Blog Posts

Puzzle time! The brain benefits of solving

Posted by Admin on January 28, 2021

Updated 6/5/24

Sometimes, we need to all step away from our screens and devices to unplug and work out . . . OK, don’t leave just yet! I mean a mental workout! Various types of puzzles and brain teasers are great ways to exercise your noodle or fun ways to pass the time. I for one am a huge fan of puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, riddles – you name it, I love them. Luckily, there are lots of benefits to puzzling and, plus, the aha moments never get old.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Teacher Resources, STEM, Resources, Authentic Learning, Social and emotional learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning, Math

gratitude + SEL | November brings the attitude of gratitude

Posted by Deidre Galloway on November 17, 2020

Updated 6/4/24

It’s the time of year when many of us are thinking about gratitude and things to be thankful for. November is National Gratitude Month – what a great way to kick off the month with a whole lot of gratitude in your classroom. When we think of gratitude, one thing we think of is social and emotional learning (SEL).

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Teacher Resources, STEM, Trends, Resources, Authentic Learning, Social and emotional learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning

Digital detox: Unplug for the day (and what to do with your device-free time)

Posted by Admin on March 06, 2020

Updated 6/3/24

Do you know how much screen time you logged on your phone in the last day? How about the last week? (And yes, there’s an app for that if you’re interested.) If you’re an iPhone user, you likely get a weekly notification to alert you of your usage. If you are like me, sometimes that number makes you cringe. How much of that time was purposeful? How much was mindless scrolling? How can I do better?

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Topics: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Teacher Resources, Technology, Trends, Resources, Authentic Learning, Social and emotional learning, Activities, Hands-on Learning

Teacher tips for a new school year

Posted by Admin on August 15, 2019

Updated 6/11/24

The first day of school is right around the corner. Can you believe it?! For both students and teachers, the first day can be a mix of emotions – but take a deep breath because we’ve got you covered.

We asked educators on social media to share their best practices for embarking on their first day of school, and with those answers, we crafted simple yet practical tips for you.

It’s never too early to start preparing for the new year. So, before your classroom is full of kids and excitement, try using some of these tips and tricks to start your school year off on the right foot. Remember, the first couple of days can set the stage for the rest of the year, and we want this to be your best year yet! So, let’s jump in!

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, Elementary School, High School, Teacher Resources, Culture, Teacher Development, Social and emotional learning, Professional Development

Encouraging self-esteem, growth mindset is important for today’s students and future workforce

Posted by Tommy Ly on May 21, 2019

Updated 6/13/24

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month and an opportunity to raise awareness and take stock of the emotional health of our teens. Most everyone is a parent, aunt, uncle, teacher, or a friend of a teen. Or maybe you’re like me, with little ones that will someday be teens. We all have a stake in the emotional health of kids, so here are the skills that teens will need to stay strong. 

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Social and emotional learning, Future Ready, 21st Century Skills, Workforce Development