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Teaching Today's Kids: Best Practices

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Show Notes:

Have you heard of the term ‘digital native’?

Our guest, Rachael Parlett, explains that ‘digital native’ is a phrase that describes our students in today’s world, meaning that children speak the language of technology and absorb information through technology. It’s what they’ve known their whole lives, and in many cases, it’s how they connect with people.

Because of the huge role that technology plays in all of our lives, teaching strategies and best practices are shifting. They aren’t the same that they were 10-15 years ago. We have to speak to our students differently than before, and teach them in a way that they can relate to. Embracing technology is certainly one of the ways to do that.

Rachael and I are going to talk about these best practices and teaching today’s kids in this episode. She will share how we can provide our students with multimedia learning experiences that are engaging and effective in all content areas.

Rachael Parlett has been an educator for 16+ years, having spent most of her time teaching 4th grade. Currently, she is the founder and creator of The Classroom Nook, an educational company that supports upper elementary teachers with resources that make learning interactive, engaging, and fun for both teachers and students.

She is also the host of the podcast, The Classroom Commute, where she shares tips, strategies, and best teaching practices for a 21st century classroom.

Most recently, Rachael, along with her husband, Jacob, have founded a second educational company called LINKtivity Learning – a membership that provides teachers with a growing library of interactive digital resources known as LINKtivities.

LINKtivities have been used in tens of thousands of classrooms around the world and provide students with a multimedia learning experience that truly ignites the love of learning and is powerful enough to meet the demands of a 21st century classroom.

At the heart of everything, Rachael believes that classrooms should be student-centered, hands-on, and collaborative. She loves sharing this passion with educators around the world.

This is such an important conversation and is one that offers so much insight into the complexities of teaching today’s kids. However, one important thing to keep in mind is that not all technology is created equal.

Remember to always think about the ways that you can use it effectively, and not just use technology for the sake of using technology. Human connection and relationships are always going to trump anything else that we do in the classroom, and are at the foundation of everything!

PS: If you want to know your next 5 steps in becoming the teacher you've always dreamed of being, click the image below to take my quick quiz!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

Why students are different today than they were 10-15 years ago, and how that impacts our teaching practice.
The important role that collaboration plays in teaching today’s students.
Creative ways that teachers can put a greater emphasis on hands-on learning in all areas of teaching (not just the obvious ones!).
How teachers can use assessments that serve the student instead of just using them to evaluate the student.
Specific suggestions for how to teach your students to become reflective thinkers and learners.
The role that technology should, and shouldn’t, play in the classroom.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

Connect with Rachael:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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