In the latest episode of Unbox Innovation, host Michelle Dawn Mooney is joined by Evan Brus, Training and Development Specialist for EOS Education by Boxlight, to explore how educators can gear up for a tech-enhanced school year. With Evan’s rich experience in both university teaching and educational technology, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights to help you maximize new tools and navigate tech challenges. Read a few highlights from the episode. 

As the school year ends, it’s important to organize, celebrate, and plan for the summer session efficiently. Recognized as a go-to resource for teachers, especially following the COVID pandemic, Google Workspace offers a robust set of tools tailored education. This suite is designed to support and enhance what both teachers and students can do to enrich educational experiences. Here’s a guide to prepare for a summer of growth and learning using these dynamic tools. 

As we observe National Endangered Species Day, it's a reminder of the critical importance of wildlife conservation—not just today, but every day. In both school and life, understanding the significance of endangered species is essential for fostering empathy and preserving biodiversity. 

Frogs are not just fascinating creatures - they can also be fantastic tools for teaching various subjects like measurement, reading, counting, and STEM concepts. So, why not leap into this theme and make learning an exciting adventure? 

Finding innovative ways to engage students in meaningful, hands-on activities can make all the difference in the classroom. Let’s explore the immense potential of incorporating planting activities into classroom lessons, particularly for STEM education. As an educator who stumbled upon the joy of gardening during the pandemic, I can attest to the transformative power of cultivating plant life. There are numerous benefits of bringing gardening into the classroom, especially how it can foster a deep understanding of environmental care and its impact on our future. 

Building a great learning space in the classroom is important for helping students grow. Teachers can create a dynamic learning environment by incorporating learning centers. Of course, planning effective and engaging centers is wonderful on paper but the follow through takes work! Making the most of center time calls for some careful planning and smart execution. 

What methods inspire your students to write? Discover inventive strategies and unconventional approaches within Writers Workshop to cultivate resilient writers, empowering students for creative and expressive self-expression. 

Do advanced classroom audio tools contribute to inclusive teaching, learning, and accessibility? Equipped with speakers, teacher, and student microphones, these systems are essential for educators, creating a learning environment that ensures clear engagement for all students. Maximize the benefits with these user-friendly tips. 

When I embarked on my teaching career as a 4th-grade teacher in Verrado, Arizona, the vast desert landscape was a far cry from the familiar surroundings of my hometown in Detroit, Michigan. Transitioning from a state surrounded by lakes to the sparse desert evoked a deep appreciation for the resilience of the land and the communities flourishing in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. 

Today is Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day (December 8, 2023). Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day whimsically celebrates the allure of time travel, sparking curiosity and reflection on the mysteries of temporal exploration in popular culture. Seeing this day on my calendar takes me back to a special memory from my early teaching days. It was a time when I, like my students, became a time traveler of sorts. We delved into a fascinating project to celebrate our town's 100-year anniversary, a project that left an indelible mark on my teaching philosophy. 

The concept was simple yet powerful - students could choose any time frame, past or future, and create a time capsule representing that era. This not only celebrated our community's rich history but also allowed students to explore the spirit of change over time. Today I see Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on my calendar —a day that may not seem very important—it brings back memories of the happiness and positive impact such projects had on students and teachers. 

 

Application for Teachers 
For fellow educators, consider channeling the spirit of time travel in your classrooms. Encourage students to take pride in their local history by assigning a time capsule project. Share the process of the project on digital displays throughout the school campus to involve everyone in the school community. Connecting with the community's past not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the present but also creates lasting memories that stand the test of time. 

November was National Gratitude Month but it’s certainly not the only time we can reflect on how we show our appreciation. As we get ready to close the year, let’s explore the profound connection between gratitude, kindness, and the positive impact they have on our lives, relationships, and communities. While expressing thanks was integral to this month's theme, let's delve into how acts of kindness, both big and small, not only highlight gratitude but also play a crucial role in fostering positive relationships and strengthening the fabric of our communities.