We know educators are being asked to do more than ever, and educators know planning ahead is the best way to achieve your goals. As your planning partner, we want to help simplify the planning process so you head into each new school year fully prepared to engage and inspire young minds. Whether you’re […]
Search Results for: stem
Your Planning Partner, Step 1: Set Goals
The Schoolyard Podcast Episode 10: Let’s Talk About Burnout and Staff Shortages
The teacher shortage problem across the nation is indeed a pressing issue. Many schools struggle to find qualified teachers, leading to large class sizes and increased workloads for existing teachers. This, in turn, contributes to teacher burnout. In this episode, host Nancy Chung interviews Dr. Richard Warren Jr., an award-winning educator, professor, and renowned […]
Get Ahead of the Class
As the end of the school year approaches, teachers and administrators find themselves in a variety of budget discussions and considerations. Should you invest in one big purchase? Store up and stash some essential supplies? Time to update old equipment or make use of previously unused space? We’re here to help you get ahead […]
How Smart School Design Promotes Teacher Wellness
The pandemic has taken a big toll on students’ mental health, and so it’s no surprise that student wellness is a top concern among K-12 leaders. But what about the teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff who are tasked with educating students every day? COVID has been just as hard on their mental health […]
Self-Care: It’s Not Just a Theory
Changing Your Perspective Self-care is one of the most important things for personal well-being, yet professionals often report struggling with incorporating self-care in their busy lifestyles. This struggle exists because there are aspects of self-care that get left out. Self-care is believed to be something that is done outside of work or when there […]
Motivating Students to Make Movement a Lifelong Priority
As students become independent adults, there is a natural shift in priorities towards obligations, responsibilities, and a career. Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can fall to the wayside for many when priorities change. As an adult influences students’ experience with health and fitness, physical education teachers can play a crucial role in motivating […]
Healthy At-Home Activity for Kids: Edible Plant Parts
With many schools closed, families are focused on making sure children are getting the most out of at-home and distance learning. Along with academics, it’s also important to focus on staying healthy and active. One way to do that is to incorporate healthy eating habits with a fun lesson about the science of plants. […]
Second Semester Classroom Décor Refresh
Getting back into the swing of a new semester can feel a little sad when the walls that were once decorated with fun winter crafts are now barren and in need of sprucing up. One of the best ways to get yourself and your students back in the learning spirit is to give your […]
Steps for Setting & Following Through on New Year’s Goals
Motivation is the general desire or willingness to do something. It’s the drive and determination, or the how, to get something done. But motivation also includes the reasons you have for getting something done. It includes the incentive or stimulus, or the why, that you want to do something. New Year’s Day is a […]
Real Teacher Tips for Classroom Games Students Love
Playing games in the classroom is an excellent way to increase engagement and motivate students to retain information. Prizes aren’t always necessary, and games also help to build relationships between students, which is a win for everyone involved. Check out these real teacher tips for playing classroom games that students love. Classroom Game Suggestions […]
5 Back-to-School Tips and Ideas from Veteran Teachers
Back-to-school can be both an exciting and overwhelming time for teachers. There are several nuggets of advice that veteran teachers wished someone would have told them when first starting out. Here are five of them: 1. Organize Your Classroom as Soon as Possible Teachers need to organize their classrooms as soon as possible. For those who […]
How Educators Can Help Stop Summer Slide
On average, teachers spend the first three to six weeks of the new school year reviewing skills lost over summer break. Often, parents are unaware of the effects of summer slide, as illustrated by a 2014 poll by Reading is Fundamental that found only 17 percent of parents think reading should be a top […]