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Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and blended learning expert, joins Vicki Davis to talk about how teachers can design better lessons with AI—without losing their essential human touch. From universal design for learning (UDL) to creating meaningful student choice, Dr. Tucker explains how AI can elevate lesson planning when used with intentionality and creativity. They discuss the limits of “AI lesson generators,” what true differentiation looks like, and why great teaching still depends on relationships, empathy, and design thinking. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Clixo, an award-winning magnetic play system that inspires creativity in classrooms and makerspaces. These flexible magnetic pieces let students design, build, and explore endless 3D creations—perfect for STEAM labs, centers, or travel. Learn more at https://www.clixo.com/pages/target   Listen and explore: How to use AI for meaningful lesson planning What teachers should not automate Building lessons tha...

 As a Mom, I have always looked for fun and engaging screen-free fun for my children. I prefer non-screen activities. I also want them to include design thinking toys that they would play with on trips. My kids are older now. So, when I got the chance to try Clixo , I brought them to school for my classroom. I work hard to bring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into my classroom. I saw the design challenges as perfect for my students who were ahead on some of our AI art projects. We really needed a screen-free break to get the kids talking. Clixo was perfect! This post is sponsored by Clixo . All opinions are my own. When I found out that Clixo won an award from TIME for one of the best inventions of 2025, my students and I had to dive in! Design Thinking that is Screen Free Fun Interestingly, we found that Clixo is very different from other rigid, hard plastic building sets. Magnets are on each side of the building pieces. The flexible pie...

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!