Cool Cat Teacher Blog is at coolcatteacher.com

Class sizes can be large and when the class is learning another language, the size can be unwieldy. Providing individualized formative feedback is so difficult.  As a Spanish 2 teacher, I face an enormous challenge. I need to give my students constant feedback as they acquire new vocabulary. I want them to pronounce words correctly and develop meaningful communication skills. In this blog post, I’ll share how  Speakable has helped me improve my classroom . It has also allowed me to help my students continuously improve their Spanish-speaking skills. Sponsored by  Speakable . All opinions are those of Dawne Beck and Vicki Davis. Even with access to digital platforms and tools that let students record themselves, I’ve found myself in the past facing the cumbersome process of grading. I also had to give individualized corrective instruction. Often by the time I grade and return assignments, I’ve already moved on to the next concept to meet standards and pacing.    ...

Teaching writing can feel challenging in today’s world of short attention spans and AI-generated text—but it doesn’t have to be! In this encouraging episode, author and professor Nancy McCabe joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share six creative strategies that help students rediscover the joy of writing. From 10-minute free writing sessions to outdoor field trips and imitating great authors, Nancy shares proven ideas that work for every age. She also explains why mistakes and “messy drafts” are not problems to fix—but signs of authentic thinking and growth. Sponsored by Speakable — the AI tool that helps language and reading teachers assign speaking tasks, give instant feedback, and save time grading. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/speakable . 🎙️ Listen now to discover: Why free writing unlocks creativity and confidence How turning points and sensory details make stories come alive Ways to connect reading and writing through imitation Why taking wri...

Learning a new language can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! In this inspiring conversation, Spanish teacher Dawne Beck joins host Vicki Davis (Cool Cat Teacher) to share practical ways to create a l ow-anxiety, high-engagement classroom where students actually enjoy speaking another language. From using game-based learning and storytelling to integrating AI pronunciation tools like Speakable, Dawne explains how to build students’ confidence while keeping the focus on communication over perfection. She also discusses strategies for helping third-language learners and students who feel self-conscious about speaking in class.  Sponsored by  Speakable . All opinions are those of Dawne Beck and Vicki Davis. 🎙️ Listen now to discover: How to lower anxiety in your language classroom Simple ways to use laughter and games for learning What “CAPT” (Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training) means for teachers How AI feedback tools like Speakable can save time and build...

My students asked me about the Adam Raine wrongful death suit. Parents have asked me. So, I had to spend some time digging into the issues there and how I will be part of the solution. Part of protecting kids from their favorite 'homework helper.' We should all be concerned, and I look forward to continuing to learn and converse about the issue of our times as it relates to children. Show notes and resources: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/chatgpt-wrongful-death-suit   Check out this episode!

Teachers often feel pressured to say “yes” to everything. Dr. Brad Johnson shares why assertiveness is the secret to avoiding burnout and thriving in your teaching career and how you can do it in a way that you're not considered negative. 3 Takeaways: • Assertiveness is about healthy boundaries, not aggression. • Saying “no” is essential to teacher self-care. • Administrators and teachers both benefit from assertive communication. Growth Reflection: How do you set healthy boundaries as an educator? Show Notes Link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e914   Check out this episode!

Too many kids see math as boring or irrelevant. Tinashe Blanchet shares how creative, real-world projects like scale models can help students engage deeply with math while still hitting standards. Read more: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e913 3 Takeaways: • Scale models and PBL connect math to real life. • Measurement is often the weakest test area—but projects can fix that. • Teachers can start small with PBL, even in tight schedules. Growth Reflection: How have you used projects to make math more engaging? Show notes link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e913 Check out this episode!