Category: Psychology
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Free eBook: G Words – 20 Strategies for Fostering Grit and Growth Mindset
Hi all, After months of drafting, adding, and re-writing, I’ve finally finished a collection of strategies I’ve used to help cultivate grit and growth mindset in thousands of students. This beefy 60 pager is free for anyone, no strings attached. Just click on the link below (or the “free ebook” menu option). Below the image is…
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7 Books About the Brain Every Teacher Should Read
My wife and I love to play a game called, “Y’know what blows my mind?” It consists of one of us randomly ranting about things that blow our mind — things beyond our comprehension. Outer space. How tiny humans grow inside larger humans. How our voices can be made into invisible data, thrown into the…
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What Kills Student Motivation? We Asked Them.
“What are your thoughts on student motivation?” my principal recently asked. Knowing that I have an interest in motivation, as well as a love of working with at-risk students, he wanted to know my thoughts on why our achievement gap wasn’t narrowing. As a teacher, I of course had many thoughts. But, the many thoughts…
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How Academic Risk-Taking Dies in the Classroom
Picture a baby. A fresh one. Straight out of the womb. It’s probably making a bunch of noise. It’s probably gross looking (let’s be honest: this whole “cute newborn” thing is a myth). Despite the grossness of this baby, it came into the world wired with a certain skill set. On a résumé, this baby…
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Staying Present in the Classroom: Practicing Mindful Teaching
How am I going to transition to the next lesson? What’s that smell? What am I going to have the kids who finish early do until the bell rings? Do you think any of them actually like this book? I hope our staff meeting doesn’t go long; I’ve got to get home to my puppy…
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7 Tips for Creating a More Positive Mindset
Want to take a test? Of course you do! It’s the 21st century in education; testing is all the rage. The test is about positive mindset and it’s simple. As you read this article, make a note of every word you read that rhymes with “YELLOW” (Feel free to write them down). Here we go. A teacher…
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Three Questions Worth Asking
The following is adapted from a 2014 National Honor Society induction speech I was asked to give to the students of Plainwell High School. Read on ’til the end for a personal challenge. ————————————– There’s a saying in education: “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.” Have you heard this before? I think…
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Going beyond grades: Why we HAVE to do better.
What do you think is the lowest G.P.A. I need in order to get into a good retirement home — one of those fancy ones with never-ending soft serve ice cream and Jeopardy tournaments in the common area? How many gold stars do you think I need in order say, “I’m happy”? Oooh, most importantly,…