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What is the Learning Pit metaphor? How can this illustration be used with students to help them learn? On today's episode, fifth-grade teacher James Nottingham from the UK explains how he uses this example with his students, discusses misconceptions, and how explaining to students how the learning process works helps them grow and be more successful. With insights that bridge the gap between theory and practice, James will shed light on how facing difficulties head-on can lead to profound understanding and growth in our students. He also discusses the importance of drawing the Learning Pit correctly and how to teach it to students. This practical episode from a classroom teacher will help us explain learning to our students. As you learn about the Learning Pit, prepare to move from challenge to triumph. Show notes and full transcript:  https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e838 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to rea...

In this episode, we're diving deep into a crucial topic for every student but often overlooked in the curriculum: financial literacy. Brian Curcio joins us from Rapunzl, an organization dedicated to providing financial literacy resources for students and educators. If you've ever wondered how to prepare your students for the real-world challenges of budgeting, investing, and understanding debt, this episode is your roadmap to making money management an engaging and essential part of your teaching. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e837   Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure policy Check out this episode!

As rapidly as notebook services are changing, it is so important that its worth the risk. Today, I'll share six apps for digital note-taking and my experiences with each of them. I'll also give you a peek at my first testing of Google NotebookLM. I'll also give you tips on creating a workflow that works for you. The apps I'm covering in today's "Tech Tool Tuesday" include Evernote, Notion, OneNote, LogSeek, Apple Notes, and Google Keep as well as Google NotebookLM. We all need to find a system that works for us and we need to choose tools that align with our individual preferences and workflows. This show is also being posted to YouTube. When the video goes live, it will be posted on the blog post and show notes for this podcast episode. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e836   Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Please click here to read my full FTC Affiliate Disclosure poli...

Today we learn from an NBA player who admitted he was illiterate at age 32, learned to read, went back to college and eventually earned his master's degree. In this episode we dive into the extraordinary life of Dean Tolson, a man whose life changed from dribbling basketballs to championing education. At age 32, Dean went from the high-flying courts of professional basketball to the halls of academics, where he learned to read and achieved the unimaginable Master's degree.  Dean shares his inspiring transition from an illiterate athlete to a magna cum laude graduate; his story is not just about the victories or the setbacks; it's a powerful call to action for every listener to recognize the undeniable value of education in shaping one’s destiny. Join us as Dean Tolson unfolds the chapters of his life, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, the importance of education, and the belief in one's potential to overcome any obstacle. I played the rough cut of this episod...

In a world where the mental health of our youth is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, Dr. Brian Smith's podcast couldn't come at a more critical time. His enlightening discussion on 'The Recipe for Student Well-Being' offers a beacon of hope, laying out a clear, actionable plan for schools eager to make a positive impact on their students' lives. But what exactly are these five essential ingredients for nurturing student well-being? From empowering educators with well-being skills to fostering safe and positive learning environments, enhancing positive relationships, providing direct instruction on well-being competencies, and implementing assessment for continuous improvement, Dr. Smith's formula is both comprehensive and compelling. As we peel back the layers of his approach, it's evident that supporting student well-being goes beyond mere academic achievement. It's about creating a holistic environment where students can thrive, emotionally, ...

In today’s show, Barbara Blackburn shares about the concept of rigor in education. We discuss how rigor is not about making things harder for students, but about setting high expectations and providing support to help students achieve those expectations. Barbara also explores specific examples of rigor in math, literature, writing, science, and history, emphasizing the importance of going beyond the text and providing evidence to demonstrate understanding.We, as teachers, can focus on the process of learning and engage students in meaningful discussions and activities. Barbara also shares her website, which offers over 100 free resources for educators.(Included in the show notes.) Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Humility 00:44 Understanding Rigor 01:55 Rigor in Math 05:15 Rigor in Literature and Writing 13:39 Rigor in Science and History 15:00 Conclusion and Resources Check out this episode!

In this episode, we tackle a topic that's often whispered in the hallways of schools everywhere with a mix of disdain and necessity: worksheets. I'll admit that I have often expressed my own dislike of worksheets, so much so that I rarely use them myself. Show notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e832 However, we can all take the worksheets we do have and transform them from mere busywork as we reimagine them into dynamic, engaging learning experiences. With Linda's background in middle school math and a passion for providing practical solutions, this fresh perspective will help you (and me) see that worksheets can be an asset if used properly in the classroom instead of a hindrance. In this classroom-focused episode, join us as we explore seven innovative strategies to breathe new life into worksheets, turning them into powerful vehicles for learning and student engagement. Let's get started. A note from Vicki, your host: To celebrate the 7th anniver...

In this episode, Jesse Lubinsky, a former classroom teacher and education evangelist for Adobe, shares 10 awesome free ways that teachers can use Adobe Express in their classrooms. From using Animate from Audio to create animated reflections to using Text to Image to create generative AI art, Jesse provides practical tips and ideas for teachers to empower their students through creativity. Whether you're a seasoned Adobe user or new to the platform, this episode is packed with valuable insights and resources.   Show notes and full transcript with links:  https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e831   Check out this episode!

Imagine standing at the doorway of possibility, where every greeting and every look holds the potential to uplift a child's spirit. This heartfelt episode is guided by the unwavering believe that every student deserves to be seen and heard – truly seen – in a world where we often rush past the small yet important moments. You’ll learn about what I call - "look-listening"—seeing beyond the surface to the heart of what students communicate without words—can change the trajectory of a day, a mindset, and even a life. It's about recognizing the unspoken struggles, the quiet victories, and everything in between, with a compassion that speaks volumes without needing a single word in return. And it is more than in the classroom, our janitors and administrators can apply these principles in the hallway, our lunchroom staff can apply this in the lunchroom, our front office can apply this as they interact with students. I hope that all of us will be educators who inspire, car...