Vicki A. Davis's Blog, page 56

August 28, 2019

4 Ways to Use Improv to Teach

Mel Paradis on Episode 553

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Mel Paradis, author of Teaching Improv: The Essential Handbook, shares four ways to use Improv to teach in the classroom. Here are some fantastic ideas to share in your classroom.

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Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve. Check out e4Effort for more information and to start encouraging effort with your students. Also, check out my recent review of e...
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Published on August 28, 2019 03:18

August 26, 2019

The Oculus Quest: Why It Is a Game Changer

Jaime Donally on episode 552

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Virtual Reality is improving for use in the classroom. Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality Education Expert, Jaime Donally, thinks that the Oculus Quest is a game-changer for the classroom. From less “queasiness” to some amazing apps, Jaime explains why she thinks the Oculus Quest is such a big deal.

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Published on August 26, 2019 18:36

August 25, 2019

5 Ways to Step Back into the Classroom Better Than We Ever Were Before

Helping Kids with Emotional Dysregulation with Dr. Jody Carrington

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Students need our help to regulate their own emotions. Today, psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington helps us understand five ways we can connect with our students and help them regulate their emotions. Understanding these simple principles can help us connect, improve classroom management, and be better teachers.

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Published on August 25, 2019 19:46

The E4Effort App: Working to Add a Measurement that Works

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Today I’m writing a blog post about the E4Effort app. This system works to acknowledge and reinforce student effort during class learning activities and discussions. Think Class Dojo for older kids. 

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Published on August 25, 2019 16:03

August 23, 2019

5 Ways to Curate Texts That Inspire Readers

Julie Wright on episode 550

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Students need to be surrounded by books that inspire them to read and rejoice in books. But how do we curate those texts to inspire our readers? Julie Wright gives practical advice for librarians and all of us teachers (including me) who like to surround students with rich texts that inspire reading.

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Advancement Courses is today’s sponsor From now until September 28, Advancement Courses, an...

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Published on August 23, 2019 04:45

August 22, 2019

Equity Programs in New York State

Dr. Anael Alston on Episode 549

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Dr. Anael Alston is Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Access, Equity and Community Engagement in the New York State Education Department. He talks about what works to engage young men of color in education and his journey and passion for helping all students engage in school and do their best. If this is your heart’s passion, you’ll want to hear what Anael has to say.

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549 Anael A...

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Published on August 22, 2019 03:27

August 21, 2019

How to Give Teachers Choice in Professional Development

Meredith Akers on episode 548

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Meredith Akers is a principal who has been using some unconventional methods of teacher PD. In this episode, she talks about the revolutionary way she recently held teacher PD (using video instruction and face to face meetings) and what she learned. Let’s give teachers choice in their professional development about what they learn. Of course, we all must continue to improve our craft of...

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Published on August 21, 2019 03:35

August 20, 2019

Secrets for Fun, Engaging Computer Science that Changes Kids Lives

Alfred Thompson on episode 547

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Alfred Thompson has secrets that transform Computer Science classrooms. Yet, he shares them openly. Project-based learning. Passion-based learning. Problem-based learning. These three P’s of teaching perfection have been a mainstay in Alfred’s classroom for many years. In today’s episode, Alfred uncovers how his classroom works, the impact it has on student lives, and how his students l...

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Published on August 20, 2019 03:21

August 19, 2019

Using Amusement Parks, Mud Runs, and Escape Rooms to Inspire Your Classroom

John Meehan on episode 546

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Student engagement! We need it! Today’s guest, John Meehan, shares inspiring stories that help us use amusement parks, mud runs, and escape rooms to inspire exciting lessons in our classroom. John is the author of EDrenaline Rush: Game-changing Student Engagement Inspired by Theme Parks, Mud Runs, and Escape Rooms. Get excited. Let’s do this!

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Published on August 19, 2019 03:25

August 15, 2019

5 Ways to Step Back from Teacher Burnout

Amber Harper on Episode 545

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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In the high-stress, fast-paced job of teaching – burnout can happen to anyone. In today’s show, we talk about recognizing teacher burnout, how to get help, and steps to tackle it when it happens. Amber Harper, an expert on the topic of burnout, discusses what we can do to help ourselves be our best for our students and families.

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Published on August 15, 2019 18:09