Vicki A. Davis's Blog, page 97
January 25, 2018
Capturing the Really Awful Thoughts (RATs) that Eat Away at Your Success
Day 22 of 80 Days of Excellence
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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If you had a nasty rat in your house — would you feed it? Would you make a comfortable place for it to nest? Would you welcome it? Or would you TRAP IT and kill it and get it out? I hope you’d trap that Rat. Well, we all have RATs — “really awful thoughts” according to Tommy Newberry in his book The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life. Today let’s talk about dealing with...
College Admissions Tips and How To’s for Parents and Teachers
Jennifer Ann Aquino on episode 239 of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Every student is different. Finding the “perfect” college is different for every student. Don’t fall into the common traps of college admissions. Jennifer Ann Aquino talks about helping every college-bound student find their personal fit.
January 24, 2018
XplorLabs Fire Forensics: A Free STEM Module for Middle School Science
A Next Generation Science Standards Aligned Lab Activity (FREE)
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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UL Xplorlabs is making the world a safer place through science. For example, their Fire Forensics: Claims and Evidence unit is a safe way to educate middle school students about fire. This unit teaches about fire while meeting Next Generation Science Standards. Generally speaking, this free interactive STEM lab takes 2-4 days to complete and includes...
Inquiry-Based Learning in the History Classroom
Josh Eby on episode 238 of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Josh Eby shares how he uses inquiry-based learning in his history classroom. He also discusses how he’s become a better teacher after returning to the classroom after 12 years in administration and why it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Happy Wonderful Classroom Wednesday — teachers of all subjects will learn some ideas from this one. (Includin...
Avoid Squeaky Wheel Syndrome
Day 21 of 80 Days of Excellence
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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As I learned in one business in particular when I was just out of college, squeaky wheel syndrome can infect an organization. So, we’ve all heard the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” This means that the person who fusses or argues or pitches a fit is often the one that gets what they’re asking to receive. And certainly, there’s something to be said for asking for what yo...
January 23, 2018
No Storm, No Strength
Day 20 of 80 Days of Excellence
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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The trees grew long and tall in the protected biodome. Scientists marveled at their beauty, rapid growth, and height. There was only one problem. The trees were weak.
Virtual Valentines: The Global Valentine Project Sharing Love and Learning
Micah Brown on episode 237 of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Virtual Valentines are an incredible global project in February. If you want to join a group of teachers doing Virtual Valentines, you’ll want to listen to the show and sign up by February 2. Also, learn about other projects throughout the year and how teachers design these projects to meet standards. So much fun!
January 22, 2018
It is OK to be Childlike but not Childish
Day 19 of 80 Days of Excellence
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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I looked across my classroom today with childlike wonder. My students were doing something difficult. But, they deftly added binary numbers with ease. Although the subject is advanced, they say it is “easy.” Their ability fills me with joy. A big part of that joy is my perspective — stepping back in childlike wonder and seeing my students perform, know, and create. Teaching is so e...
Educating Kids for Life not for Tests
Pam Moran on episode 236 of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Pam Moran, superintendent in Albemarle County in Virginia, shares about some cool virtual reality in Virginia, some challenges with helping new teachers get started, and how she thinks education is entering a new Renaissance of creativity and innovation. Get motivated today listening to Pam. This is part 2 in our series with Pam.
Pam Moran – episode 236 edre...
January 20, 2018
The Poverty of Overcommitment: You Have to Say No So You Can Say Yes Sometimes
Day 18 of 80 Days of Excellence
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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This past Monday, Kip and I sat down with my calendar. After we added up the time for commitments, we had a heart to heart about what I could do and was called to do versus what I wanted to do. As a result, I had to say “no” to three very important things to me. I had to disappoint some people who I care about. It was hard. But one thing those who seek excellence forget — saying yes...
