Blooming Curious Blog/Website

Podcast/website - 15 Oct 2024 [Podcast/Websites]

Looking for fresh ways to ignite student curiosity and excitement for learning? Check out the Blooming Curious podcast! It’s full of practical strategies and insights for integrating inquiry-based learning into your teaching. Whether you want to inspire student agency, foster critical thinking, or rekindle your own passion for teaching, the Blooming Curious website provides tools to help you and your students thrive. Explore the blog today and transform your classroom! 

Ziplet

App - 5 Oct 2024 [Tech Tools]

Here's a free App (basic plan) that is worth checking out...Ziplet is an easy-to-use app that helps teachers check in with students' understanding and well-being through quick, customizable questions (think Exit Tickets). It offers real-time feedback, supports anonymous responses, and encourages student reflection. With options for pre-set or custom questions, Ziplet enables teachers to adjust lessons based on student needs, track progress over time, and foster a supportive, student-centered learning environment. A great tool for personalized and reflective teaching!

The Power of Play-Based Learning

Article - 29 Sept 2024 [Play]

This interesting Edutopia article highlights new research on "guided play," which balances play with academic demands in early childhood. A University of Cambridge study found that guided play—where children explore with adult support—enhances skills like math and cognitive flexibility more effectively than traditional instruction. By blending free play with adult guidance, it fosters children's enjoyment, motivation, and agency while extending their learning beyond what they could achieve on their own.

Inquiry Classrooms (Facebook)

Facebook - 29 Sept 2024 [PYP Overview]

Explore Isha Mehta's Facebook page, Inquiry Classroom, for a wealth of IB PYP resources. She has designed a variety of informative and visually appealing PYP posters and infographics that are definitely worth checking out!

What is Visible Thinking?

Podcast - 21 Sept 2024 [Visible Thinking Routines]

In thisToddle School Leadership Project podcast, join Dr. Ron Ritchhart, a Harvard researcher, as he explores how to foster a culture of thinking in schools. He shares strategies for developing students into powerful learners through visible thinking routines, teaching beyond tests, and promoting inquiry-based learning. Learn practical ways to empower both teachers and students, assess thinking dispositions, and build a community of critical thinkers. Ideal for educators focused on enhancing student learning and agency.

Talking Inquiry with Kath Murdoch

Podcast - 15 Sept 2024 [Inquiry-Based Learning]

In this podcast, Kath Murdoch discusses her new book, From Agency to Zest: A Journey Through the Landscape of Inquiry, sharing insights on inquiry-based teaching and learner agency. She offers practical tips for educators to deepen professional learning and spark meaningful discussions with colleagues. Tune in for inspiration and strategies to enhance your inquiry teaching and create richer learning experiences for your students!

Sustainable Development Goals - Refreshed

Various - 13 Sept 2024 [Sustainable Goals]

With just six years remaining to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is still much work to be done. I have updated the Sustainable Goals section of Inspiring Inquiry, making it more accessible for students. This resource is ideal for student research into each of the SDGs and issues related to plastic use. Encourage your students to explore, inquire, and showcase their learner agency!

Raising Resilience

Book - 11 Sept 2024 [Professional Reading]

Discover Raising Resilience by Dr. Tovah Klein, a vital resource for educators looking to foster resilience in their students. This insightful guide offers practical strategies, conversation prompts, and evidence-based tools to help children navigate everyday stressors and major life challenges. Learn how to build emotional intelligence, adaptability, and social skills in your classroom, creating a supportive environment where every child can thrive despite adversity.

Differentiation Poster

Poster - 10 Sept 2024 [Differentiation]

Check out this useful Differentiation Poster created by Zenab Khan [@teaching_is_fun_in_pyp].  While you are at it, why not explore several other Tool/Strategies such as Visible Thinking, Checking for Understanding, Release of Responsibility, Genius Hour, Problem-Based Learning, and much more.

Proactive Collaboration + Checklist

Blog - 6 Sept 2024 [Collaboration]

In our dynamic classrooms, proactive collaboration is essential for successful teamwork. Simply gathering a group of people isn’t enough. To truly harness the power of collaboration, intentional planning, clear communication, and active engagement are key. In her latest article, “Proactive Collaboration: Overcoming Assumptions with a Teamwork Checklist,” Alison Yang explores common misconceptions and offers practical tips to enhance your collaborative efforts. Discover how to overcome barriers and create a more effective, inclusive teaching environment.  ** Added bonus: Download a user-friendly "Collaboration Planning Checklist"

Math PD Opportunities

Online workshops- 4 Sept 2024 [Professional Development]

Here are some Math Professional Development opportunities presented by Jo Boaler (YouCubed), Graham Fletcher, or Berkeley Everett. Note: there is a cost to these workshops, but I believe they are well worth it.

• • Berkeley Everett's Number Sense Routines (K-5) online workshop. Access any time

  • Graham Fletcher's Foundations Of Fractions online workshop. Access any time

  • Graham Fletcher's Foundations Of Numerical Reasoning For Grades K-2 online workshop. Access any time

  • Graham Fletcher's Foundations Of Numerical Reasoning For Grades 3-5 online workshop. Access any time

  • Jo Boaler's Grades 2-3: Number sense, operations and geometry.  October 3, October 17 & 30, 2024

  • Jo Boaler's Grades 4-5: Fractions, decimals, place value, operations and geometry. October 24, November 6 & November 14, 2024

See more: Graham Fletcher and Three Act Problem Solving

Four Questions (and Answers) to Consider on Using A.I. in Education

Post & Podcast- 1 Sept 2024 [AI in the Classroom]

Something to consider....In a recent podcast wit A.J Juliani, George Couros shares four key questions to consider when using ChatGPT:

1. What are the pros and cons of ChatGPT?

2. How can it be used in daily life?

3. How can it simplify our roles and enhance learning?

4. How can we help students use it for learning, both in and outside of school?

This technology is here to stay—let’s leverage it for meaningful learning!

Book: The Anxious Generation

Book- 29 Aug 2024 [Professional Reading]

Here's a book you may be interested in reading, especially with all the hype around the use of cell phones in the classroom. Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation examines the rise in anxiety and depression among young people, especially in Western countries. Haidt suggests this trend results from a complex mix of societal, technological, and psychological factors, including social media, helicopter parenting, and a culture of safetyism. He also explores how cognitive biases, like the "availability heuristic," shape perceptions of risk and contribute to a sense of fragility in today's youth. Also see: A.J. Juliani's blog posts: Lessons From “The Anxious Generation” For Educators and Parents, and 5 MORE Lessons From The Anxious Generation.

New! The Achievery Website

Website- 27 Aug 2024 [Blogs/Websites]

Imagine a place where inspiring video lessons meet ready-to-use activities, all geared toward engaging students in a meaningful way. That’s what The Achievery offers—and it’s completely free! With over 500 videos linked to subjects like ELA, STEM, and social-emotional learning, you can empower your students to explore topics that ignite their curiosity. Perfect for inquiry-based teaching, it offers interactive video lessons that spark curiosity while supporting learner agency by letting students explore content that aligns with their interests. Why not give it a test run!

How Future Schools Embrace Humanity and Belonging

Podcast- 25 Aug 2024 [Leadership Videos P2]

The insightful Toddle School Leadership Project podcast, "How Future Schools Embrace Humanity and Belonging," is a must-watch. Louka Parry and others discuss the shift toward a human-centered approach in education, focusing on creating environments where agency, belonging, and creativity flourish. They emphasize the role of social-emotional learning (SEL), the importance of valuing students' backgrounds, and explore integrating AI, building supportive relationships, and leading with purpose in educational settings.

Digital Citizenship Resources

Website- 24 Aug 2024 [Digital Learning Resources]

Help students take charge of their digital lives with Common Sense Education’s free resources. Their K-12 Digital Citizenship materials offer essential guidance for navigating online spaces and making informed choices. The website features in-depth reviews of edtech tools, tips and resources, free back-to-school materials for grades K–12, family support, and more. It’s a comprehensive and user-friendly resource—well worth exploring!

6 Practical Tips for New Preschool Teachers 

Video- 24 Aug 2024 [Classroom Community]

Here's a short video for new preschool teachers. To ease the transition from home to school, pre-K educators can adopt strategies like maintaining a playful mindset, choosing comfortable attire, organizing the classroom thoughtfully, and planning smooth transitions. Observing students closely and seeking support when needed can also help create a positive learning environment from day one. Also you might be interested in Andrea Callahan’s Edutopia article “Getting Started as a New Preschool Teacher.” Check out the "New School Year Strategies" section for more ideas.

Teaching WalkThrus: Visual Step-by-Step Guides to Essential Teaching Techniques

Book- 20 Aug 2024 [Professional Reading]

For practical and impactful teaching strategies, Teaching WalkThrus by Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli is a must-read. This guide offers over 50 classroom techniques in concise, easy-to-follow steps with clear visuals. Each method is designed for quick application, making it perfect for busy teachers at all experience levels. If you’re looking to boost your teaching practice with proven, accessible strategies, this book is a valuable resource.

The Puzzle of Motivation

Ted Talk - 18 Aug 2024 [Approaches to Teaching]

Here’s an oldie but goodie that I hope you will enjoy: In "The Puzzle of Motivation," Dan Pink reveals that traditional rewards, like money or punishment, often backfire, while intrinsic motivators—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—are the true drivers of performance and satisfaction. For education, this reinforces the importance of creating a culture of student agency, inquiry, and trust to cultivate meaningful learning experiences that resonate with students and encourage deeper engagement.

New! 25+ "Checking for Understanding Resources"

Resources - 10 Aug 2024 [Tools Strategies]

I've spent the summer developing over 25 user friendly Checking for Understanding resources —a powerful form of formative assessment. Each strategy includes a detailed explanation, implementation and assessment suggestions, and templates. Use these resources to enhance your classroom by continuously monitoring comprehension and adapting instruction in real-time. These strategies help pinpoint areas needing reinforcement, promote learner agency, and tailor teaching to diverse needs. Check out the new Checking for Understanding page for these useful resources!

Building Your Classroom Community: Resources for the First Month of School

Resources - 8 Aug 2024 [Classroom Community]

The first month of school is a crucial time to get to know your students and help them get to know each other. This period sets the stage for the rest of the year, making it the perfect opportunity to co-create a classroom community. By establishing classroom agreements and routines based on respect, inclusion, and student agency, you lay the foundation for a positive and productive year.

The Classroom Community page offers a variety of creative and useful resources to support you in this process. Explore sections like New School Year Strategies, Setting the Tone With a Get-to-Know-You Game, and Creating Classroom Community Articles Pt1 and Pt2. You'll find everything you need to kick off the year successfully and build a strong, inclusive classroom community.

Be Inspired By Kath Murdoch - Inquiry Podcasts

Inquiry Videos - 6 Aug 2024 [Inquiry-Based Learning]

Kickstart your school year with a burst of inspiration with this Kath Murdoch clinic on Inquiry-Based Learning. Dive into these dynamic podcasts that will inspire and empower you to build an engaging, inquiry-driven environment for your students. 

• Kath Murdoch on planet earth, paradox and the power of inquiry

• Reinvent Inquiry Podcast

• Permission to Inquire: Taking Ownership of Your Curriculum

• Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning 

• The Future of Teaching & Learning

• The Power of Ummm... and... Personal Inquiry

Learning Environment: The Third Teacher

Various - 2 Aug 2024 [Learning Environment]

Here are resources to assist you in creating a flexible, inviting, and engaging learning environment (the third teacher) which is crucial for fostering active student participation and deep learning. By allowing students to contribute to the design of their learning spaces, these environments support personalization, independence, and well-being, ultimately promoting a dynamic and meaningful learning experience that nurtures curiosity and growth. 

Crafting Inquiry 2024: Inspiring Mathematics Success For All Students!

PD - 20 June 2024 [Professional Development]

How can we ignite a love for mathematics in every elementary student? Join Jo Boaler and Cathy Williams, cofounders of youcubed.org, for an inspiring one-day conference designed for K-6 educators and leaders. Learn research-backed strategies to promote a growth mindset, deepen conceptual understanding, and foster collaborative problem-solving skills. Discover how to use rich mathematical tasks and turn mistakes into learning opportunities, creating an inclusive environment where all students can excel in math. Date: Friday, October 18, 2024. Location: The Nines Hotel, Portland, OR. More information and registration.

Elevate Conscious Discipline: Embrace Possibilities - Conference

PD - 19 June 2024 [Professional Development]

The Elevate Conscious Discipline: Embrace Possibilities conference empowers attendees to harness self-regulation and compassion for positive, lasting change in schools and classrooms. Collaborate with a team of active educators to develop a personalized plan that fosters community, confidence, respect, and lifelong learning. Conscious Discipline provides education professionals with proven tools to transform challenges into growth opportunities. October 23-25, 2024 in Las Vegas.

Curating Inquiries: Curriculum Design and Mapping for Primary Schools

New Book - 8 June 2024 [Inquiry Resources]

Grant Lewis's new book, "Curating Inquiries," is a must-read for curriculum coordinators, teachers, and administrators. With over 20 years of experience, Grant shares his insights on inquiry-based learning in a conversational and engaging style. This comprehensive guide is packed with practical strategies for designing and implementing inquiry-based curriculum, making it an excellent resource for educators aiming to enhance student learning through meaningful inquiries. Highly recommended for those involved in IB PYP and inquiry-based education.

Chapter International Online Workshops: September 2024 - March 2025

Workshops - 6 May 2024 [Professional Development]

Looking for some professional development opportunities next school year? Chapters International has published a list of their PD offerings for the next school year. Workshops on inquiry, differentiation, SEL and more are offered.

Developing Your School’s Vision for AI

Web Resource - 27 April 2024 [AI in the Classroom]

Discover how Toddle's resource guide empowers school leaders and administrators to navigate the integration of AI in education. From crafting AI policies to evaluating tools and introducing AI concepts to staff and students, Toddle provides practical solutions tailored to educational settings. Access exemplar policies, evaluation checklists, and student citation templates to implement AI strategies effectively and promote academic integrity.

AI-Compatible or AI-Resistant?

Video - 27 April 2024 [AI Tools]

Are you an AI-compatible or AI-resistant educator or are you both? Watch this short video by A.J. Juliani where he explores the two paths: "AI-resistant" and "AI-compatible." Discover the pros and cons of each approach and how to strike the perfect balance in your classroom. Don't miss this insightful video that equips you to navigate the AI-powered future of education effectively. Also read about "Four Free A.I. Tools For Schools That Are Better Than ChatGPT."

What Makes a Great Principal: The Five Pillars of Effective School Leadership

Book - 23 April 2024 [Leadership] 

Hi school leaders....Looking to take your leadership to the next level? Check out "What Makes a Great Principal" by George Couros and Allyson Apsey. This insightful book outlines the five essential pillars of effective school leadership - from casting a visionary path to building a community of learners. With practical tips and inspiring examples, it's a must-read guide for school leaders striving to create positive change and drive student success. It could be a inspiring way to invest in your professional growth this summer!

Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics by Jo Boaler

Book - 22 April 2024 [Math Resources] 

Teachers, you might be interested in Jo Boaler's new book, "Math-ish" which invites you to discover a refreshing vision of math as a creative, multi-dimensional subject. Jo Boaler draws on research showing how open-ended exploration and real-world applications boost students' enthusiasm, problem-solving abilities, and quantitative literacy. The book empowers teachers to recognize diverse math talents, dispel stereotypes about who can excel, and build positive mindsets. The book is an engaging read that provides simple strategies for richer, more meaningful math instruction.

Support for Project Based Learning

Report - 21 April 2024 [Project-Based Learning] 

This easy to read Gallup report "Creativity in Learning" examines fostering creativity in classrooms and the role of Project Based Learning (PBL). It finds teachers and parents prioritize PBL outcomes over standardized tests (check out the charts). PBL fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and student confidence. Students desire more PBL and autonomy in learning Learner agency). 

What Earth in 2050 Could Look Like

Video - 21 April 2024 [Climate Action P2] 

As we grapple with the dire consequences of human-induced climate change, governments consistently fail to fulfill their promises to reduce emissions, exacerbating the problem. Consequently, what lies ahead for our planet over the next 30 to 80 years if we persist on this trajectory? Shannon Odell provides a peek into the potential future of Earth. Please note: viewers should be primed for a somber outlook at the start of the video, though hope emerges with actionable solutions toward the end.

CBC Kids News

Website - 14 April 2024 [Student Resources] 

CBC Kids News is a Canadian daily news service for children, focusing on topics that matter to them. It aims to provide real news in a way that resonates with young audiences and includes their perspectives. The content is well-researched, balanced, and adheres to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Journalistic Standards and Practices. The service is created for and with children, providing trustworthy information that gives children a voice in the news.

Let Go, to Let Grow

Video - 12 April 2024 [Play] 

In this inspiring TED talk, Gwen Coffey raises concerns about excessive rules and restrictions in schools that limit children's independence and learning. She believes overprotective parenting and micromanaging can increase anxiety and hinder academic performance. Gwen encourages adults to let children take on tasks independently and experience consequences to foster growth. Drawing from personal experience, she emphasizes the importance of teaching responsibility and safety through supervised use of tools. This talk would be a great provocation for your students or parents.

The Circles All Around Us – Picture Book

Read-a-Loud Book - 7 April 2024 [Literacy/Read-a-Loud Books] 

"The Circles All Around Us" picture book beautifully shows how our circles of connection grow through kindness and inclusivity. It would be a wonderful book to use as a resource for a unit about Community or Relationships. Expanding from family to community, it invites students to reflect on their own circles while learning empathy. An ideal classroom read-a-Loud book, it sparks inquiry into relationship-building, embracing differences, and making the world bigger through compassionate actions. 

The Downside of Helicopter Parenting

Video - 6 April 2024 [Play] 

When I taught in Japan, young children often walked to school alone or took public transit independently, contrasting with the 'helicopter' parent culture in places like North America. Research highlights a decline in unsupervised activities crucial for fostering self-reliance and confidence. Despite parental acknowledgment, safety concerns and societal norms often constrain children's autonomy, as depicted in this video.

A Step-by-Step Process for Replacing Tests With Meaningful Performance Tasks

Blog Post - 5 April 2024 [Assessment/How To Assess] 

In his enlightening blog, A.J. Juliani discusses the shortcomings of traditional tests in accurately measuring student understanding and retention. He advocates for performance tasks and project-based assessments, emphasizing their ability to promote greater inquiry and learner agency resulting in improved understanding and retention. Even though implementing these methods requires meticulous planning, collaboration, and a shift towards valuing diverse assessment approaches and empowering students in their learning journey, it is well worth the effort.

10 Minute Teacher Podcast

Podcast - 3 April 2024 [Webinars & Podcasts] 

Jam-packed with innovative classrooms and inventive teaching concepts, the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, hosted by full-time teacher and edtech influencer Vicki Davis, interviews educators worldwide. Aimed at showcasing insights from numerous practitioners, it offers practical tips for immediate implementation. Listen to the latest podcast with A.J. Juliani: Essential Ingredients to Engage Students in the AI Age.

Making Sense of Universal Design for Learning

video - 31 March 2024 [Universal Design Learning] 

Watch this short, insightful video "Making Sense of Universal Design for Learning" to explore how UDL fosters inclusivity by addressing diverse learning needs. This educational approach, supported by technology and principles of representation, action, and engagement, benefits all students. Plus, check out the accompanying resource document for UDL principles, strategies, and examples to enhance engagement and support in your inclusive classroom. 

Revised PYP Transdisciplinary Theme Descriptors

Document - 27 March 2024 [POI/UOI] 

Have you heard about the revised PYP Transdisciplinary theme descriptors? You can view them here. While the themes remain unchanged, there's a notable shift in the descriptors, moving from focusing solely on human experiences to balancing human and natural worlds. Schools can adopt these new descriptors immediately, with a mandate for all PYP schools to implement them by September 2027.  Ask your PYP coordinator for more info about the revised descriptors.

How to Build Credibility as a Leader?

Video - 27 March 2024 [Leadership Videos] 

If you are an educational leader, this video by Toddle is for you. In the video, Doug Fisher highlights trust and effective communication as essential for educational leaders. He emphasizes reliability, honesty, and consistency in actions, advocating for open-door policies and regular check-ins. He also stresses continuous learning, urging leaders to model commitment to growth. By prioritizing trust, communication, and learning, educational leaders can foster credibility and drive positive change within their schools and districts.

Embracing Rough and Tumble Play

Resource - 27 March 2024 [Play] 

Discover the essence of rough and tumble play through this empowering guide from Toddle. It offers insights and strategies beyond traditional cautionary approaches, encouraging phrases that foster exploration. Central to the guide is the concept of "Essential Agreements," promoting mutual expectations and conflict resolution. Through stories, it illustrates consent and reflection. Embracing rough and tumble play as a learning opportunity, it transforms approaches to facilitate children's exuberant moments and developmental journey.

7 Steps To Plan Project Based Learning 

Website - 23 March 2024 [Project-Based Learning] 

Discover valuable strategies for crafting a Project-Based Learning journey. Explore the seven essential steps to orchestrate a PBL adventure and master the art of formulating a compelling driving question. Additionally, access a complimentary PBL Project Planner Starter. These invaluable resources are generously provided by Thought Stretchers Education.

Demonstrating Self-Regulation With Tone of Voice

Video - 22 March 2024 [Classroom Community] 

This Edutopia video emphasizes teachers' need for a calm, neutral, assertive tone to aid self-regulation in students, fostering a safe learning setting. Overly aggressive tones can deter students, diminishing motivation. Balancing calm assertiveness yields optimal student responses, crucial for effective teaching. It's a short video but well worth the watch.

What Happens When We Put Kids in Control of Their Learning?

Article - 22 March 2024 [Inquiry-based Learning] 

Unlock the power of inquiry-based learning to inspire hope and agency in your students. Dive into this article from CASEL to discover how this approach seamlessly integrates academic and social-emotional skills, fostering collaborative problem-solving and empowering students to make a real impact in their world. Don't miss out on the transformative benefits of inquiry-based learning – read the article today!

New Section: EAL/Translanguaging

Webpage - 20 March 2024 [EAL/Translanguaging] 

In this newly sprouting Inspiring Inquiry section, learn what Translanguaging is and what it looks like in the classroom. You will find the beginnings of EAL and Translanguaging teaching and learning resources. Enjoy!

How the Science of Learning and Development Can Transform Education

Research - 15 March 2024 [Educational Research] 

Good news! The Science of Learning and Development Alliance's new research reveals all children can thrive when supported along their unique learning pathways. By understanding key findings like the malleability of the brain, the power of relationships, and the integration of cognitive/social/emotional development, educators can transform practices to unlock every student's full potential. This summary of research provides a roadmap for creating equitable, developmentally-aligned learning environments that is well worth the read.

Fix The News

News - 15 March 2024 [Blogs & Websites P2] 

Are you exhausted from constantly encountering negative news stories? If so, why not sign up for Fix The News, a vibrant community committed to reshaping the narrative of the 21st century? Their newsletter operates on a fundamental principle: to reshape our collective story, we need to rewrite the tales we share. Every week, Fix The News delivers inspiring stories from around the world, offering a refreshing antidote to the overwhelming negativity pervasive in traditional and social media. Take a look and subscribe to the movement towards positivity by subscribing today – it's free!

PYP Infographics

Infographics - 10 March 2024 

Here are some creative Infographics and Posters crafted by Chris Gadbury

• Learner Agency Infographic

• Action Infographic

• PYP Exhibition Infographic

• Approaches to Teaching Infographic

• Transdisciplinary Themes Infographic

Sustainable Development Goals - Student Resources

Webpage- 6 March 2024 [Sustainable Goals] 

Attention educators: It's essential for students to grasp the principles of sustainable development early on. This UN website offers resources designed for both adults and young learners, presenting an engaging and interactive method to comprehend the Sustainable Development Goals and empower everyone to play a part in achieving them.