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Edutopia
@edutopia.org
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Sharing what works in education. ✨

Edutopia is an initiative of the George Lucas Educational Foundation.

Edutopia.org | Check out our new community forum: https://www.edutopia.org/ask-and-answer
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Edutopia @edutopia.org · 5d
How do you talk about *and* normalize learning accommodations in class—without singling anyone out in front of peers?

In the new episode of School of Practice, HS special education teacher Daniel Vollrath and elementary teacher Jeremiah Kim share educator-tested tips! 🎧 🌟

#SpecialEducation #EduSky
New Episode from School of Practice: How to Talk About (and Normalize) Learning Accommodations. Listen on Apple Podcasts
edutopia.org
Preschool teachers: Here are some ways to make sure that, by keeping calm, you show your students how to be calm as well. 😌

#PreK #preschool #EarlyChildhoodEducation
Modeling Calm for Preschool Students
Teachers can focus on promoting a sense of emotional safety to help students develop self-regulation and resilience.
edut.to
January 12, 2026 at 2:43 AM
edutopia.org
The application window for the Smithsonian Institution’s Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange program starts next week! Here’s one teacher’s experience—”inspiring each other through meaningful virtual collaboration.” 🤝

#EduSky #EdTech #PBL
A Virtual Collaboration Project Centered on American Democracy
In a program sponsored by the Smithsonian, students in two different parts of the country interact to explore a civics question that is meaningful to both groups.
www.edutopia.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:32 AM
edutopia.org
Your voice can build trust, reduce conflict, and set the stage for learning! 📣 These research takeaways and teacher-tested strategies can help you keep developing it.

#ClassroomManagement #EduSky
How Tone of Voice Shapes Your Classroom Culture
It’s no easy task, but developing your tone of voice can build trust, reduce conflict, and set the stage for more learning in your classroom, research shows.
edut.to
January 12, 2026 at 12:48 AM
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Ready to talk about the warm demander approach to classroom management? Jump into our January Jam Session: edut.to/3Zc6sb2

Join us, @marcusluther.bsky.social, @amirtaron.bsky.social, @jessicacabeen.bsky.social, and @alterishea.bsky.social for tips, resources, and advice you can use right away!
Jam Session: The Warm Demander Approach to Classroom Management. With Marcus Luther, Amir Taron Ayres, Jessica Cabeen, & Alissa Alteri Shea. Join us on Edutopia.org! January 11-17. Photos of all 4 featured educators.
January 11, 2026 at 10:29 PM
edutopia.org
Want to assign homework your students don’t hate? 💔

Let them base it on their interests. (Yes, including their favorite YouTubers.)

Here’s how.

#EduSky
How I Make Homework Meaningful for My Students
Creating tasks with a focus on students’ autonomy—by providing choices, for example—helps them see the relevance of homework.
www.edutopia.org
January 11, 2026 at 7:04 PM
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Tired of losing your class’s attention mid-lecture? 💤

Break things up with research-backed strategies that help teachers keep students engaged and learning!

#EduSky
How Breaking Up Lectures Can Improve Student Learning
When lectures strain attention spans, thoughtful teaching strategies can enhance student focus, optimize retention, and improve classroom outcomes.
www.edutopia.org
January 11, 2026 at 4:17 PM
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Success is the sum - Robert Collier (✓)
January 11, 2026 at 10:58 AM
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These teacher-tested strategies help ensure that every student in the classroom feels like they belong. 🧡

#EduSky
10 Powerful Community-Building Ideas
Strategies for ensuring that students in every grade feel like they’re part of the classroom community.
edut.to
January 11, 2026 at 2:25 AM
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The first step in addressing chronic absenteeism in elementary school: creating a positive environment for students and staff.

Next steps: Analyze data, support struggling students, and foster relationships with families. 🤝

Here’s how.

#SchoolLeaders #Principals
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Elementary School
School leaders can put a variety of measures in place to ensure that students feel safe, supported, and capable of learning.
edut.to
January 11, 2026 at 1:43 AM
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Q: Why do math word problems confound so many students?

A: Because word problems can overload working memory.

Here’s what to do about it. 🧠

#EdResearch #MathSky #ITeachMath #EdutopiaVideos
January 10, 2026 at 8:58 PM
edutopia.org
Career-connected learning in high school can be built into the curriculum through strategic scheduling, advisory periods, and leadership.

Here’s how. 👇

#SchoolLeaders #Principals #CTE
3 Ways to Support Career-Focused Learning in High School
Linking concepts from the classroom to practical applications in career fields boosts engagement and helps students plan for their future.
www.edutopia.org
January 10, 2026 at 12:52 PM
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Really want to know what your math students understand—and what they don’t?

Try interviewing them! 💬✖️

#MathSky #ITeachMath #EduSky
Using Interviews to Gain Insight Into Students’ Math Thinking
Elementary teachers can talk with students one-on-one to probe their thinking and learn things that might be missed with traditional assessments.
www.edutopia.org
January 10, 2026 at 11:43 AM
edutopia.org
If many students are struggling with operations like dividing decimals, this schoolwide approach can help!

Here’s how a small schedule adjustment can create space for students to revisit these foundational skills. 🗓️

#EduSky
Strengthening Students’ Foundational Math Skills in Middle School
If many students are struggling with operations like dividing decimals, this schoolwide approach to scheduling can help.
www.edutopia.org
January 10, 2026 at 10:13 AM
edutopia.org
Activate your students’ self-efficacy *and* cultivate a positive classroom culture! 🙌 Follow these steps to seek their input and establish classroom values.

#ClassroomManagement #SEL #EduSky
How to Create a Values-Aligned Classroom
Teachers can collaborate with students to identify shared values that establish a foundation of respect and a positive learning environment.
www.edutopia.org
January 10, 2026 at 12:39 AM
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Can giving kids more time on the playground lead to lower chronic stress levels? These researchers say it can. ⚽

#EduSky #EdutopiaVideos
January 9, 2026 at 11:28 PM
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School leaders can approach the week with a steadier, more intentional mindset when they follow a plan that facilitates decision-making and emphasizes purpose! 📋

Elementary principal Matt Novak explains how.

#SchoolLeaders #Principals
Creating a Weekly MAP to Guide Your Work as a Principal
This strategic plan for assessing and addressing high-priority tasks can help you and your leadership team make meaningful progress.
www.edutopia.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:54 PM
edutopia.org
By connecting students' social-emotional lessons to their everyday lives, schools can ensure more effective instruction and support for students’ well-being.

#SchoolLeaders #Principals #SEL
Connecting School Values and Student Well-Being
Aligning your social and emotional learning curriculum with a clear set of values helps students see the relevance and importance of those lessons.
www.edutopia.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:32 PM
edutopia.org
Cut at-home grading time, strengthen instruction, *and* give students the timely feedback they need with these teacher-recommended techniques. 📝

#EduSky
13 Tips to Quickly Deliver Super Effective Feedback
These efficient feedback strategies support student learning without sacrificing a teacher's nights and weekends.
www.edutopia.org
January 9, 2026 at 1:28 AM
edutopia.org
Giving elementary students choice can help them feel empowered to take control of their own learning. Here’s how one teacher did this with choice boxes and games. 📦

#EduSky
Using Choice Boxes to Enhance Student Engagement
Providing upper elementary students with choices can help teachers differentiate through learning experiences that feel fun.
www.edutopia.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:39 AM
edutopia.org
Teacher Daniel Vollrath wants to know: How do you talk about and normalize learning accommodations in your classroom? 💬

Daniel shared some strategies in our most recent podcast episode, and he’s eager to hear your thoughts and answer questions that came up for you in the ep: edut.to/3Z3jSpT
Ask & Answer. How do you create an environment where communication about learning accommodations is comfortable, and students feel empowered to advocate for what they need? Asked by Dan V, Podcast Guest.
January 8, 2026 at 11:21 PM
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Students can inspire each other and deepen their knowledge of environmental issues through meaningful virtual collaboration! Here’s how. 🐢

#EduSky #EdTech #PBL
A Virtual Collaboration Project Centered on American Democracy
In a program sponsored by the Smithsonian, students in two different parts of the country interact to explore a civics question that is meaningful to both groups.
www.edutopia.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:54 PM
edutopia.org
Want to promote career readiness for high schoolers? There’s a free solution in plain site (😉), and you’ve definitely heard of it.

#EduSky #HighSchoolTeacher
How High School Students Can Benefit From Using LinkedIn
It’s to students’ advantage to begin thinking about their future career plans, and the platform can help guide that planning.
edut.to
January 8, 2026 at 12:32 PM
edutopia.org
Here are 5 common mistakes educators make when integrating new tech—and effective strategies for avoiding them! 💻 💫

#EduSky #EdTech
5 Tech Integration Mistakes—and What to Do Differently Next Time
Classroom tech use will always involve some element of trial and error, but many pitfalls are avoidable when you know what to watch out for.
www.edutopia.org
January 8, 2026 at 11:51 AM
edutopia.org
“Sometimes kids just need to know there is someone else in their corner. Thank you for being that someone.” —Danny Steele
January 8, 2026 at 10:58 AM
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Here’s how problem-based learning can build critical skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and communication! 💭🤝💬

#EduSky #PBL
Problem-Based Learning and Future-Ready Skills
Well-designed projects help students build valuable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
www.edutopia.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:04 AM