Can’t Do or Won’t Do?
You’ve been there. A student refuses to start an assignment. They shut down during a group project. They avoid tasks, stare into space, or suddenly need to sharpen their pencil five times in a row....
Read MoreWhy Reward Systems Fall Short
I can guarantee that if you use reward systems, at some point in the year the reward systems start to feel a little fragile. You have the charts, the systems, the prizes and kids are...
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Why Math and SEL Belong Together
If you’ve ever taught a math lesson that ended in tears (either from a student or… you), you’re not alone. Math has a special way of bringing big feelings to the surface, especially for students...
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Why Logical Consequences Work
This post contains affiliate links. Ever caught yourself saying, “That’s it! No recess for a week!” in a moment of frustration, only to realize later it didn’t actually change anything? You’re not alone. Logical consequences...
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A Look at SEL for Teachers
Let’s be honest: when we hear “SEL,” most of us picture morning meetings, glitter jars, and “I statements” being practiced by 7-year-olds in a circle on a rug. And yes, social emotional learning is essential...
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Integrating SEL and the Science of Reading
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a phonics scope and sequence thinking, Where do feelings fit into all this? – you’re as obsessed with SEL and emotional literacy as I am. I realize wondering...
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Join the Their Best Behavior Book Club!
This post contains affiliate links. Hey fellow teachers – if you’re here, I already know you deeply care about behavior, connection, and regulation in the classroom. I have something very exciting to share with you!...
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Supporting Students With Catastrophizing
We all know that moment. You hand back a quiz and a student says, “I failed. I’m going to fail the whole grade.” Or a classmate says something slightly off and another student cries, “Everyone...
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Rethinking Acceleration: Why “Pushing Ahead” Might Be Holding Kids Back
We’ve all seen that student—the one who reads chapter books in kindergarten or finishes every math lesson in five minutes flat. The “solution” often suggested? Acceleration. But before we fast-track a student into the next...
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Why Self Talk Matters: Teaching Students to Coach Themselves Through Stress
If you’ve ever whispered to yourself “You got this” before doing something hard, congrats—you’ve used self talk. And it turns out, that little voice in our head? It’s a powerful SEL skill. Did you know...
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How to Use Restorative Conversations After Academic Meltdowns
We’ve all seen it: the slammed pencil, the watery eyes, the head buried in arms at the desk. Academic meltdowns can happen to any student—even the ones we least expect. Tests, time limits, confusing directions,...
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