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The science of attention explains why learning cannot happen without focus—and why one teacher can make all the difference. Learn how to understand the science of attention and help students learn. This episode is an extended episode shared from my other podcast/radio/TV show: Cool Cat Teacher Talk. I'm sharing it because it is helpful, but also because I share a very special story at the end. - I hope you enjoy! - Vicki In this episode, host  Vicki Davis  sits down with  Myriam Da Silva , AI ethicist, neuroeducation leader, and CEO of  CheckIT Learning , to explore how attention actually works in the brain and what that means for today’s classrooms. Rather than telling students to “just pay attention,” this conversation breaks down the different states of attention, why sustained focus is biologically limited, and how teachers can design lessons that align with how the brain learns best. You’ll hear practical, research-based strategies teachers can use immediatel...

Every child can become a reader — but only when we build strong foundational skills. In this episode, literacy consultant Jennifer Burns explains the “Fundamental Four” every student needs to read with confidence: seeing like a reader, hearing like a reader, thinking like a reader, and believing they are a reader. Whether you teach early learners, support struggling readers, or want practical strategies to strengthen reading instruction, Jennifer shares clear, teacher-ready ideas you can use right away. You’ll learn how to improve eye training and decoding, how to reduce reading fatigue, how to build a positive reading identity, how to use text variety to boost comprehension, and what high-performing schools do differently in literacy. 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 . This conversation brings clarity, encouragement, and ...

What if math could feel like play? 🎲 In this inspiring episode, mathematician and educator Dan Finkel —founder of Math for Love —joins Vicki Davis, the Cool Cat Teacher , to explore how curiosity, productive struggle, and play can make math more meaningful and fun for every learner. Discover how to start math lessons with questions, why struggle builds deeper understanding, and how to help students fall in love with problem-solving again. Perfect for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to make learning joyful. 📘 Show Notes & Links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e919   🧲 Sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by Clixo —the award-winning magnetic play system that turns 2D shapes into endless 3D creations! Perfect for makerspaces, STEM labs, and creative kids at home. See https://www.clixo.com/pages/target/   🎧 Subscribe and listen to more episodes of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode!

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.    ...