Essential Teaching and Learning

                                                                                                             Copyright (C) 2022 Scott B. Freiberger By Scott B. Freiberger It’s not difficult to fathom why facts and figures may not be the triggers for light-hearted classroom banter.  Many students remain uneasy uncovering utterly abstract facts and seemingly inconsequential suppositions.  How can we make math more relevant?  Perhaps more importantly, what steps can we take to create more inclusive mathematics classrooms, especially as it pertains to gender equality?  In addition, what supports can we offer struggling studen...

  (C) 2019 Scott Freiberger       Taipei 101 provides perspective the way schools should consider unobscured learning overviews and curriculum road maps. By Scott B. Freiberger With conflicting connotations and myriad misunderstandings regarding online and blended learning, what should school leaders do to ensure an exceptional academic year?   How could colleagues show concern, continue to collaborate, and coalesce effectively in blended or remote learning environments?   Finally, how do we ensure emotional balance for all while maximizing student achievement?   Here are six steps to consider for instructional success.   1. Plan for Instructional Success First, with the new school year well underway, staff members should have a clear focus, and collaborate to create a safe, welcoming, compassionate environment.   An Understanding by Design (UbD) framework could help guide instruction and the knowledge and skills students ...

    (C) 2020 Scott Freiberger Albert Einstein had wittily posited, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  With the pernicious pandemic still ongoing the world over, what are some unique ways to engage students and spark creativity?  In addition, how can educators continue to focus students on studies and motivate them to strive?  Here are five keys to unlock creativity in new normal classrooms.  1. First Chapter Fridays First, consider First Chapter Fridays , a novel notion to titillate tots and teens alike with terrific tales.   Introduce students to new genres and stories by reading the first chapter of a book.   Then, if the information piques interest, provide opportunities for students to peruse these tales on their own time.   There are also abundant online options available, such as Storyline Online , Epic Reads , and Stories for Kids . 2. Calm Down Corner Next, supporting students as they introduce ideas, reflect on feeling...

                                                       Photo credit: (c) 2008 Scott Freiberger By Scott B. Freiberger Hate has no place .                                                              Not the color of your face. Not religion, gender, race. Judge me for who I am . Hate has a name. And it says we’re all the same. Yes, we know it’s very lame. Judge me for who I am . See me knocking on your door, But you’re looking at the floor. Is human kindness such a chore? Judge me for who I am . Inspired by recent world events, help children learn about equality and civil rights , global citizenship , ...