Discussion starters
Learning is Personal
Top 10
Problem-Solving II
Top 10 #6: Step-by-step helps it stick!
A strategy for working with older kiddos on problem solving is the acronym SODAS (from Big Life Journal): -Situation (determine problem) -Options (brainstorm solutions) -Disadvantages (list negatives for each solution) -Advantages (list benefits for each solution) -Solution (determine plan of action and stick with it)
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Cullins, A. (2019, September 20). How to teach problem-solving skills to children and preteens. Big Life Journal. https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/how-teach-problem-solving-strategies-kids-guide
Mindfulness
Top 10 #3: Teaching self-regulation helps students be ready to learn!
Mindfulness helps students socially and emotionally. When we teach mindfulness in our classes, it helps students learn to self-regulate their feelings and emotions. It really affects how they stay calm and show self-control. I teach SEL (social emotional learning) to the 5th/6th graders in my school, and they do need to learn strategies like journaling and calmly sharing their thoughts with kind words because many of them are not receiving the instruction at home.
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Gerszberg, C. O. (n.d.). Best practices for bringing mindfulness into schools. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-in-education/ Midwest Teachers Institute. (2025, January 21). Mastering the art of teaching mindfulness in the classroom. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/ Tatter, G. (2019, February 22). How making time for mindfulness helps students. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53110/how-making-time-for-mindfulness-helps-students
Personalized Learning
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Top 10 #8: You want it? You got it!
In personalized learning, students have a say in what lessons are learned and projects are completed. It is similar to differentiated instruction in that student needs are catered to, but it is even more focused on individual student interests than differentiated instruction is. At my school, our 7/8 graders get to do a "passion project" where they pick something they want to know more about, research it, and do the experience. The kids really enjoy having a say in what they do.
PowerSchool. (2025, January 17). A complete guide to personalized learning in K-12 education (2025). https://www.powerschool.com/blog/complete-guide-personalized-learning-k12-education/
Standards-Based Grading
Top 10 #2: Show mastery!
Standards-based grading is an alternative to traditional grading. Standards are used to create learning targets, then students are given a number score based on the mastery of each learning target. My school uses traditional grading, but I can see the benefit of using standards-based grading so it is easier to determine exactly what each student has mastered/needs more instruction on. It is important for schools making the switch from traditional to standards-based to have a system for grade calculation.
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Beachboard, C. & Kersey, E. (2022, August 5). Getting started with standards-based grading. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-standards-based-grading/ Rablin, T. (2025, July 15). Setting up standards-based grading in a traditional school. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/standards-based-grading-traditional-school/
Project-Based Learning
Top 10 #10: Hands-on is the way to grow!
Project based learning is where students take the initiative on their own learning through a project. This is different from completing a project as a form of assessment. I love allowing for creativity in my classroom, and I want students to love learning. Project-based learning is definitely something I want to explore more.
PBLWorks. (n.d.). “Doing a project” vs. project based learning. https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning
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Inclusion
Top 10 #9: Seen, heard, loved!
A culturally responsive and inclusive classroom allows all students to feel seen, heard, and loved. Recognition of differences while promoting unity is a must. Literature from various backgrounds, opportunities for students to share customs and traditions, and a culture of trust and empathy are key. In my classroom, my students know that they are loved by God, by their families, and by me. As Christians, we are called to share this love with everyone we meet.
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PBISRewards. (n.d.) 5 traits of a culturally responsive classroom. https://www.pbisrewards.com/blog/culturally-responsive-classroom/
Differentiation
Top 10 #7: Meet each student where they're at!
Differentiation allows for the customization of the learning experience to meet the needs of each individual student. Differentiation can occur when teachers modify the information students learn, the method by which they learn the material, and the means by which students show what they have learned.
Differentiation matters because each student is unique and learns differently from everyone else. In my 5th grade classroom, I differentiate in math by grouping students based on their knowledge of the current chapter and I modify the difficulty of content/the method the content is learned for those in each group.
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Cleaver, S. (2024, July 15). 35+ differentiated instruction strategies and examples for K-12 classrooms. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/differentiated-instruction-strategies-to-try-out-this-year/ Ellis, B. (2024, November 13). Creating inclusive classrooms with UDL and differentiation. Technotes. https://blog.tcea.org/creating-inclusive-classrooms-with-udl-and-differentiation/
Competency-Based Learning
Top 10 #1: Make it your own!
Competency-based learning allows students to show their mastery of concepts. Students have the ability to work on their own timeline, as each student learns uniquely/at a different pace than others. This topic is really interesting to me, because I can see the benefits of it, but it would take work to implement. I really like that each student is able to make the learning their own.
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TeachThought. (n.d.). What is competency-based learning? https://www.teachthought.com/learning-posts/what-is-competency-based-learning/
Problem Solving
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Top 10 #5: Model, guide, take a step back!
Teaching problem solving in the classroom requires modeling the process of establishing the problem and proposing solutions to solve the problem. In addition, it requires that we allow students to struggle through the process, providing guidance as needed. In my classroom, I ask questions that lead students to come to their own conclusions.
Cullins, A. (2019, September 20). How to teach problem-solving skills to children and preteens. Big Life Journal. https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/how-teach-problem-solving-strategies-kids-guide
Image made with Craiyon
Metacognition
Top 10 #4: We can do hard things!
Metacognition starts before learning does and continues after the lesson is over. We identify what we know and don't know, set a plan for how we are going to gain knowledge, and reflect on our thinking and learning consistently. We have a growth mindset, that we can make mistakes and be brave, taking risks so we become better learners. In my classroom, I applaud my students for "being brave" and "doing hard things." It makes a difference!
Ganz, M. (2025, July 20). Metacognition in the classroom: More than thinking about thinking. Learning A-Z. https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/metacognition?srsltid=AfmBOoqCXbOlvcAcQb7PX-27WOYtNgdKIpVnE1XSQqkovqp3csUshyW Kiedaisch, J. (2018, June 11). What is metacognition? A guide for educators. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/what-is-metacognition/
Discussion Starters
1. Have you ever utilized competency-based learning in your classroom? 2. Do you prefer traditional or standards-based grading, and why? 3. How do you teach problem solving in your classroom or school? 4. If you could do anything new in your classroom to make it more inclusive regardless of cost, what would it be?
Why this matters!
As someone who wants to be a principal someday, I need to know more than just teaching and learning. I need to help my teachers identify the best ways to teach and care so I am positively impacting the learning and development of students in my school.
Top 10
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Transcript
Discussion starters
Learning is Personal
Top 10
Problem-Solving II
Top 10 #6: Step-by-step helps it stick!
A strategy for working with older kiddos on problem solving is the acronym SODAS (from Big Life Journal): -Situation (determine problem) -Options (brainstorm solutions) -Disadvantages (list negatives for each solution) -Advantages (list benefits for each solution) -Solution (determine plan of action and stick with it)
Image made with Microsoft Copilot
Cullins, A. (2019, September 20). How to teach problem-solving skills to children and preteens. Big Life Journal. https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/how-teach-problem-solving-strategies-kids-guide
Mindfulness
Top 10 #3: Teaching self-regulation helps students be ready to learn!
Mindfulness helps students socially and emotionally. When we teach mindfulness in our classes, it helps students learn to self-regulate their feelings and emotions. It really affects how they stay calm and show self-control. I teach SEL (social emotional learning) to the 5th/6th graders in my school, and they do need to learn strategies like journaling and calmly sharing their thoughts with kind words because many of them are not receiving the instruction at home.
Image made with Microsoft Copilot
Gerszberg, C. O. (n.d.). Best practices for bringing mindfulness into schools. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-in-education/ Midwest Teachers Institute. (2025, January 21). Mastering the art of teaching mindfulness in the classroom. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/ Tatter, G. (2019, February 22). How making time for mindfulness helps students. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53110/how-making-time-for-mindfulness-helps-students
Personalized Learning
Image made with Craiyon
Top 10 #8: You want it? You got it!
In personalized learning, students have a say in what lessons are learned and projects are completed. It is similar to differentiated instruction in that student needs are catered to, but it is even more focused on individual student interests than differentiated instruction is. At my school, our 7/8 graders get to do a "passion project" where they pick something they want to know more about, research it, and do the experience. The kids really enjoy having a say in what they do.
PowerSchool. (2025, January 17). A complete guide to personalized learning in K-12 education (2025). https://www.powerschool.com/blog/complete-guide-personalized-learning-k12-education/
Standards-Based Grading
Top 10 #2: Show mastery!
Standards-based grading is an alternative to traditional grading. Standards are used to create learning targets, then students are given a number score based on the mastery of each learning target. My school uses traditional grading, but I can see the benefit of using standards-based grading so it is easier to determine exactly what each student has mastered/needs more instruction on. It is important for schools making the switch from traditional to standards-based to have a system for grade calculation.
Image made with Craiyon
Beachboard, C. & Kersey, E. (2022, August 5). Getting started with standards-based grading. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-standards-based-grading/ Rablin, T. (2025, July 15). Setting up standards-based grading in a traditional school. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/standards-based-grading-traditional-school/
Project-Based Learning
Top 10 #10: Hands-on is the way to grow!
Project based learning is where students take the initiative on their own learning through a project. This is different from completing a project as a form of assessment. I love allowing for creativity in my classroom, and I want students to love learning. Project-based learning is definitely something I want to explore more.
PBLWorks. (n.d.). “Doing a project” vs. project based learning. https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning
Image made with Canva
Inclusion
Top 10 #9: Seen, heard, loved!
A culturally responsive and inclusive classroom allows all students to feel seen, heard, and loved. Recognition of differences while promoting unity is a must. Literature from various backgrounds, opportunities for students to share customs and traditions, and a culture of trust and empathy are key. In my classroom, my students know that they are loved by God, by their families, and by me. As Christians, we are called to share this love with everyone we meet.
Image made with Canva
PBISRewards. (n.d.) 5 traits of a culturally responsive classroom. https://www.pbisrewards.com/blog/culturally-responsive-classroom/
Differentiation
Top 10 #7: Meet each student where they're at!
Differentiation allows for the customization of the learning experience to meet the needs of each individual student. Differentiation can occur when teachers modify the information students learn, the method by which they learn the material, and the means by which students show what they have learned.
Differentiation matters because each student is unique and learns differently from everyone else. In my 5th grade classroom, I differentiate in math by grouping students based on their knowledge of the current chapter and I modify the difficulty of content/the method the content is learned for those in each group.
Image made with Craiyon
Cleaver, S. (2024, July 15). 35+ differentiated instruction strategies and examples for K-12 classrooms. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/differentiated-instruction-strategies-to-try-out-this-year/ Ellis, B. (2024, November 13). Creating inclusive classrooms with UDL and differentiation. Technotes. https://blog.tcea.org/creating-inclusive-classrooms-with-udl-and-differentiation/
Competency-Based Learning
Top 10 #1: Make it your own!
Competency-based learning allows students to show their mastery of concepts. Students have the ability to work on their own timeline, as each student learns uniquely/at a different pace than others. This topic is really interesting to me, because I can see the benefits of it, but it would take work to implement. I really like that each student is able to make the learning their own.
Image made with Canva
TeachThought. (n.d.). What is competency-based learning? https://www.teachthought.com/learning-posts/what-is-competency-based-learning/
Problem Solving
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Top 10 #5: Model, guide, take a step back!
Teaching problem solving in the classroom requires modeling the process of establishing the problem and proposing solutions to solve the problem. In addition, it requires that we allow students to struggle through the process, providing guidance as needed. In my classroom, I ask questions that lead students to come to their own conclusions.
Cullins, A. (2019, September 20). How to teach problem-solving skills to children and preteens. Big Life Journal. https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/how-teach-problem-solving-strategies-kids-guide
Image made with Craiyon
Metacognition
Top 10 #4: We can do hard things!
Metacognition starts before learning does and continues after the lesson is over. We identify what we know and don't know, set a plan for how we are going to gain knowledge, and reflect on our thinking and learning consistently. We have a growth mindset, that we can make mistakes and be brave, taking risks so we become better learners. In my classroom, I applaud my students for "being brave" and "doing hard things." It makes a difference!
Ganz, M. (2025, July 20). Metacognition in the classroom: More than thinking about thinking. Learning A-Z. https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/metacognition?srsltid=AfmBOoqCXbOlvcAcQb7PX-27WOYtNgdKIpVnE1XSQqkovqp3csUshyW Kiedaisch, J. (2018, June 11). What is metacognition? A guide for educators. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/what-is-metacognition/
Discussion Starters
1. Have you ever utilized competency-based learning in your classroom? 2. Do you prefer traditional or standards-based grading, and why? 3. How do you teach problem solving in your classroom or school? 4. If you could do anything new in your classroom to make it more inclusive regardless of cost, what would it be?
Why this matters!
As someone who wants to be a principal someday, I need to know more than just teaching and learning. I need to help my teachers identify the best ways to teach and care so I am positively impacting the learning and development of students in my school.