When I started college as a freshman 4 years ago, I was overwhelmed with the possibilities of my future. I had no idea what I wanted to do, and it felt like college would last an eternity; in a way, I was hoping it would. I remember having to remind myself that change can be challenging, but with change comes new opportunities. Today, I smile when I think about how nervous I was for my first day of classes and feel proud of how far I have come to find who I am.
This is teacher appreciation week, and for me maybe the most impactful one I’ll ever have. Teachers shape us more than we realize, and in ways that ultimately influence your life for decades to come. For me, one stands out by far – who happens to be “hanging it up” this year. Tim Shipp will retire from teaching this year, but his influence will continue for many years to come.
PSA: My birthday is this week. (Yes, I am very big on birthdays- even as an old lady.) Do you know what else is this week? Teacher Appreciation Week. And in this day and age, I believe it’s critical that we focus on EDUCATOR Appreciation Week. Why, you ask? Well, how many people influence your child every single day? And, we are not only facing a teacher shortage in our schools today, but we are also facing a shortage of every single person who could make a difference for your child during his or her day at school. Don’t you think it’s worth a few minutes of your time to say thank you?
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 was an experience that totally overloaded the senses, and seemed to blur the line between illusion and reality…
Today’s learners will be tomorrow’s leaders, and the conversations that unfold within the classroom serve as the bedrock upon which students will build their lives in the years ahead. While from the outside, the roles of educator and student as giver vs receiver of knowledge (respectively) is clear, we as educators know that we learn as much from our students as they learn from us (sometimes more)…
As a New England resident, fall is something I’ve always looked forward to. Beautiful leaves, pumpkin carving, hot cider, creative costumes, cozy sweaters, warm fires, crisp mornings and even crisper apples…what’s not to love! With back-to-school craziness settling down a bit you’re likely getting into a groove with your students and are looking at fun ways…
From the 15th of September through the 15th of October, we at National Geographic Learning join the nation in celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month. During this time, we celebrate the rich culture of Hispanic and Latinx communities that’s seen through the lens of National Geographic Explorers, authors, teachers and learners…
In recent years, the emergence of classroom technology has revolutionized traditional K12 learning environments. From the way students learn to the way instructors teach, using technology is standard in every classroom in America. The accessibility of digital platforms provide a wealth of benefits for not only students but for teachers. The ability to have all classroom information at your fingertips, no matter where you are, is an essential part of a successful learning experience…
It’s the first day of school. You’ve welcomed students into the classroom with high fives, fist bumps, smiles, air hugs, and handshakes. You have gone over the classroom procedures and developed classroom rules. Now it is time to put some faces to the names and get to know your students. Or maybe you are a few weeks in, and just want to know a little more about your students to start tailoring lesson content to students’ interests. What can you do? Here are some fun and exciting ice breakers that help you get to know your students!
Students write down two true things about themselves and one lie. Students take turns one by one, and the class must guess which statement is the lie. Ask students to elaborate if any of their true facts stumped the class!
Create a list of Would You Rather situations, such as “Would you rather be a deep sea explorer or an astronaut?” or “Would you rather be in history class or math class?” Or get creative and have more fun with it, such as “Would you rather be surrounded by snakes or surrounded by spiders?” or “Would you rather skydive or snorkel?” Break students into groups with the same sets of Would You Rather questions. Have them discuss and come up with their individual answers. Encourage students to argue for their choice! Then bring the class back together and choose your favorite ones to discuss as a group. Ask students whether they agree or not, encouraging students to voice their opinions.
Students must think of one fun fact to share about themselves. Bring groups of 5 or so students up to the front of the room and have them hand you their fun facts. Read them all, then read them one at a time while the class guesses whose fun fact is whose. Anyone comfortable with sharing more about their fun fact can elaborate on it. Be sure to have some examples ready about yourself that can help students think!
Write short questions on a large beach ball or any other type of softer ball that can get tossed around the room and easily be caught. Ask students about their favorite sport to watch or play, favorite activity, how many siblings do they have, favorite subject or anything you can think of to spark conversation. Students toss the ball around the room, and whatever question their left thumb lands on is the question they must answer. They can even toss the ball to you to learn about you!
Divide students into groups and have them make a list of 5-10 things that they all have in common. Encourage them to think outside the box. Then have them decide if they think anything on their list is unique to their group.
From all of us at National Geographic Learning, welcome to the new school year! We wish you a safe and healthy year.
March is Women’s History Month (WHM), a month dedicated by the U.S. and several other countries around the world to celebrate women. In 2023, we celebrate the 36th anniversary of this occasion, with U.S. Congress having designated the entire month of March in 1987, extending it from a week-long celebration, coinciding with International Women’s Day.