E-learning can present many challenges. Chief among these is the struggle to find resources to help us with a specific instructional goal that effectively supports distance learning.  Below are resources listed underneath the instructional purpose best supported by these digital tools. 1. Whole Group Discussions, Lessons, & Morning Meetings First, ask yourself if you want to have […]

Do you dream of a classroom library that would make Belle delirious with nerdy joy? As a teacher living on a teacher’s salary, it is challenging to grow your classroom library. Here are 9 quick tips that helped me gather THOUSANDS of texts for my library. 1. Advertise your quest to ALL Post on your […]

Are you a huge PD nerd? Me too. As  Project Based Learning facilitators, growing our toolboxes through PD sometimes is as natural as breathing.  Other times, it can feel overwhelming to decipher the “just okay” resources from the “pedagogy-altering” ones. Whether you are new to PBL or a veteran, here are a few resources that […]

Social studies and autumn are a perfect curriculum marriage. This time of year is rich in opportunities to teach our students history and civics. But how can we, as PBL facilitators, use this time of year to help guide the creation of high-quality, rigorous, and historically responsible units?  The suggestions below are just a few […]

Once you understand the purpose of an “I Wonder” board, beginning one in your classroom can be intimidating. No matter the method for implementing your board, you will find these three steps helpful in ensuring the success of your “I Wonder” board. 1. Re-Teach Students About Curiosity Children are naturally born with curiosity and a tendency towards inquiry.  […]

An “I Wonder” board is an effective tool of inquiry in most STEM/STEAM, Inquiry Based, and Project Based Learning classrooms. However, an “I Wonder” board can be implemented, and effectively used, with any instructional approach. As a PBL coach and workshop facilitator, I often encourage teachers to use an “I Wonder” board to dip their toes into the waters of student-led inquiry. To develop inquiry in […]

Are you thinking about using the Project Based Learning approach with your students or in your homeschool? Knowing how to begin can be challenging and overwhelming. Here are 5 quick tips for getting started with PBL. 1. Establish Your Reason Project Based Learning (PBL) can be more work than traditional teaching. It is a fact many veteran PBL teachers […]

Voting is a crucial component in any Project Based Learning classroom. As a foundational skill, it is an element of PBL that often does not get enough direct instruction. According to the New York Times, fewer than half of Americans between the ages of 18-29 voted in the 2016 presidential election. The article went on to state that one of the factors that […]

Project Based Learning in an elementary classroom is a powerful engagement tool. But after a long break, or several school cancellations, students often forget their excitement about the unit’s topic.  A ‘re-entry’ even offers facilitators the opportunity to breathe life back into a PBL unit. When do I need a ‘re-entry’ event? After a lengthy testing window […]

How can texts support a PBL unit? Integrating ELA and PBL can feel challenging. But these few examples will help you tackle effectively and authentically integrating texts into your PBL plans. 1.  As an Entry Event Texts are a great way to introduce a problem or challenge to students and kickstart a PBL brainstorming session. Possible texts to […]