads, kinetic sand, and squishy toys can be a satisfying option to help calm some children.

Auditory and Visual Elements

Soothing sounds like white noise machines, sounds of nature, chimes, or soft music can be relaxing for students. Consider including visual elements like panels or textured walls, light displays, bubble tubes, or projectors that change shapes or colors can promote a relaxing visual experience for autistic students.

Calming Colors

Neutral colors create a sense of warmth, while soft blues and greens are known for their soothing effects on the nervous system. These colors can help reduce stress and promote relaxation to help sensory regulation.

A multi-sensory space is a designated space within the school that can help autistic students regulate their sensory experiences in a controlled and safe atmosphere. Since each student responds to sensory experiences differently, sensory rooms need to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of all students. By addressing these processing differences, sensory rooms can help students with sensory overload regulate their emotions and reduce their anxiety.

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Routines provide a framework for structure and consistency and offer students a classroom environment where they can learn and thrive. Here we’ll take a closer look at why classroom routines are so vital, what types of routines are common in classrooms, as well as give you ideas on how you can establish a routine in your classroom.

Why Routines are Essential

Classroom routines are rituals or actions that are repeated time and time again. These routines that are repeated regularly provide students with a sense of security because they know what is expected of them. This predictable schedule makes it easy for students to navigate their learning environment. Additionally, it helps with time management by establishing a seamless flow and reducing disruptions during transitions when students are aware of the typical duration of an activity or task. The consistency of a routine can also reduce disruptive behavior because students know what is expected of them at all times of the day.

Routines teach important life skills such as responsibility and independence. Once students become familiar with the expectations of the procedure, they will take ownership of their responsibilities. Ultimately, students will spend more time learning instead of asking what they need to do next, all because a routine was set in place.

Types of Routines

Classroom routines don’t have to be limited to the beginning or end of the school day. They can be used for transitions, to get students’ attention, or in many other ways. Here are a few common ways classroom routines can be used throughout the day.

Entry and Exit Routine

Younger students can learn a procedure on how to enter and exit the classroom, while older students can learn what materials to grab to get started or how to put materials away before exiting the classroom.

Transition Routine

Students will move through transitions many times throughout the day. Learning a routine while moving from one activity or subject to another will make the transition smoother. Many teachers like to use signals or cues like a bell or timer to help the transition move along.

Student/Teacher Attention Routine

Establishing a routine to gain student’s attention or using a signal so students know how to get the teachers attention can prevent classroom disruptions or distractions.

Groupwork Routine

Establishing expectations and teaching students how to form groups will help to prevent classroom chaos. It also established clear expectations on communication, collaboration, and students overall learning experience while in the group.

Homework Routine

Providing a consistent method for submitting homework assignments and or reviewing homework assignments provides structure and contributes to improved academic performance. Not to mention that it will make everyone’s life much easier.

In addition to these routines, you can also have a routine for when students finish work early, how to collect and distribute materials, classroom jobs and responsibilities, using the bathroom, how to work independently, how to use classroom technology, or just about anything you can think of that you do daily and want it to go smoothly.

How to Establish a Routine

If you’re looking to establish and maintain a successful classroom routine, then consider following these steps.

Identify Your Goals

The first thing you want to do is think about how you want your classroom to function. Ask yourself what skills and habits you want your students to develop as well as what tasks and transitions you want to run smoothly. Once you decide upon your goals, this will help guide your choices for a predictable routine that you can set up and teach your students.

Choose Your Routines

You don’t have to choose a routine for every single goal you have in mind, but it also doesn’t hurt. The more routines you have implemented, the easier it will be for students to move about the classroom independently as well as limit the number of disruptions and distractions that are occurring.

Teach Your Routines

Next, it’s time to teach your routines. It’s wise to start with one or two each day because you don’t want to overwhelm your students. First, explain the reason for the routine, then go through each step of the procedure giving examples and non-examples of what it should look like.

Practice Your Routines

Give students plenty of opportunities to practice their routines. Consider hanging visual aids like posters, charts, or checklists in the classroom for students to reference.

Monitor the Routines

Once students have learned the routines, keep an eye on how they are working. If you notice they are not meeting your expectations, then revise or reteach them. You can also ask for assistance or suggestions from your colleagues or ask students how they think the routines are working or if there is anything they would change about the routine.

As you progress through the school year consider revisiting your classroom routines. Some routines may no longer be needed or just aren’t working like they used to. Or you may want to change some of the routines to give students more responsibilities. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to routines. Try and stick to each routine as closely as possible because predictability fosters a sense of security in students, and when they know what to expect each day it will make for a more productive and successful learning environment.

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