Catholic Teachers' Lounge

Movie producers know the impact of environment when telling a compelling story, but rarely do we think about the sensory impact of our classroom setting to optimize learning and engagement. Hear more from a creative math and economics teacher.

The day after the eclipse, take a moment to look at what you do and how you do it with a new set of eyes. It’s easy to stick to your routine with trusted resources, but we can’t afford not to keep trying new things or re-envisioning old things.

Making memories with the unique and historic eclipse before, during or after the 8th with art, science and study projects.

Bring lessons to life with engaging activities that incorporate movement into learning, understanding and memorization.03

Managing the post spring break Easter energy level is an annual challenge for teachers as schools head into the end of year homestretch.

Lent is not about being perfect. It’s normal to fall short. This powerful lesson provides an opportunity to learn from shortcomings in all aspects of our life as we adjust on the fly. From humility stems gratitude.

The temptations students face don’t stop after Lent. Recognizing and supporting students in their journey of faith is an opportunity and responsibility for all teachers to make a difference.

Temptation impacts everyone — students and teachers alike. Lent is a wonderful opportunity to reassess and evaluate our own lives, personally and professionally.

What is the morning routine that gets you in the right frame of mind every time?

Bringing Math to life takes more than numbers — whether you are using shaving cream as a home made white board or tackling word problems using reading techniques.

When do you stop the teaching train to make sure a student understands a key concept vs. just moving on to the next concept and assume the student will do enough to pass the class? What’s the best technique to ensure the student’s foundation is solid before moving on?

Teacher Elizabeth D’Aurora asks for feedback on her practice of hearing every 3rd grade student recite memorized prayers — including non-Catholic students. It is a logistical challenge as well as an evangelization opportunity.

What is the role and value of tactile learning in the classroom? Whether it is a science experiment or simply practicing handwriting, fine motor skills play a role in brain development. How does that compare to the emphasis on technology in the classroom?

Technology has always been a double edge sword. Strategically minimizing screen time while maximizing engagement with digital tools is an ongoing conversation and experiment. Join the dialogue!

Tough talk on the reality of partnering with parents when it comes to school policies and missing classroom time. Are we empowering bad behavior or we effectively collaborating with families? Who suffers the consequences of parent decisions and whose responsibility is it to solve?

Making time for connecting with kids (and their families) outside the classroom at sporting events, school performances and other activities take relationships to a new level as you show interest in the kids representing themselves and their school.

Breaking up grade levels with the creation of house communities for students to grow and connect in new and different ways with other students at different ages and stages. Can be themed by saints or other topics with extra service, competitions, and events.

It’s important for students to see teachers as real people with real talents beyond being subject matter experts. Learn about the possibilities surrounding a Day of Engagement where teachers put away the books and allow students to pick and choose talent demonstrations from teachers and staff.

Student engagement has to be deeper than simply a desire to please the teacher. When the stakes are higher, we see students perform better and with more effort. Opportunities abound with online publication of writing or art — or even the tried and true science fair with outside judges. It can be a lot of work, but the spotlight of real life applications can help every student shine.

In addition to presenting content to students, there are many flexible ways to allow students to present the contact back to the teacher. Opening the door to adaptive technology and adaptive measurements can be a game changer for many smart kids who struggle with the typical process.

Universal Design is not a methodology, but instead it is a mindset or awareness. Many teachers are practicing it in some forms. Representation is a great example, as teachers consider how a variety of students will perceive content differently — whether it is the lesson itself, the homework or basic instruction.

Student engagement is the holy grail of every classroom. Historically, differentiation was identified as the path to successfully connecting with every child, but this is not sustainable for even the best teachers. Instead, focusing on elements of universal design for learning can bring great habits and tactics to every topic.

“This shouldn’t be so hard.” “This shouldn’t take so long.” But it’s never really about the homework. Stress, feeling tired and overwhelmed, clunky technology or whatever the real reason, calls for special grace for all involved.

Engaging kids in mock trials of real issues to explore empathy, understanding and facts is a great way to bring the classroom to life. Hear more about one theology teacher’s mock trial for those responsible for Jesus’ murder.

Teaching the youngest of our schools can bring out the best and worst of all of us, but it serves as a microcosm of teaching at any grade. Hear more about the long term impact of a science teacher’s ability to bring out the wow for pre-schoolers. Transformation prior to knowldge is always a winning combination!