Innovation Shines Bright

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“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison As teachers, we strive to invent and implement engaging classroom experiences only to feel compelled to change and tweak them the following year to meet the needs of our new cadre of students. It’s challenging to reinvent classroom experiences, … read more »


Hour of Code: Are You Ready?

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“A computer is a bicycle for your mind.” Steve Jobs Code.org (reviewed here) launched the Hour of Code™ during Computer Science Education Week in December 2013. Students and teachers were invited to complete Blockly (reviewed here) tutorials, which use a programming language similar to Scratch (reviewed here). President Obama, Bill Gates, and various celebrities supported the … read more »


Make a Difference Every Day with Middle-Level Students

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Make a Difference Day held on the fourth Saturday of October, celebrates the power of people to make a difference in the lives of others in their community. This past weekend millions of volunteers worldwide united in a shared mission to volunteer. Created in 1992 by USA Weekend magazine and co-sponsor Points of Light Foundation, … read more »


Choice Boards for the Classroom

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Over 20 years ago, as a new teacher, I struggled to grade 28 submissions for each assignment I gave my students. Finally, I realized that I had a choice to make. Do I continue with a one size fits all approach to learning in my classroom, or do I place more responsibility in the hands … read more »


Sustainable Development Goals in the Middle-Level Classroom

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Problem-solving is a crucial skill we teach our students through in-class experiences to prepare them for their future. One of the most critical problems our students can solve is the challenge of sustaining our planet for future generations. In 2015, leaders from the 193 countries of the United Nations created a plan with 17 interlinked … read more »