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23Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

My thoughts on involving parents with ClassDojo

Key takeaways ClassDojo enhances parent engagement by providing real-time insights into their child's behavior and progress, fostering a stronger home-school partnership. Active parental involvement positively impacts children's confidence and motivation, reinforcing their learning experiences. Effective communication strategies, such as setting clear expectations and encouraging dialogue, help build trust and collaboration between parents and teachers. Challenges like unequal access to technology and potential misinterpretations of updates require ongoing reflection and adjustment from educators to maintain meaningful connections. Understanding ClassDojo for Parents ClassDojo is a communication platform designed to connect teachers, students, and parents in real-time. When I first introduced ClassDojo to the parents in my class, I noticed how it opened a new window into the classroom experience for them. Have you ever wondered how a simple app could transform the…

23Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

Lesson Plans

Key takeaways Inclusive lesson plans go beyond diverse materials; they create engaging experiences that validate every student's unique background and needs. Classrooms that embrace diversity foster empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for personal and academic growth. Key principles of inclusive planning include seeking out missing voices, prioritizing adaptability, and engaging in ongoing reflection to address barriers to inclusion. Practical steps for inclusivity involve incorporating student feedback, offering diverse engagement methods, and creating a supportive community among educators. Defining inclusive lesson plans Inclusive lesson plans, to me, are more than just a checklist of diverse materials; they are carefully crafted experiences that welcome every student’s unique background and needs. I remember designing a lesson once where I realized that by simply including examples relevant to my…

20Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

How I collaborated with Teach for America volunteers

Lesson Plans

Key takeaways Activist teachers are advocates for justice, blending academic growth with social consciousness in their classrooms. Teach for America's mission emphasizes educational equity and leadership development, encouraging volunteers to view themselves as changemakers. Successful collaboration thrives on shared goals and open communication, leading to enriched educational projects and mutual growth. Reflecting on collaborative experiences highlights the importance of patience, listening, and personal growth in the journey towards educational justice. Understanding activist teacher roles Understanding activist teacher roles starts with recognizing that these educators are more than just conveyors of knowledge—they are advocates for justice within their classrooms and communities. I’ve seen firsthand how their commitment to equity shapes not only what they teach but how they engage students in conversations about systemic challenges. Have you ever wondered what it…

20Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

How I used Seesaw to showcase student work

Lesson Plans

Key takeaways Seesaw enhances student engagement by allowing them to showcase their work, fostering pride and ownership in their learning processes. Integrating Seesaw into teaching promotes critical thinking and activism, enabling students to discuss real-world issues and involve their families in the learning journey. Effective use of Seesaw requires a balance of creative freedom and clear guidelines to ensure all students can navigate the platform successfully. Encouraging personalization in posts and facilitating peer feedback can significantly boost student motivation and community within the digital space. Understanding Seesaw for Education Seesaw for Education is much more than just a digital portfolio; it’s a vibrant space where student voices come alive. I remember the first time I saw a student eagerly sharing their art and writing—it felt like a window into their…

20Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

This is how I encouraged writing through National Novel Writing Month

Lesson Plans

Key takeaways NaNoWriMo encourages a supportive writing community, transforming the solitary nature of writing into a collective journey. Participating in writing challenges helps students build confidence, embrace imperfection, and develop consistent writing habits. Integrating flexible goals and celebrating milestones fosters motivation and encourages student ownership of their writing process. Resources that align writing with activism enhance engagement and empower students to explore important social issues through their narratives. Understanding National Novel Writing Month National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is a creative challenge that invites writers to draft a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. I remember my first NaNoWriMo experience; the daily writing goal felt daunting, yet there was something liberating about giving myself permission to write without judgment. Have you ever wondered how this pressure-cooker format can…

19Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

Student Engagement

Key takeaways Activist teacher resources empower educators to foster discussions on social justice and equity, transforming the traditional classroom experience. Skype enhances education by connecting students with global experts, making discussions more personal, engaging, and authentic. Effective preparation, including tech checks and setting clear expectations, is essential for successful Skype discussions. Encouraging open-ended questions and providing multiple ways to participate fosters richer conversations and deeper understanding among students. Understanding activist teacher resources Activist teacher resources are more than just materials; they are tools that empower educators to challenge the status quo and inspire critical thinking. I remember feeling stuck with traditional textbooks until I discovered resources that encouraged dialogue about social justice—suddenly, my classroom became a space for real change. Have you ever wondered how a simple resource can transform…

19Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

How I fostered collaboration using Microsoft Teams

Lesson Plans

Key takeaways Activist teacher resources inspire critical thinking and foster deep connections between educators and students, engaging with social justice issues. Microsoft Teams enhances collaboration by creating a seamless environment for real-time interaction and community building among educators. Collaboration in education nurtures creativity, community, and professional growth, turning teaching into a dynamic journey rather than a routine job. Structured organization within Teams, such as dedicated channels and clear roles, enhances productivity and accountability in collaborative efforts. Understanding activist teacher resources Activist teacher resources are more than just lesson plans or handouts; they are tools that empower educators to inspire change. From my experience, these resources help me connect with students on a deeper level, fostering critical thinking about social justice issues. Have you ever felt that spark when a lesson…

18Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

My personal opinion about Nearpod’s interactive lessons

Student Engagement

Key takeaways Activist teacher resources empower students to engage critically with social justice issues, transforming education into a form of activism. Nearpod's interactive features enhance student participation and emotional connection, allowing for immediate feedback and meaningful discussions. Challenges in using technology include reliance on internet connectivity and maintaining balance between screen time and personal interaction. Incorporating local and cultural artifacts into lessons increases student engagement and makes the content more relatable and impactful. Understanding Activist Teacher Resources When I first encountered activist teacher resources, I didn’t fully grasp their power beyond lesson plans. But over time, I realized they are tools that challenge the status quo and encourage critical thinking about social justice. Have you ever felt the frustration of teaching content that ignores the realities your students face? That’s…

17Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

My personal opinion about engaging with National Geographic

Student Engagement

Key takeaways Activist teacher resources, including National Geographic materials, promote critical thinking and encourage students to become engaged, empathetic citizens. National Geographic's storytelling approach connects students to global issues, making complex topics accessible and fostering curiosity. Using diverse formats and engaging activities helps accommodate different learning styles and inspires a sense of shared responsibility among students. Balancing scientific accuracy with emotional engagement is key to empowering students as informed advocates for change. Understanding activist teacher resources Activist teacher resources are more than just lesson plans or textbooks; they are tools that challenge us to think critically and inspire students to take meaningful action. From my experience, these resources help bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world impact, pushing both teachers and learners to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace change. Have…

17Jun 2025 by Lydia Prescott No Comments

My experience with creating interactive timelines

Teaching Strategies

Key takeaways Interactive timelines enhance historical learning by engaging various learning styles through multimedia elements, creating emotional connections with the material. For activist teachers, these timelines serve as tools to empower students to engage with and question traditional narratives, fostering a commitment to social justice. Effective timeline creation involves carefully selecting content, incorporating storytelling, and ensuring a clear, engaging flow to facilitate user exploration. Sharing timelines with students boosts their engagement, encourages dialogue, and promotes confidence in diverse learners as they navigate the content at their own pace. Understanding Interactive Timelines Interactive timelines breathe life into history by allowing users to explore events in a dynamic way. I remember the first time I created one—it was like watching pieces of a puzzle come alive right before my eyes. Have you…