Leonardo Da Vinci – The Original Cross Curricular Teacher

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Imagine having Leonardo da Vinci as your Middle School teacher. He would have revolutionised cross-curricular education. He had the perfect blend of art and science—the original STEAM educator before we even had the term. His famous anatomical drawings weren’t just art; they were scientific investigations. In his notebooks, precise engineering diagrams danced alongside artistic sketches, … Read more

Cross Curricular in Middle School

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Cross-Curricular Programs in Middle School: Building Connections That Matter Middle school is an exciting yet challenging time for students. It’s where academic independence starts to bloom, but it’s also a time when learning needs to feel meaningful. Cross-curricular programs in middle schools aim to bridge this gap, making education more engaging and relevant. By connecting … Read more

Using Graffiti to Enrich Multiple Subject Areas

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When we think of graffiti, we often pigeonhole it into art class territory. However, this vibrant form of expression offers rich learning opportunities across the curriculum. By incorporating graffiti into various subjects, educators can engage students with real-world connections while meeting academic standards. Mathematics: The Geometry of Street Art Mathematics and graffiti share a surprising … Read more

The Chaos Theory of Learning: Embracing Confusion for Deeper Understanding

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Instead of meticulously structuring every aspect of the lesson, intentionally introduce elements of chaos and confusion. This approach, while counterintuitive, can lead to more robust learning experiences. Here’s how it works: Deliberate Disorientation: Begin the lesson with a complex, seemingly unsolvable problem that’s above the students’ current level. This immediate challenge creates cognitive dissonance and … Read more

Learning by Doing

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In education, we often overcomplicate learning. It’s really quite simple: people learn best by doing. Nothing to do with different learning styles. I’ve always believed that to be a concocted view of education – created by academics distant from the classroom. Much of what I do is create experiences that enable active, hands-on learning. This … Read more

Be My Valentine

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Ah Valentine’s Day. The perennial discussion about every day being Valentine’s Day and, anyway, this special day is just a commercial concoction. The good news is that it’s good for the classroom. Be DivergentIt’s an opportunity for the content to appear current and relevant. Best to combine it with something different. Like all divergent thinking, … Read more

Persuasive Writing

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Persuasive Writing Topics The criteria for choosing a good topic is:  Relevance to Student Experience The best topics directly connect to students’ daily lives and experiences, like school lunch breaks, homework policies, or phone use in class. This personal connection helps students form authentic arguments because they can draw from firsthand knowledge.  Clear Two-Sided Arguments … Read more