Author: sanjay

by Terry Heick Digital and social media have replaced the landscape for education. This isn’t a case of mere impact or transformation–it’s all different now. Everything–the tools, the audiences, the access to content, the data, the opportunity. And this is a displacing and replacing that will only accelerate as re-conceptualizing of the craft of teaching in light of emerging technologies and global distinctions increases. This doesn’t mean that every classroom and school and district is suddenly forward-thinking, but rather that education–and most critically, its students–have already changed, forever altering the tone and context for that education. Eventually, the systems of education…

Wherever we are, we’d all like to think our classrooms are ‘intellectually active’ places. Progressive learning environments. Highly effective and conducive to student-centered learning.The reality is, there is no single answer because teaching and learning are awkward to consider as single events or individual ‘things.’So we put together one take on the characteristics of a highly effective classroom through the idea of conditions. They can act as a kind of criteria to measure your own against–see if you notice a pattern.Read more below. Framework A Conditions-Based Model for Highly Effective Learning Environments A research-informed template for diagnosing learning environments and…

We’re excited to share the new VAI Educator’s Studio. The Van Andel Institute for Education worked with scientists to identify the top seven skills kids need in order to be successful: collaboration, communication, creative thinking, critical thinking, curiosity, perseverance, and self-direction. Then, they created resources and activities to help teachers build these skills. You can find all of the resources and activities they created in their new membership site that helps build these skills for only $19.99 for a full year! It’s perfect for grades K–8. We asked 4th grade teacher Cara Vega from Woodbury, New Jersey, to try out…

Have you ever watched as a child stares into an aquarium with awe? Whether it’s the song “Baby Beluga” or the movie Finding Nemo, kids love all things ocean! So you know they’ll be eager to dive into this collection of ocean activities and crafts. Whether it is a science experiment to learn how acid affects seashells, an art lesson where students create their own underwater scene, or a writing prompt about the ocean, students will learn all about our watery planet. Come on in … the water’s fine! Jump to: FREE PRINTABLE Science Experiment Recording Worksheet Our free printable…

This time of year, everything is merry and bright… in fact, it might be doubly bright if you live in a snow-laden state. Then again, be it summer break or winter wonderland, eye protection should always be a priority, and Sunglasses Hut wants to help teachers like you spend less on the proper specs. Teachers save 15% with Sunglasses Hut Whether you need an extra pair of sunglasses to don during sunny recesses or just use them for your commute to school, you can find all sorts of options with Sunglasses Hut. Having been around since 1971, they know what…

Yes, Susannah Keneda really pays her students to come to class. OK, not with real money, but her program, called Keneda Ka$h, is a big hit in her classroom. It started as a way for her to make consumer math more relevant, and it’s since grown into a full classroom economy.  Students earn “cash” for attendance and can get bonuses for things like bringing in extra Kleenex or attending college night at school. She has even figured out an easy way to tax students for their earnings—it should mimic the real world after all—before they can spend it. We asked…

What better way to ring in the new year than with a bunch of terrific fresh reads? We’ve scoured the reviews, and these are the new books for January 2026 we’re most excited to check out. FREE PRINTABLE January Reading Log Download this free printable to help students keep track of their reading progress throughout the month of January! Just follow the link at the button below to get yours. We Are Teachers New Fiction Picture Books in January 2026 Amazon How Many Animals Can Fit in This Book? by Natalia Yaskina According to Ant, this book is perfectly sized…

Food webs and food chains are key science topics that pop up across the elementary and middle school grades every year. But what are they, and what is the difference between the two? A food chain is a direct line of who eats whom. Food webs are more complex, involving many food chains connected together. We’ve rounded up our favorite food chain and food web activities and resources to help you introduce key vocabulary in the classroom, while building background knowledge about different ecosystems. Kids will gain an understanding of how both are necessary for the survival of all life…

by TeachThought Staff What is learned helplessness? Definition Learned helplessness is a psychological condition in which a person, after repeated failures or negative experiences, believes they have no control over situations’ outcomes and stops trying to improve or change them. Below is an example of Learned Helplessness in the classroom. Instructor: The biggest fear for an adolescent, written throughout this text, is not fitting in. Jesse, you talked about acceptance. Now, to understand how this happens, how it looks, and what it feels like, we’re going to do an activity. This is an on-your-own activity, and it’s not meant to…

Learning–real, informal, authentic, and lifelong learning–can ‘begin’ with just about anything. In that way, this is obviously not an exhaustive list. Nor am I implying that these are ‘the best’ starting points or that they would be in every case effective in your classroom. There are simply too many variables. What I hope to accomplish with this post is to help you begin to think about what ’causes’ learning–and more specifically, where and how that happens. What Causes Learning? In the real world, learning never stops but it’s not always clear that it’s happening. Or at least we think of…