Tag: writing
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The Final Boss: Finding the Grit to Master Critical Thinking
Walking into an arcade as a youth, I often had a pocket full of quarters and a singular mission: defeat M. Bison in Street Fighter II. He was the ultimate final boss, a character so difficult that he seemed to anticipate every move I made. There were moments of genuine frustration where the modern terms…
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Tech That Helps Deepen Understanding: Beyond the Worksheet with Snorkl
The goal of technology integration in the classroom is not simply to replace old tools but to deepen student learning and engagement. When it comes to ELA grammar skills, like proper comma usage, teachers often rely on traditional worksheets. But what if a tool could take those practice questions and elevate them from a simple…
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From Speaking to Writing: Boosting Reasoning with Snorkl
Helping students master argumentative writing can be a significant challenge. Educators often observe that students can find a claim and gather evidence, but struggle with the reasoning. Developing strong reasoning, the bridge that connects the evidence back to the main claim, requires practice. I recently had a wonderful opportunity to co-teach an 8th grade English…
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Unplugged Algorithms: A Pencil and Paper Path to Computational Thinking
While algorithmic thinking is a cornerstone of computer science, its value extends far beyond coding. At its heart, it is a method for thinking critically and strategically, breaking down complex problems into manageable, logical steps. Promoting this skill in subjects such as history, ELA, science or math is a fantastic way to deepen student engagement…
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Super Mario, Algorithms, and Iterative Writing
Getting technology into the classroom can open up amazing learning possibilities, and sometimes the coolest lessons come from places you might not expect. I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Mrs. Garges, a fourth-grade teacher, on a project that showed just how powerful a classic video game can be for teaching computer science ideas…
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Loops, Choices, and Pigs: How One ELA Lesson Brought Computer Science to Life
What if your students could play through a story instead of just reading it? That’s exactly what one innovative lesson invites them to do—by transforming a classic literary tale into a role-playing game using nothing more than index cards, markers, and a whole lot of imagination. Designed for upper elementary grades, though adaptable for younger…
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Love NotebookLM? Check out the New Mind Map Feature!
Ever wish you could take a pile of teaching resources and magically turn them into a clean, organized visual for your students—or yourself? Good news: NotebookLM just launched a Mind Map feature, and it’s a game-changer for simplifying complex concepts in your classroom! First, what is NotebookLM?It’s an AI-powered tool from Google that helps you…
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Supercharge Your Classroom: Make Daily Writing Fun and Meaningful with Short Answer
Looking for a simple way to get your students writing more every day—without adding to your workload? Want to build a classroom culture where kids aren’t afraid to make mistakes, love learning from each other, and keep trying even when it’s tough? Meet Short Answer—a fun, interactive platform that gets students excited about writing in…
