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Edutopia

@edutopia.org

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Sharing what works in education. ✨ Edutopia is an initiative of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Edutopia.org | Check out our new Ask & Answer community forum: https://www.edutopia.org/ask-and-answer

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Edutopia @edutopia.org · 7d

Our latest resource collection is here! 🤩

It’s packed with teacher-tested insights on everything tech integration, from setting effective routines and choosing the right tools to knowing when to step back and unplug.

#EdTech #EduAI #EduSkyAI #EduSky

The Thoughtful Teacher’s Tech Integration Playbook

This collection of articles and videos offers teacher-tested advice on everything from setting up effective routines and choosing the right tools to knowing when to step back and unplug.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 3h

“Most teachers have experienced those unforgettable moments when everything clicks. Students are fully engaged and the classroom hums with energy. Time flies. Everyone is learning, connecting, and creating. It’s working!”

A veteran educator shares tips for designing lessons like this ☝️

#EduSky

Fresh Approaches to Instructional Design

An educator with 20-plus years of experience on crafting creative and energizing lessons.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 4h

How to address 5 common worries holding students back in class discussions! 💬

#EduSky

Overcoming Student Fears Surrounding Class Discussions

Teachers can increase participation in student-led dialogues such as Socratic seminars by addressing common sources of anxiety.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 5h

This super simple change in language can help students embrace productive struggle! 🙌

#EduSky

One Word to Drop From Your Teacher Vocabulary

A simple change in language can show students how mistakes are useful and how struggle can be productive.

www.edutopia.org

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 6h

Great warm-ups can spark student interest and learning! 🔥 Check out these teacher-tested openers for middle and high school:

#EduSky #MiddleSchool #HighSchoolTeacher

How to Engage Students the Moment They Enter the Classroom

Openers matter and set the tone for the lesson that follows. Here’s how to start strong when you need to.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 9h

Want a simple way to build students’ cognitive and executive function skills? Ask them these questions whenever you give them directions! ✂️

#EdutopiaVideos #EduSky

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 14h

From block building and mapmaking to charting character journeys, try these classroom activities to help students strengthen their spatial skills! 🗺️

#EduSky

9 Ways to Teach Spatial Thinking Across the Curriculum

Strong spatial skills are critical for everyday tasks and across many careers—they also strengthen students’ math performance.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 16h

🧡 @steelethoughts.bsky.social

“The most important qualities of any educator are not adequately captured on a resume. It is hard to quantify passion, energy, dedication, patience, perseverance, and love… but in the classroom… those qualities make all the difference in the world.” —Danny Steele, Educator

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 1d

Even math experts stumble when their working memory is overwhelmed. Here how you can lighten the load without watering down the work. ✖️

#MathSky #ITeachMath #EduSky

7 Research-Backed Ways to Boost Working Memory in Math

Short-term memory is finite and fills up quickly. Here are 7 ways we can free up space for clearer-headed mathematical thinking.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 1d

Strike a balance between teacher-led and student-led learning with these small classroom shifts! ⚖️

#EduSky

Small Shifts to Limit ‘Teacher Talk’ and Increase Engagement

Guiding students to regularly direct their own discussions brings academic rewards as they gain confidence working independently on challenging tasks.

www.edutopia.org

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 1d

This spreadsheet can help you:

🤝 Build relationships with students
💬 Easily share information with substitute teachers
🪜 Ensure learners get the supports they need

Save a copy of it to use in your classroom!

#EduSky

A One-Page Chart to Support Every Student Every Day

Teachers can use this spreadsheet—free template included—to track accommodations and strengths to keep students on track and motivated.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 1d

Early-career teachers: Looking for classroom management tips, assessment ideas, and pointers for working with parents?

Our Starter Pack of Resources for New Teachers has it all! ✨

#EduSky #NewTeachers

A Starter Pack of Resources for New Teachers

We’ve gathered some of the best resources for new teachers in one place!

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 1d

We heard you could use some new brain break activities to keep your elementary students focused! Check out these tried-and-true ideas. 🧠💡

#BrainBreaks #EduSky #ElementaryTeacher

9 Brain Breaks for Elementary Students

To boost creativity and productivity, take time out for movement, calming exercises, and a healthy dose of fun.

www.edutopia.org

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 1d

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The Educator's Guide to Iced Coffee: An illustrated flowchart, with icons next to each step. Become a teacher (diploma and graduation cap), Pour hot coffee (espresso pot), Go to school (car), Get lost in teacher duties (notebook, pencil, stars, dizzy spiral), Forget about coffee (clouds/thought bubbles), Drink it cold (mug of coffee with snowflakes around it)

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

“During the many times in a day when we ask kids to follow directions, we can turn to their imaginations for positive outcomes,” educator Jocelyn Greene says. Here are 5 fun games that can reinforce classroom routines! 🎉

#ClassroomManagement #EduSky

The Surprisingly Positive Effect of Drama Games on Classroom Management

Young students are more likely to remember school routines around things such as lining up if guided play is involved.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

These strategies will help teachers reset boundaries and repair relationships if classroom dynamics have become dysfunctional.

#EduSky #ClassroomManagement #SchoolLeaders

When the Teacher-Student Relationship Breaks Down

These strategies will help teachers reset boundaries and repair relationships if classroom dynamics have become dysfunctional.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

Consistency, compassion, and high expectations for every child—here are 4 things that characterize the warm demander approach. 🧡

#EduSky #ClassroomManagement

4 Characteristics of Outstanding ‘Warm Demander’ Teachers

The dispositions and priorities of teachers who hold high expectations for every child, care deeply, and help them reach their academic potential in a structured environment.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

34 Ways to Quiet a Rambunctious Class: edut.to/4ntGo5X

23 Ways to Quiet a Chaotic Middle School Class: edut.to/4q8h6fw

30 Ways to Bring Calm to a Noisy High School Classroom: edut.to/4o2t9sD

34 Ways to Quiet a Rambunctious Class

From “Silent 20” to imaginary marshmallows, these teacher-tested strategies for all grade levels can help you snap an unruly classroom back to attention.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

These resources can help you calm the chaos in your classroom! 👇

#EduSky

Sticky note held up against a background of trees and blue sky. It says, "Reminder: We all have chaotic days. Your routines will help students grow!"

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

Math isn’t just about answers—the process matters, too. These strategies spotlight reasoning and reveal student thinking. ✖️💭

#MathSky #ITeachMath

7 Ways to Get Math Students to Show Their Thinking

Math isn’t just about answers—the process matters, too. These strategies spotlight reasoning and reveal student thinking.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

Do your students worry about being wrong in class discussions? About not having enough to say? Here are 5 student worries about discourse—and how to address them. 💬

#EduSky

Overcoming Student Fears Surrounding Class Discussions

Teachers can increase participation in student-led dialogues such as Socratic seminars by addressing common sources of anxiety.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

Fluency doesn’t always equal comprehension. You can help students grasp complex texts with a simple small-group activity called role reading. 📚⭐

#literacy #EduSky

60-Second Strategy: Role Reading

By giving each student a job to do when tackling complex text, teachers help ensure that students actually understand what they are reading.

www.edutopia.org

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 2d

— @marcusluther.bsky.social

“A kid said something funny in class today and the entire room, myself included, burst out laughing and could not stop for several very long, very joyous minutes. I was in tears.

That won’t show up in any data sheet, but it matters too.” —Marcus Luther, Teacher

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 3d

Brain breaks aren’t a pause in the learning process. They’re a crucial part of it. 🧠 Check out more than a dozen ideas for high school students!

#HighSchoolTeacher #EduSky #BrainBreaks

17 Brain Breaks Tailored for High Schoolers

As high school students navigate more rigorous academic tasks and denser curricular material, the occasional 3-to-5-minute break delivers a wide range of benefits.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 3d

Want to support working memory in your classroom? We have 5 research-backed tips to help. 🧠🤝

#EduSky

Optimizing Working Memory in the Classroom

Research shows that distractions, confusing material, or an overwhelming amount of information can tax a student’s working memory. Here’s how to better support this essential executive function.

Edutopia @edutopia.org · 3d

On your mark, get set, learn! 🏃 Discover class openers to engage *all* of your students.

#EduSky #MiddleSchool #HighSchoolTeacher

How to Engage Students the Moment They Enter the Classroom

Openers matter and set the tone for the lesson that follows. Here’s how to start strong when you need to.