A Guide to Meaningful Instruction: Rethinking the Gradual Release of Responsibility

Blog - 25 Jan 2025  [Release of Responsibility]

In this blog by A.J. Juliani, he highlights the flexibility of the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, allowing students to transfer learning through collaborative and independent phases, with teachers offering guidance and feedback. The Gradual Release of Responsibility fosters critical thinking through scaffolded learning, metacognition, cognitive load shifting, diverse thinking, and real-world application. Juliani rethinks Gradual Release of Responsibility as a "Wheel of Responsibility" rather than a linear process, where phases overlap and adapt based on student needs. This intentional design ensures learning stays relevant, engaging, and connected to authentic problem-solving.

Inquiry Mindset: Questions Edition: Cultivating Curiosity and Creating Question Competence

Book - 18 Jan 2025  [Inquiry Resources]

Curiosity fuels inquiry-based learning, but crafting powerful, student-driven questions can be challenging. Inquiry Mindset: Questions Edition by Trevor MacKenzie provides practical strategies and Question Routines to help students generate, organize, and refine their inquiries. This book empowers educators to spark engagement, foster critical thinking, and create authentic learning experiences. With real classroom examples and actionable tools, it’s a must-read for any teacher looking to inspire curiosity and meaningful inquiry.

16 Variations on Think-Pair-Share to Keep Students Engaged

Article - 18 Jan 2025  [Checking For Understanding]

To keep Think-Pair-Share (TPS) fresh and engaging, explore these variations aligned with specific learning goals [from Edutopia]—like collaborative exploration, visualization, or evaluating ideas. These adaptations not only sustain student interest but also deepen their engagement and encourage more dynamic learning experiences. Also view a host of other Checking for Understanding strategies here.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons?

Ted Talk - 7 Jan 2025  [Sustainable Goals]

The TED talk "What is the tragedy of the commons?" by Nicholas Amendolare explains a concept where individuals, acting in their own self-interest, deplete a shared resource, ultimately harming the common good. The talk uses examples like overfishing, overuse of antibiotics, and pollution to illustrate how this phenomenon occurs. You can watch the full talk here. Also, see some thought-provoking questions to engage Grade 4-8 students about the TED talk and how it might influence their behaviour.

How to Save Our Children From Cynicism

Ted Talk - 8 Dec 2024  [Health & Wellbeing]

Worried about the impact of media on students, high school teacher Graeme Mitchell launched a program to foster evidence-based optimism and empower young people to navigate the information age. By dedicating half of class time to stories of progress, teachers helped students find hope and inspiration to create change. The results? A transformative shift in mindset. Want to equip your learners with tools for resilience in a digital world? This idea is worth exploring!

AI Tool Demo: Differentiating Class Materials With Diffit

AI Tool - 3 Dec 2024  [AI Tools]

Looking for an AI tool to help support your divers learners? Look no further than Diffit which is an AI tool designed to help teachers differentiate instructional materials. Check out this short demo video (from Edutopia)  By instantly adjusting text complexity from 2nd to 11th-grade levels, the platform supports diverse learners, including those with individualized education programs and English language learners. Beyond text leveling, Diffit generates vocabulary lists, comprehension questions, and customizable worksheets, streamlining lesson preparation and making educational content more accessible for students with varying reading abilities. Also, learn more about Diffit and other AI tools here.

What the Fossil Fuel Industry Doesn't Want You To Know

Video - 29 Nov 2024  [Climate Action pg2]

In the wake of the disappointing conclusion of COP29, where developed countries seem to have lost the plot, I encourage you to listen to Nobel Laureate Al Gore (2023 video) as he delivers a powerful and urgent message about the escalating climate crisis. Ignoring the crisis is simply kicking the can down the road, and in this searing presentation, Gore highlights two major obstacles to climate solutions while offering a bold vision for overcoming them. Don’t miss his blistering critique of fossil fuel companies for walking back their climate commitments, along with his call for a global rethink of the outsized influence polluting industries wield in politics and finance.

New Basketball Data Analytics Unit

Math Unit - 22 Nov 2024

YouCubed’s Basketball Data Analytics Unit is perfect for grades 4 and up! This engaging resource shows students how data applies to sports—no athletic background required. Teachers don’t need to know basketball either—students can guide discussions and learn through videos featuring Stanford players. The unit wraps up with students designing their dream team using real data. Inspire curiosity and decision-making with this fun, hands-on approach to learning! The unit also connects to physical education where students learn and try out some basketball moves. How cool is that - real life connection and cross curricular.

Moving Beyond Inquiry Based Learning OR Explicit Instruction

Research - 17 Nov 2024  [Educational Research]

The debate between guided inquiry-based learning and direct instruction is often presented as an either/or choice. However, a 2024 paper, Beyond Inquiry or Direct Instruction: Pressing Issues for Designing Impactful Science Learning Opportunities, reframes the discussion. The authors advocate for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing the importance of blending instructional strategies based on contextual factors to achieve the best learning outcomes.

Discover Time-Saving Features on Edutopia.org!

Website - 17 Nov 2024

This is cool! Edutopia has rolled out exciting new tools to make your teaching journey more efficient and enjoyable. Here's a what's available:

🌟 Bookmark Your Favourites

Easily save your favourite stories, videos, and community questions for later! Just click the bookmark icon in the upper right corner of any page, and the content will be saved to your Edutopia profile for quick access anytime. Try it out!

🌟 Introducing "Ask Edutopia AI"

On select articles, you can now try our Ask Edutopia tool. It scans the archives to provide helpful checklists, concise summaries, and fresh ideas with just one click. Look for prompts at the bottom of featured stories to give it a try!

Note: To use these features, simply create a free Edutopia account.

Want Resilient and Well-Adjusted Kids? Let Them Play

Research - 8 Nov 2024 [Play]

Research shows play has enormous learning and social benefits across all ages. The Hechinger Report highlights the importance of play in child development, emphasizing its role in building resilience, social skills, and emotional health. Research shows that play is crucial for brain development and learning. Experts advocate for integrating unstructured play into educational settings to enhance children’s academic and social outcomes. The article underscores the need for support and encouragement for educators and parents to maximize the benefits of play.

“Little Safe Space” Boxes

Blog - 4 Nov 2024 [Early Years]

Early childhood educator Jenny Kist created “little safe place” boxes to help her students practice self-regulation and emotional identification. Each box contains tools for labeling emotions, breathing techniques, and connection-building activities. Developed during COVID-19, these boxes remain a daily classroom fixture, empowering young learners to recognize and express their feelings. Using Conscious Discipline, Kist’s approach supports social-emotional growth and builds empathy, fostering a safe, supportive environment for her students.

Book: Educate to Self Regulate

Book - 23 Oct 2024 [Professional Reading]

The following book is recommended by Kath Murdoch.

Educate to Self Regulate

• Shyam Barr's Educate to Self-Regulate offers practical strategies to enhance classroom communities, personalize instruction, and build resilient learners. By fostering self-regulation skills, teachers can create a supportive environment that promotes academic and personal success. Don't miss this valuable resource for empowering students to thrive.

Recommended Read-a-Loud Book

Read-a-Loud Book - 23 Oct 2024 [Read-a-Loud Books]

The following book is recommended by Kath Murdoch.

I Wonder

• Philip Bunting's I Wonder is a delightful picture book that ignites curiosity and encourages inquiry-based learning. Through open-ended questions, it inspires young minds to explore the world around them. Use it to spark discussions, model inquiry, and foster a love of learning. Perfect for any classroom seeking to cultivate critical thinking and a sense of wonder.

Blooming Curious Blog/Website

Podcast/website - 15 Oct 2024 [Podcast/Websites]

Looking for fresh ways to ignite student curiosity and excitement for learning? Check out the Blooming Curious podcast! It’s full of practical strategies and insights for integrating inquiry-based learning into your teaching. Whether you want to inspire student agency, foster critical thinking, or rekindle your own passion for teaching, the Blooming Curious website provides tools to help you and your students thrive. Explore the blog today and transform your classroom! 

Ziplet

App - 5 Oct 2024 [Tech Tools]

Here's a free App (basic plan) that is worth checking out...Ziplet is an easy-to-use app that helps teachers check in with students' understanding and well-being through quick, customizable questions (think Exit Tickets). It offers real-time feedback, supports anonymous responses, and encourages student reflection. With options for pre-set or custom questions, Ziplet enables teachers to adjust lessons based on student needs, track progress over time, and foster a supportive, student-centered learning environment. A great tool for personalized and reflective teaching!

The Power of Play-Based Learning

Article - 29 Sept 2024 [Play]

This interesting Edutopia article highlights new research on "guided play," which balances play with academic demands in early childhood. A University of Cambridge study found that guided play—where children explore with adult support—enhances skills like math and cognitive flexibility more effectively than traditional instruction. By blending free play with adult guidance, it fosters children's enjoyment, motivation, and agency while extending their learning beyond what they could achieve on their own.

Inquiry Classrooms (Facebook)

Facebook - 29 Sept 2024 [PYP Overview]

Explore Isha Mehta's Facebook page, Inquiry Classroom, for a wealth of IB PYP resources. She has designed a variety of informative and visually appealing PYP posters and infographics that are definitely worth checking out!

What is Visible Thinking?

Podcast - 21 Sept 2024 [Visible Thinking Routines]

In thisToddle School Leadership Project podcast, join Dr. Ron Ritchhart, a Harvard researcher, as he explores how to foster a culture of thinking in schools. He shares strategies for developing students into powerful learners through visible thinking routines, teaching beyond tests, and promoting inquiry-based learning. Learn practical ways to empower both teachers and students, assess thinking dispositions, and build a community of critical thinkers. Ideal for educators focused on enhancing student learning and agency.

Talking Inquiry with Kath Murdoch

Podcast - 15 Sept 2024 [Inquiry-Based Learning]

In this podcast, Kath Murdoch discusses her new book, From Agency to Zest: A Journey Through the Landscape of Inquiry, sharing insights on inquiry-based teaching and learner agency. She offers practical tips for educators to deepen professional learning and spark meaningful discussions with colleagues. Tune in for inspiration and strategies to enhance your inquiry teaching and create richer learning experiences for your students!

Sustainable Development Goals - Refreshed

Various - 13 Sept 2024 [Sustainable Goals]

With just six years remaining to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is still much work to be done. I have updated the Sustainable Goals section of Inspiring Inquiry, making it more accessible for students. This resource is ideal for student research into each of the SDGs and issues related to plastic use. Encourage your students to explore, inquire, and showcase their learner agency!

Raising Resilience

Book - 11 Sept 2024 [Professional Reading]

Discover Raising Resilience by Dr. Tovah Klein, a vital resource for educators looking to foster resilience in their students. This insightful guide offers practical strategies, conversation prompts, and evidence-based tools to help children navigate everyday stressors and major life challenges. Learn how to build emotional intelligence, adaptability, and social skills in your classroom, creating a supportive environment where every child can thrive despite adversity.

Differentiation Poster

Poster - 10 Sept 2024 [Differentiation]

Check out this useful Differentiation Poster created by Zenab Khan [@teaching_is_fun_in_pyp].  While you are at it, why not explore several other Tool/Strategies such as Visible Thinking, Checking for Understanding, Release of Responsibility, Genius Hour, Problem-Based Learning, and much more.

Proactive Collaboration + Checklist

Blog - 6 Sept 2024 [Collaboration]

In our dynamic classrooms, proactive collaboration is essential for successful teamwork. Simply gathering a group of people isn’t enough. To truly harness the power of collaboration, intentional planning, clear communication, and active engagement are key. In her latest article, “Proactive Collaboration: Overcoming Assumptions with a Teamwork Checklist,” Alison Yang explores common misconceptions and offers practical tips to enhance your collaborative efforts. Discover how to overcome barriers and create a more effective, inclusive teaching environment.  ** Added bonus: Download a user-friendly "Collaboration Planning Checklist"

Math PD Opportunities

Online workshops- 4 Sept 2024 [Professional Development]

Here are some Math Professional Development opportunities presented by Jo Boaler (YouCubed), Graham Fletcher, or Berkeley Everett. Note: there is a cost to these workshops, but I believe they are well worth it.

• • Berkeley Everett's Number Sense Routines (K-5) online workshop. Access any time

  • Graham Fletcher's Foundations Of Fractions online workshop. Access any time

  • Graham Fletcher's Foundations Of Numerical Reasoning For Grades K-2 online workshop. Access any time

  • Graham Fletcher's Foundations Of Numerical Reasoning For Grades 3-5 online workshop. Access any time

  • Jo Boaler's Grades 2-3: Number sense, operations and geometry.  October 3, October 17 & 30, 2024

  • Jo Boaler's Grades 4-5: Fractions, decimals, place value, operations and geometry. October 24, November 6 & November 14, 2024

See more: Graham Fletcher and Three Act Problem Solving

Four Questions (and Answers) to Consider on Using A.I. in Education

Post & Podcast- 1 Sept 2024 [AI in the Classroom]

Something to consider....In a recent podcast wit A.J Juliani, George Couros shares four key questions to consider when using ChatGPT:

1. What are the pros and cons of ChatGPT?

2. How can it be used in daily life?

3. How can it simplify our roles and enhance learning?

4. How can we help students use it for learning, both in and outside of school?

This technology is here to stay—let’s leverage it for meaningful learning!

Book: The Anxious Generation

Book- 29 Aug 2024 [Professional Reading]

Here's a book you may be interested in reading, especially with all the hype around the use of cell phones in the classroom. Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation examines the rise in anxiety and depression among young people, especially in Western countries. Haidt suggests this trend results from a complex mix of societal, technological, and psychological factors, including social media, helicopter parenting, and a culture of safetyism. He also explores how cognitive biases, like the "availability heuristic," shape perceptions of risk and contribute to a sense of fragility in today's youth. Also see: A.J. Juliani's blog posts: Lessons From “The Anxious Generation” For Educators and Parents, and 5 MORE Lessons From The Anxious Generation.

New! The Achievery Website

Website- 27 Aug 2024 [Blogs/Websites]

Imagine a place where inspiring video lessons meet ready-to-use activities, all geared toward engaging students in a meaningful way. That’s what The Achievery offers—and it’s completely free! With over 500 videos linked to subjects like ELA, STEM, and social-emotional learning, you can empower your students to explore topics that ignite their curiosity. Perfect for inquiry-based teaching, it offers interactive video lessons that spark curiosity while supporting learner agency by letting students explore content that aligns with their interests. Why not give it a test run!

How Future Schools Embrace Humanity and Belonging

Podcast- 25 Aug 2024 [Leadership Videos P2]

The insightful Toddle School Leadership Project podcast, "How Future Schools Embrace Humanity and Belonging," is a must-watch. Louka Parry and others discuss the shift toward a human-centered approach in education, focusing on creating environments where agency, belonging, and creativity flourish. They emphasize the role of social-emotional learning (SEL), the importance of valuing students' backgrounds, and explore integrating AI, building supportive relationships, and leading with purpose in educational settings.

Digital Citizenship Resources

Website- 24 Aug 2024 [Digital Learning Resources]

Help students take charge of their digital lives with Common Sense Education’s free resources. Their K-12 Digital Citizenship materials offer essential guidance for navigating online spaces and making informed choices. The website features in-depth reviews of edtech tools, tips and resources, free back-to-school materials for grades K–12, family support, and more. It’s a comprehensive and user-friendly resource—well worth exploring!

6 Practical Tips for New Preschool Teachers 

Video- 24 Aug 2024 [Classroom Community]

Here's a short video for new preschool teachers. To ease the transition from home to school, pre-K educators can adopt strategies like maintaining a playful mindset, choosing comfortable attire, organizing the classroom thoughtfully, and planning smooth transitions. Observing students closely and seeking support when needed can also help create a positive learning environment from day one. Also you might be interested in Andrea Callahan’s Edutopia article “Getting Started as a New Preschool Teacher.” Check out the "New School Year Strategies" section for more ideas.

Teaching WalkThrus: Visual Step-by-Step Guides to Essential Teaching Techniques

Book- 20 Aug 2024 [Professional Reading]

For practical and impactful teaching strategies, Teaching WalkThrus by Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli is a must-read. This guide offers over 50 classroom techniques in concise, easy-to-follow steps with clear visuals. Each method is designed for quick application, making it perfect for busy teachers at all experience levels. If you’re looking to boost your teaching practice with proven, accessible strategies, this book is a valuable resource.

The Puzzle of Motivation

Ted Talk - 18 Aug 2024 [Approaches to Teaching]

Here’s an oldie but goodie that I hope you will enjoy: In "The Puzzle of Motivation," Dan Pink reveals that traditional rewards, like money or punishment, often backfire, while intrinsic motivators—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—are the true drivers of performance and satisfaction. For education, this reinforces the importance of creating a culture of student agency, inquiry, and trust to cultivate meaningful learning experiences that resonate with students and encourage deeper engagement.