Recently someone reached out to me and asked me for ideas on how they could connect outdoor learning with a community-based unit of inquiry. Many schools start year off by working towards building community within a class of school. Across early years and through elementary and even older grades, there are fairly standard activities teachers... Continue Reading →
Outdoor Education Cookbook: Grouping Leaves (Early Years Numeracy)
In an inquiry education environment, all subjects seem to form together into one. In a pre-Kindergarten Unit of Inquiry about plant life, we incorporated our numeracy. A skill we were teaching was grouping. Could our early learners, group objects in 2's, 3's and more? This is an activity you can do outdoors on the school... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast 28: Learning About Leadership – with Joshua Stamper
What makes an effective leader? How does one transition from a classroom to a leadership role? This week we chat with podcaster and educational leader, Joshua Stamper. Joshua talks about his journey from classroom teacher to educational leader at a school in the United States. He also discusses his podcast, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast 23 – Season 2 Begins
In Episode 23, Season 2 of the Making Better Teachers Podcast kicks off. Host Kevin O'Shea talks about why the podcast was quiet during the summer months and where it will be going during Season 2. Listen to the Making Better Teachers Podcast: Libsyn Player, Download Episode, iTunes / Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts Check out the Making... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast Episode 19: International Leadership
What's it like to have a leadership role in a Canadian school versus an international school? What challenges and rewards are there when someone in a leadership role transitions to an international education setting? This week we chat with Ann Marie Luce, Elementary Principal at a large international school in Beijing, China. We learn about... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast Episode 16: ALT Training and Teaching English
What is an Assistant Language Teacher and what do they do? If you're teaching English abroad, where can you get professional development? This week we chat with David Hayter from ALT Training Online. We learn about the job and free PD opportunities for teachers across Japan and elsewhere. Listen to the Making Better Teachers... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast Episode 14: The Power of the Makerspace
How can we foster creativity and problem-solving skills? How can we engage students in STEM and STEAM? One great way is through the Makerspace. This week we chat with Mike Bycraft, the Head of Design and Innovation at a major international school in Korea. He tells us about all of the amazing things he's doing... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast Episode 12: Building Community with PYPconnectED
Why is it important to build community as teachers? What are the benefits? This week we chat with David Towse. He is a technology coach based in Tokyo and the person behind PYP ConnectED. What is PYP ConnectED and how is it bringing teachers around the world together? Listen to the Making Better Teachers... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teachers Podcast Episode 9 – Teaching Design, Thinking Design
What does Design Class look like in modern middle and high schools? What do students learn and why are they learning those skills? From coding to building, students do a lot! We learn about Design in the modern classroom from Jason Reagin, Design teacher at Chadwick International School. Listen to the Making Better Teachers... Continue Reading →
Making Better Teacher Podcast Episode 7 – Student-Centered Learning
What does student-centered learning look like? Where is it going? In this episode, we speak to Tania Mansfield, PYP Coordinator at International School Ho Chi Minh City about their Studio model of student-centered learning. What is it? How was it developed and where is it going? If you're interested in innovative models of teaching... Continue Reading →