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The Blog


Decodable Text 101
As educators begin to shift practice, it is important to build a common understanding among each other. Then when we partner with others we are speaking the same language and have the same understanding.
This month’s post is going to help you get started by answering three important questions: What is decodable text? Why is decodable text important? And Where can I find decodable readers?
Dianne McKinley
May 9, 20233 min read


The Ultimate Recess Equipment
Whether you are a classroom teacher, physical education teacher, or school principal, chances are you are looking to add something fun and engaging to your playground or gym equipment for recess. Look no further than the amazing Pindaloo.
Dianne McKinley
Apr 20, 20231 min read


The 411 on the SAT Assessment
It is extremely important for Administrators, Teachers, Parents and especially Students to understand exactly what the SAT Assessment is and how it is written. Knowing how the test is written as well as strategies on how students can perform at their very best is essential to overall success for this assessment.
Dianne McKinley
Apr 12, 20235 min read


What Is Growth Mindset in Education?
With a growth mindset, students are encouraged to take on challenges and persist in the face of difficult tasks. It fosters a positive learning environment that supports risk-taking and self-improvement. By embracing a growth mindset, students can become more resilient, develop self-confidence, and learn to value effort over results. Research has also shown that students with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed academically and professionally.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 29, 20235 min read


Time To Stretch
It is finally Spring. Spring Breaks are over, and we are in the home stretch to the end of the school year. As we all know it is a marathon and not a sprint! With that in mind, this is where we will begin. Like all great marathoners everyone must start with stretching and warming up. That is where I would suggest you all start. With a good stretch.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 29, 20232 min read


When Am I Ever Going to Use Math after High School?
What I am realizing now is they are asking this because, as math teachers, we are NOT doing enough to make sure that question is answered BE
Dianne McKinley
Mar 3, 20237 min read


Motivation in Education
Motivation in education is the driving force behind a student’s desire to learn and grow. It is the intrinsic desire to do well and achieve success in the classroom. Motivation in education can come from a student’s own internal desire to learn and grow or it can come from external factors such as rewards, recognition, and encouragement from teachers and peers. It is important to foster motivation in the classroom in order to create a positive learning environment. Motivation
Dianne McKinley
Mar 1, 20234 min read


Strengthening MTSS Tier 2 Behavioral Systems and Supports
MTSS, or multi-tiered systems and supports, encompasses a tiered approach to academics, behavior, and social emotional learning giving us a better picture of the way these components all work together for our students. Tier 1 includes services that ALL students receive. To learn more about building a strong tier 1, check this out! By setting up a solid foundation and clear process, we are able to shift to a preventative lens, intervene earlier, and benefit ALL students. Today
Dianne McKinley
Feb 28, 20234 min read


What Is Number Sense?
Number sense is the ability to understand and use numbers in a variety of contexts. It involves being able to recognize patterns, recognize relationships between numbers, and use mental math and estimation strategies to solve problems. Number sense can also involve a knowledge of basic math facts and the ability to use them to solve problems. It is a key part of mathematical fluency, and an important skill for students to learn in order to be successful in math.
Dianne McKinley
Feb 16, 20234 min read


Conflict Resolution Strategies in the Classroom
Conflict resolution is an important skill to teach students. It’s important to teach children how to communicate effectively, how to problem solve, and how to manage their emotions when they have a disagreement. There are many strategies that can help with this. One strategy is to have students brainstorm a list of conflict resolution steps. This can help them become aware of the options they have when they are dealing with a disagreement.
Dianne McKinley
Feb 3, 20235 min read


6 Ways to Support Social Emotional Learning at Home:
Strategies for Caregivers Students flourish in environments that are predictable, safe, and consistent. One way to ensure this remains steady across settings is to support the parents and caregivers who are in our students’ homes! Caregivers play an important role in teaching and helping with social emotional learning. They support and encourage habits that promote mental wellness; however, understanding how to do that can be difficult! That being said, this one’s for you,
Dianne McKinley
Feb 3, 20237 min read


Strengthening MTSS Tier One Behavioral Systems and Supports
Check out my free one hour session to gain a better understanding of the importance of a solid MTSS foundation and leave with a plethora of resources to support your efforts no matter where you are in building your school’s or district’s system! All of the resources mentioned in the video are linked below. Click here or on the image below to access the video!
Dianne McKinley
Jan 25, 20232 min read


Top 5 Books for Curriculum Directors in 2023
Whether you are a Curriculum Director by title or by assignment, an aspiring CD, or someone who just loves learning about curriculum design and development this booklist is for you. Every title on the top 5 books for curriculum directors in 2023 should be on your bookshelf this year.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 25, 20233 min read


7 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude in the Classroom
What if someone offered you a FREE 5 minute per day strategy that boasted the following benefits for you AND your students? Would you take it? Read on to learn 7 simple ways to practice gratitude in the classroom.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 25, 20236 min read


Encouraging Lifelong Learning - Employability Skills: Learning Strategies
Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are considered imperative to being a successful employee and team member. In an effort to ensure these skills are integrated into academic settings, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has arranged these competencies into four categories: mindsets, work ethic, learning strategies, and social emotional learning.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 4, 20236 min read


Employability Skills: Mindset
Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are desired by potential employers and considered imperative to being a successful employee and team member. This set of skills might include things like: communication, teamwork, initiative, problem solving, planning and organizing, self-management, and more. You may have heard them referred to as “soft-skills.”
Dianne McKinley
Dec 9, 20228 min read


Reducing Test Stress: Strategies for Standardized Test Anxiety
Many students experience test anxiety at varying levels. When kids are anxious, they aren’t always able to think as clearly as they might when calm. It may be difficult to sustain attention for long periods of time when anxious thoughts consume the mind. Students may also sweat more, have increased heart rate, become emotionally upset, begin to doubt themselves or become agitated. This is even more prevalent for students who have struggled in a school setting in one way or an
Dianne McKinley
Dec 9, 20229 min read


Mentors: People Who Point Us In The Right Direction
As you begin your career, mentors are invaluable. They help you stumble through all that you do not know when you start. They are there to listen to your ideas, without judgement. They share thoughts and ideas that help you figure out exactly what you need to be doing. They support you by sharing their materials, ideas, errors they have made in the past, suggestions, and what has worked well for them over the years.
Dianne McKinley
Dec 9, 202210 min read


Teaching Organizational Skills
As the world around us gets busier and busier, there is an increased need for understanding how to manage our time and tasks. Below we will discuss why it is important, give some quick tips, learn how to prepare the mind and environment, and discuss how to make the lessons stick!
Dianne McKinley
Dec 9, 20227 min read


How To Get Excited About Teaching (Again)
Many teachers are finding it hard to get excited about teaching these days. There are many reasons for this, but you can bring that excitement back for you and your students!
Dianne McKinley
Jul 18, 20225 min read
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