Resilience: Helping Kids Heal After Natural Disasters

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Welcome to Cool Cat Teacher Talk Episode 6, where we dive into the essential role of teachers, parents, and communities in helping children heal from trauma. This episode focuses on supporting children impacted by recent natural disasters and life’s storms, with insights from leading educators, child psychologists, and leaders who know firsthand the challenges and power of resilience.

Many of us will have students transfer to our schools impacted by Hurricane Helene and the other many storms of this year. But whether you listen to this in 2024 or any other time, this episode is designed to help us be able to help the most vulnerable among us: our children, as we work through these issues and the times.

We learn from a research about advice on returning to school after a natural disaster and other advice from child psychologists.

As you watch, remember that every small act of kindness and support can make a difference in a child's life. Whether it’s a smile, a listening ear, or a classroom community built on understanding, these moments shape healing. I hope this episode offers both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement as we support our children.

Additionally, I include information on the things we need to teach children to prepare for a storm that I recorded after Hurricane Michael when we were without power and all of the things I needed to teach children were on my mind. If you want the TV/YouTube version of this, you'll see the pictures and videos I shot in that season to help develop empathy for what is experienced in storms of this magnitude. If you haven't experienced a storm but want to help others know how to prepare, this is something you can do by listening to this episode.

In all things, I want this to be helpful. Teaching is a difference making profession from which all other professions are born. Let's use our time with children well as teachers, coaches, parents – we are all teachers.

Watch This Episode

In today’s episode, we explore:

• Leadership can be lonely (but we have to lead anyway)
• The technology you need in a crisis (from Episode 377, recorded after Hurricane Michael)
• Dr. Steven Berkowitz’s research on trauma recovery for kids (Episode 144)
• Dr. Briana Kurtz’s findings on returning to school after natural disasters like Hurricane Maria (Episode 701)
• How to foster empathy and empowerment in children during hard times, with insights from Joe Mazza (Episode 196)

Excerpts from the Full episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast:

Dr. Steven Berkowitz September 6, 2017 Special Episode “Helping Kids Recover from the Trauma of a Storm” https://www.coolcatteacher.com/trauma /

Dr. Michael Catt March 8, 2018 Not on My Watch “When the Leader Has to Stand Alone” Used with permission from Terri Catt and Sherwood Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl0eXl0XMLM&t

Vicki Davis October 15, 2018 Episode 377 “We were hit by Hurricane Michael: What You Need to Know About Tech When You Have No Technology” https://www.coolcatteacher.com/hit-hurricane-michael-need-know-tech-no-technology/

Dr. Brianna Kurtz September 20, 2020 Episode 701 “Research on Returning to School After Natural Disasters with Dr. Brianna Kurtz” https://www.coolcatteacher.com/research-on-returning-to-school-after-natural-disasters-with-dr-brianna-kurtz/

Joe Mazza November 27, 2017 Episode 196 How Parents and Teachers Can Teach Empathy and Empowerment in the Aftermath of Tragedy https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e196/

Related Topics:

• We were hit by Hurricane Michael: What You Need to Know About Tech When You Have No Technology(Opens in a new browser tab)
• How to Help Children Recover from the Trauma of a Storm(Opens in a new browser tab)
• No Storm, No Strength(Opens in a new browser tab)
• How Mainstreet Media Steps Up When Mainstream Media Lets Us Down(Opens in a new browser tab)
• No Storm, No Strength(Opens in a new browser tab)

The post Resilience: Helping Kids Heal After Natural Disasters appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkstorm/

The Best Advice on Teacher Self Care

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter

I've had several people lately say “just breathe” and others say “take care of yourself.” But how? How do we take care of ourselves when things are so busy? How do we make the time? I typically listen to teachers but often the well-meaning advice of others falls short. So, in this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk I've put together excerpts from the most popular episodes of the 10 Minute Teacher relating to how to take care of ourselves. These “best of” excerpts are designed to inspire and encourage you.

Principal Lana Penley shares how self-care became a vital part of recovery for her school in Oregon, where resilience grew out of necessity after a devastating fire that burned the school down. Michelle Blanchet, co-author of Startup Teacher Playbook, offers insights on how understanding our frustrations is the first step to meaningful self-care. Meanwhile, Stephanie Dorsey brings us practical, sustainable self-care habits from her journey through teaching during difficult times. Tinashe Blanchet also joins, shedding light on overcoming procrastination—a challenge we all face in and out of the classroom. Finally, Sarah Parker Wolf, author of Daily Intentions for the Classroom Teacher, reminds us of the power of intentional self-care in managing the daily stresses of teaching.

Listen to Episode 5 of Cool Cat Teacher Talk: “Talking About Self Care”

With Interviews excerpted from (check the links for bios)

Tinashe Blanchet, April 15, 2024, Episode 853 “Practical Ways to Overcome Procrastination”

Michelle Blanchet, September 27, 2021, Episode 764 “Are You An Upset Teacher? How to Understand What is Wrong.”

Stephanie Dorsey, June 26, 2022, Episode 786, “6 Sustainable Self-Care Tips for Teachers”

Lana Penley, October 1, 2024, Episode 865, “How to Help Students and Schools Through Traumatic Times”

Sarah Parker Wolf, May 17, 2021, Episode 741, “How Teachers Can Be Intentional About Self Care”

Where to Watch this Show

Cool Cat Teacher Podcast will launch on November 29

• YouTube!
• WDJY 99.1FM in Atlanta on Wednesdays at 4pm
• Denver Open Media 92.9FM/89.3HD3 –
• Fairfax Public Access – Channel 36 https://fcac.org/schedule?channel=36
• PAC8 Community Media – Channel 8 New Mexico https://pac8cmc.com/tv-schedule.html
• Pacific Coast TV – Channel 26/27 – San Francisco http://pacificcoast.tv/

The post The Best Advice on Teacher Self Care appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkselfcare/

NASSP Principal of the Year: Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley the Principal of Fairfield High School in South Carolina was named the 2025 Principal of the Year for the United States by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Today we're going to talk to her about the culture transformation at her school that improved their graduation rate and built a school pride that is promoting excellence in everything they do. She also talks about school safety and how she has approached this sensitive topic. Listen to this inspiring principal and make your school a better place too.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

YouTube Video

Bio As Submitted

Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley has over a decade of success as the principal of Fairfield Central High School. She is a Transformational Leader who has positively shifted the lives of her faculty and staff and, ultimately, the educational system in Fairfield County Schools and beyond. As a transformational leader, Dr. Swilley understands the Law of Replication and has many assistant principals who were promoted to principal under her guidance.

Additionally, she has promoted teachers within her building to the role of assistant principal and has mentored principals throughout the state. She embodies leading by example to ensure that leaders beget leaders.

Dr. Swilley, most recently named the 2025 National Principal of the Year by NASSP, has received many accolades for her astounding leadership, including 2024 South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Secondary Principal of the Year, Proclamations from Fairfield County & the Town of Winnsboro, the SCAAA 2A Principal of the Year in 2023, Unity in the Community School Administrator Award in 2023, Fairfield County Coroner Outstanding Service Award in 2021, and Believers and Achievers Award in 2015. 

She is committed to advancing educational and social outcomes for those around her and is a longtime member of several professional organizations such as NASSP, SCEA, SCASA, SCAAA and ASCD. She currently serves as SCAAA 2A President, SCASA Secondary Principal Executive Committee District 2 Representative, and is a member of the Midlands Regional Educational Center Advisory Board. She is also an active member of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Swilley knows that everyone can achieve given the proper assistance and support and uses data to guide her faculty and staff in best practices to improve student outcomes. She upholds the Fairfield Central motto of Griffins Soaring for Greatness: Griffins Believe, Griffins Achieve, and Griffins Succeed. The mission that she carries out is modeling how to provide every student with quality teaching and learning experiences every day.

Twitter: @PrincipalTSwil

The post NASSP Principal of the Year: Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/nassp-principal-of-the-year-dr-tracie-anderson-swilley/

An Interesting Interview with My Principal: Meet Jonathan Dyal

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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This episode of The 10 Minute Teacher was a lot of fun. Not only did I get to interview my principal, Jonathan Dyal, but my film class, the “Sherwood Showstoppers,” filmed the interview. (I'm so proud of how much they are learning!) After a tweet I sent out in October 2023, George Couros and Allyson Apsey invited me to write a chapter about Jonathan in their book What Makes a Great Principal: The Five Pillars of Effective Leadership out this year. (You can listen to my earlier interview with George about what truly makes a great principal and the five pillars shared in the book.)

Principal Dyal shares his philosophy of walking the halls frequently to stay connected with teachers and students, emphasizing his proactive rather than reactive philosophy. We talked about his strategies to build trust with teachers and how he uses observations positively. (I like his philosophy of observations; that is what the tweet was about in the first place.)

He also discusses how he builds positive relationships with students in a way that improves student culture. This is a unique interview in that I see this firsthand and know the positive results it has when principals leave their offices, walk the halls, and spend time in classrooms. This approach is powerful, and it works!

Questions Answered in this Episode

• What is a positive approach to teacher observations that prioritizes frequent visits and low intimidation?
• How can a principal communicate expectations and provide feedback to teachers in a way that builds trust?
• What strategies can be used to help teachers feel comfortable with the presence of a principal in their classroom?
• How can a principal manage their time to ensure consistent classroom visitation despite administrative responsibilities?
• How can student relationship building have a positive impact on school culture?
• What advice does Jonathan have for other school leaders who struggle to find time for classroom visits?
• How can you balance visibility while ensuring that staff or students do not perceive your presence as punitive?

Listen to the Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Watch on YouTube

About Jonathan Dyal (Bio as Submitted)

Mr. Dyal joined the Sherwood Christian Academy leadership team as Middle/High School Principal in July 2023. He has 12 years of teaching and administrative experience in education, where he strives to follow Titus 2:7: “In everything, set them an example by doing what is good” by living out his faith daily. Mr. Dyal earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest Missouri State University in 2018 and his educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University in December 2023.

How to Get the Transcript

The easiest way to get the transcript is to go in Apple Podcasts and press the show link and a download transcript option will appear. that is the best transcript. If you do not wish to do that, you can download a transcript I created with Adobe Premiere Pro and formatted with ChatGPT. (Unfortunately I have found that sometimes ChatGPT is leaving out a sentence or word here and there and so the Apple transcripts are more accurate, but after checking. This one is pretty good.)

866 Transcript Jonathan Dyal-FINALDownload

Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.

The post An Interesting Interview with My Principal: Meet Jonathan Dyal appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/jonathan-dyal-proactive-leadership-in-education/

Personalized Mastery-Based Learning: How to Guide

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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In this episode you'll learn about a whole school that moved to personalized mastery-based learning and then you'll meet three teachers from around the US who are implementing this in their classrooms. Every teacher will come away understanding more about the movement and how they can implement this approach for a lesson, a unit, or a whole school year.

This show will air at 4pm on Wednesday, October 2nd on WDJY FM in Atlanta- you can listen to the live stream here.

Watch the YouTube Video

Will premiere on Wednesday, October 9 at 9 am below or just subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Questions Answered on Today's Show

What is competency-based (or mastery-based) learning? How does this look when a whole school implements it?

• Nicki Slaugh, principal of Quest Academy, explains the concept of competency-based learning and how it differs from traditional education models.
• Nicki Slaugh shares the journey of Quest Academy’s shift to a whole-school competency-based model, including the steps taken and challenges faced.

What strategies were used to improve student engagement and academic outcomes at Quest Academy?

• Nicki discusses the specific strategies implemented, such as changing the physical classroom environment, creating personalized learning paths, and shifting the focus from grades to mastery of skills.

How do teachers collaborate to set high expectations and standards in a competency-based system? What does a typical day look like in this environment?

• The discussion includes how teachers work together to develop proficiency rubrics and set clear expectations for students.
• Nicki Slaugh gives insights into what a typical day looks like in classrooms at Quest Academy under the competency-based model.

How do teachers handle students who don’t achieve mastery on their first attempt?

• Nicki explains the process for supporting students who need additional help, including the use of “Mastery Minutes” for reteaching and reassessment.

How are mastery-based learning strategies applied in different subjects (science, language arts, and math)?

• Three teachers implementing the Modern Classrooms Project—Dr. Cecelia Gillam (science), Karen MacDonald (language arts), and Joe Manfre (math)—share their subject-specific approaches to implementing mastery-based learning.

What are the common misconceptions about competency-based learning?

• Learn about misconceptions about personalized learning, such as the belief that students spend all day on computers.

How can competency-based learning be applied in classrooms that aren’t already set up for it?

• Practical tips are shared for educators who want to start using mastery-based learning, even if their schools haven’t fully adopted the model.

What are the benefits and challenges of using a competency-based approach in diverse educational settings?

• Learn how this approach can be adapted to different classrooms and student needs, and the benefits they’ve seen from using it.

Full Podcast Episode with Guests:

Nicki Slaugh – Principal, Quest Academy

In this episode, Nicki Slaugh shares how Quest Academy transformed into a whole-school competency-based learning environment, where students are empowered with personalized learning pathways and a focus on mastery. Learn how Nicki’s leadership reshaped classrooms, improved student engagement, and increased academic performance. Listen to the full episode with Nicki Slaugh: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e862

Modern Classrooms Project Webinar Guests:

• Dr. Cecelia Gillam (Science Teacher, Louisiana)
• Karen MacDonald (Language Arts Teacher, Utah)
• Joe Manfre (Math Teacher, Hawaii)
  These three educators from the Modern Classrooms Project share their experiences implementing mastery-based learning across different subjects. Discover how personalized learning and competency-based education are applied in real-world classrooms. Watch the Modern Classrooms Project webinar: https://cctea.ch/modernwebinar

Show Notes: Cool Cat Teacher Talk -Episode 4

0:00 – Introduction
Vicki Davis introduces the topic of competency-based learning and the featured guests for today's show.

0:34 – Nicki Slaugh’s Introduction
Principal Nicki Slaugh shares her background and how she became involved in transforming Quest Academy.

1:34 – The Journey of Quest Academy
Nicki Slaugh discusses how Quest Academy transitioned to a competency-based learning model and the steps involved in the process.

3:06 – Improving Student Engagement and Outcomes
Nicki explains the strategies used to increase student engagement and improve academic results at Quest Academy.

5:06 – Setting High Expectations and Standards
How Quest Academy teachers work together to set clear and high expectations for student mastery and competency.

6:24 – A Day in a Competency-Based Classroom
Nicki describes what a typical day looks like for both teachers and students under the competency-based learning model.

7:18 – Student Empowerment Through Ownership
How students are given choices in their learning paths and take ownership of their educational journey.

11:04 – Handling Students Who Don’t Achieve Mastery
Nicki explains the process for supporting students who don’t reach mastery on their first attempt and how “Mastery Minutes” help students succeed.

18:03 – Introduction to the Modern Classrooms Project
Vicki introduces the Modern Classrooms Project and its focus on mastery-based learning.

20:07 – Dr. Cecelia Gillam on Mastery-Based Learning in Science
Dr. Gillam discusses how she implements mastery-based learning in her science classroom in Louisiana.

24:02 – Karen MacDonald on Mastery-Based Learning in Language Arts
Karen MacDonald shares her experiences with competency-based learning in her language arts classroom in Utah.

29:10 – Joe Manfre on Mastery-Based Learning in Math
Joe Manfre talks about how he uses mastery-based approaches in his math classes in Hawaii, and how students demonstrate understanding.

32:02 – Common Misconceptions About Competency-Based Learning
The teachers from the Modern Classrooms Project dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions about competency-based learning.

36:08 – Practical Tips for Applying Competency-Based Learning
The episode concludes with practical tips from the guests on how educators can begin implementing competency-based learning in their own classrooms.

The post Personalized Mastery-Based Learning: How to Guide appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkmastery/

How to Help Students and Schools Through Traumatic Times

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter

In today’s episode, we discuss a critical issue many schools are facing—how to help students and staff heal from trauma. Whether it's a safety event, severe weather like Hurricane Helene, or individual traumas, schools across the nation are navigating unprecedented challenges. To help students learn, we must first help them process what they've been through. As Lana Penley says, “In moments of crisis, we need to provide space for students and teachers to process what they've been through before diving back into academics.”

I want to acknowledge those still in the midst of trauma, like those affected by ongoing flooding in North Carolina. We have to meet their immediate needs first, as we cannot move forward until people feel safe and supported. While my hometown of Camilla, Georgia, was spared from the worst of Hurricane Helene, I know many of you are still facing tremendous struggles, and my heart is with you.

In this episode, Lana Penley shares her powerful story of transformation. After her school burned down, she realized that test scores weren’t the primary goal—what truly mattered was creating a sense of community, connection, and healing. As her school focused on relationships, both with students and among the staff, they saw remarkable changes: teachers felt less burnout, students were more engaged, and yes, test scores went up. This episode is a resource for educators and principals who are hurting, who want to help their students, and who need to know that it’s okay to pause and heal before pushing forward.

Questions Answered in This Episode

• How do you help students and teachers heal after a traumatic event in a school community?
• What are the key steps to take in the aftermath of trauma, such as a hurricane or school safety event?
• How can schools create connection and community to create a safe learning environment?
• What practical strategies can teachers use to bring social-emotional learning into their classrooms?
• How can educators balance the need for academic progress with the emotional needs of students and staff?
• What lessons did Principal Lana Penley learn from her school burning down, and how did it change her approach to education?
• Why is it important to address the emotional needs of teachers as well as students in times of crisis?
• What role does mindfulness and stress reduction play in helping students and staff recover and thrive?

Listen to the Podcast

Stream by clicking here.

Subscribe to the Show

Watch on YouTube

About Lana Penley (Bio As Submitted)

Lana Penley, a renowned speaker, celebrated author, and esteemed former Principal, stands at the forefront of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). As the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Unlocking SEL, she brings 25 years of experience, shaping her groundbreaking, mindfulness-based approaches and solidifying her status as a preeminent voice in SEL. Her upcoming publication, “Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Schools through Social and Emotional Learning,” is set to be a game-changer in the field, offering a vital resource for educators and learners alike. Lana's prowess extends beyond writing; she is a dynamic speaker, captivating audiences at numerous events. Her unique blend of engaging storytelling, wit, genuine emotional connection, and her knack for delivering practical insights make her sessions unforgettable. Lana embodies the essence of mindfulness, advocating for its principles and living them, thereby providing profound insights into nurturing thriving educational environments.

Lana Penley's dedication to SEL transcends mere academic theory, manifesting as a deep, heartfelt commitment. Her contributions go beyond participation in educational conversations; she is a visionary, reshaping the education landscape. Lana Penley emerges as the quintessential mentor and leader for those on a quest for motivation and guidance in the world of SEL.

Blog: https://www.unlockingsel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlockingsel

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-penley-86b1021a9/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockingSEL

How to Get the Transcript

The easiest way to get the transcript is to go in Apple Podcasts and press the show link and a download transcript option will appear. that is the best transcript. If you do not wish to do that, you can download a transcript I created with Adobe Premiere Pro and formatted with ChatGPT. (Unfortunately I have found that sometimes ChatGPT is leaving out a sentence or word here and there and so the Apple transcripts are more accurate, but after checking. This one is pretty good.)

fINAL-transcript lana penley episode 865Download

The post How to Help Students and Schools Through Traumatic Times appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/how-to-help-students-and-schools-through-traumatic-times/

How to Improve Student Engagement

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter

In this episode of the Cool Cat Teacher Talk Show we explore how to engage students in learning with hands-on, playful and project based learning strategies. Additionally, we discuss the importance of “the hook” and ideas for engaging students into learning from the moment they come to class. For those who think that we need to get kids ready for the “real world,” David Gann discusses the importance of play in an uncertain world from a business perspective and what the research says about the importance of play and business success. We also talk about the neuroscience of why kids can't stop moving and how movement helps engage all students. This action-packed episode is full of ideas (according to our early-release listeners) so get a pen and paper handy and enjoy.

Today's guests talking about engaging students include:

• Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a PIRATE
• Occupational therapist, Suzanne Creswell
• Nancy Frey, Acceleration Research Expert
• David Gann, author of The Playful Entrepreneur
• Dr. Jennie Nash head of education impact for LEGO Education
• Educator Eric Sheninger, author of Personalize
• Zest Simmons, Alabama State Teacher of the Year 2018-2019

Watch the Episode:

This episode will premiere on YouTube on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Table of Contents

• Watch the Episode :
• Full Podcast Episodes with Guests:
  • Dave Burgess
  • Suzanne Cresswell
  • Nancy Frey
  • David Gann
  • Dr. Jenny Nash
  • Eric Sheninger
  • Zest Simmons
• Time-Stamped Show Notes:

Full Podcast Episodes with Guests:

We are including interviews from our top episodes of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. If you'd like to listen to the full interview with these guests, here are the links and information on those episodes.

Dave Burgess

• Episode 17
• February 20, 2017  
• “Dave Burgess Talks Student Engagement”
• www.coolcatteacher.com/e17 

Suzanne Cresswell

• Episode 244
• February 1, 2018
• “Why Kids Can’t Stop Moving: The Neuroscience Behind a Student’s Need to Move”
• www.coolcatteacher.com/e244 

Nancy Frey

• Episode 770 
• March 14, 2022
• “How Does Acceleration Research Help Kids and Schools Rebound?”
• www.coolcatteacher.com/e770  

David Gann

• Episode 449
• February 27, 2019
• “Why Playful Learning is So Important in the Classroom and the Real World”
• www.coolcatteacher.com/e449 

Dr. Jenny Nash

• Episode 863
• September 15, 2024
• “What Makes Kids Excited to Learn?”
• www.coolcatteacher.com/e863 

Eric Sheninger

• Episode 854
• June 3, 2024
• “How to Really Engage Students in the Classroom”
• www.coolcatteacher.com/e854 

Zest Simmons

• February 17, 2020
• Episode 626
• February 17, 2020
• “Teaching Fireworks: Why Zest Simmons Loves Teaching”www.coolcatteacher.com/e626

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

00:00 – 00:18 – Introduction
Vicki Davis introduces the show and the topic of student engagement.

00:19 – 01:26 – Interview with Dr. Jennie Nash from Lego Education Play-Based Learning in Schools
Dr. Jennie Nash discusses the importance of hands-on learning and how playful education can transform student outcomes. Dr. Nash highlights new research showing that play-based learning boosts student engagement, and addresses common misconceptions about play in education.

01:27 – 02:25 – Research on Student Engagement
Dr. Nash shares statistics from the State of Engagement Report, where 35% of administrators note that students are not engaged, leading to issues such as absenteeism and behavior problems. She stresses the importance of active learning to combat these issues.

02:26 – 03:50 – Game-Based Learning and AP Computer Science
Vicki shares her experience with game-based learning in teaching AP Computer Science and how it improved her students’ outcomes.

03:51 – 04:45 – Project-Based Learning for Older Students
Dr. Nash discusses how project-based learning helps older students solve real-world problems and engage in learning beyond the classroom.

04:46 – 06:53 – Purposeful and Intentional Play
The conversation shifts to purposeful play in education and how engagement strategies help teachers weave play and learning together to reach educational goals.

06:54 – 07:10 – Key Findings from the Engagement Data
Dr. Nash shares that students prefer play-based learning and how incorporating it into classrooms boosts both engagement and academic outcomes.

07:11 – 09:12 – Playful Learning and Real-World Applications
David Gann, author of The Playful Entrepreneur, talks about how play fosters innovation in uncertain environments, and how these principles can be applied in education.

09:13 – 11:25 – Innovation Through Play-Based Learning
David Gann explains how play-based learning fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving among both students and entrepreneurs.

11:26 – 13:18 – Play and Resilience in Education
David Gann discusses the importance of resilience and purposeful play for students facing uncertainty in their learning journey.

13:19 – 15:12 – Engagement in Classrooms Around the World
Eric Sheninger joins the conversation to discuss his experiences with student engagement globally and how innovative learning strategies lead to more engaged classrooms.

15:13 – 17:03 – Compliance vs. Engagement
Eric Shannon Jr. emphasizes the need to move from compliance-based learning to active and engaged learning and offers tips on how to do so.

17:04 – 18:30 – Relevance and Real-World Learning
The discussion turns to how making learning relevant to students’ lives increases engagement, including Eric’s relevant thinking framework for educators.

18:31 – 20:50 – Global Examples of Engaged Learning
Vicki and Eric share global examples of schools using student-centered, real-world projects to create engaging learning environments.

20:51 – 23:00 – The Role of the Hook in Student Engagement
Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a Pirate, joins the discussion and shares why “the hook” is a crucial part of engaging students in learning from the moment they enter the classroom.

23:01 – 25:20 – Encouraging Teachers to Take Risks
Dave Burgess encourages educators to step outside their comfort zone and try new methods to boost classroom engagement and improve student outcomes.

25:21 – 27:33 – Personal Stories of Engagement
Vicki shares personal experiences of stepping out of her comfort zone in the classroom to engage her students, even when it didn’t go perfectly.

27:34 – 29:00 – Movement and Brain Breaks for Student Engagement
Occupational therapist Suzanne Creswell explains the neuroscience behind why students need movement to stay engaged in learning.

29:01 – 31:05 – Flexible Seating and Unique Learners
Suzanne Creswell discusses the benefits of flexible seating and how different types of learners require unique strategies to stay engaged.

31:06 – 33:22 – Creating Active Learning Spaces
The importance of creating classrooms that cater to students' sensory needs, allowing them to learn more effectively through movement and active participation.

33:23 – 35:10 – Conclusion
Vicki wraps up the episode with a call to action for teachers to focus on improving student engagement through innovation, feedback, and purposeful play.

The post How to Improve Student Engagement appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher Blog
https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkengagement/