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How to Assess the Learning Process, Not the Final Product
Blog - 11 Mar 2025 [Assessment]
This informative and thought-provoking blog post by AJ Juliani explores grade inflation and the flaws of assessing only final products in education, especially with AI's rise. He advocates for evaluating the learning process instead, offering seven strategies: GRIT rubrics, screencasting, video annotations, process rubrics, failing reports, benchmark presentations, and portfolios. This shift leads to more meaningful feedback and a better understanding of student learning.
The Creative Collection: Inspiring Teaching Through the Arts
Books - 24 Feb 2025 [Art]
The Creative Collection supports educators in all grades in rethinking how materials are used, moving beyond routine approaches to embrace new creative possibilities. This beautifully designed set—Introduction, Drawing, Painting, Clay, Wire, Paper, Textiles, Light, Digital, and Open-Ended Materials—recommended by Kath Murdoch, deepens inquiry-based teaching by sparking rich conversations, reflection, and imaginative exploration. It will strengthen teachers ability to nurture student’s creativity, making the arts a central part of learning. Definately worth a look!
Unlocking the Magic of Children’s Literature
Publication - 16 Feb 2025 [Literacy/Reading]
Unlocking the Magic of Children’s Literature: Essential Resources for Parents and Educators, explores how children can benefit from and engage with different types of children's literature. The act of reading can transform a child's life for the better; the authors hope that the guide's fairly large list of different literacy games, plays, poems, award-winning books, popular authors, and movie adaptations of children's literature can give parents and teachers ideas on how to jumpstart or continue to encourage children to explore reading as an intellectual hobby.
Making Change Stick: A Practical Guide to Implementing School Change
Book Review - 9 Feb 2025 [Professional Reading]
I love this book! If you been in education for a period of time you will know that about 70% of school improvement programs fail. But what if we could turn that number around? Making Change Stick by Dr. James Mannion provides a research-backed, step-by-step approach to creating lasting change in schools. The key? A Slice Team—a diverse group of educators, students, and stakeholders working together for meaningful transformation. Real improvement takes time, collaboration, and commitment. This book equips educators with practical tools to ensure school initiatives succeed. If you’re looking for a way to break the cycle of failed initiatives and create something that truly lasts, Making Change Stick is a must-read! Click the image to learn more.
Change in schools is challenging. So many initiatives start with high hopes but fizzle out before they can make a real impact. As a life-long educator and administrator, that’s why Making Change Stick by Dr. James Mannion resonated with me. This isn’t another quick-fix program that promises overnight success. Instead, it’s a deeply thoughtful and research-backed guide/program that can lead to real, lasting school improvement.
James understands what many of us have experienced—about 70% of school improvement programs fail. But what if we could turn that number around? What if change could be truly sustainable? That’s the heart of this book. It doesn’t just tell you what needs to happen; it walks you through how to make it happen and why taking the time to do it right is so important.
The Power of the Slice Team
One of the most inspiring aspects of Making Change Stick is its emphasis on collaboration and shared responsibility. Too often, school improvement is handed down from the top, leaving teachers and students feeling disconnected and unmotivated. James introduces the Slice Team—a diverse group of educators, students, and community members who drive the change together. This approach fosters learner agency, ensuring that the people most affected by change have the voice, choice and responsibility in shaping it.
A Science-Based, Step-by-Step Approach
What makes Making Change Stick truly stand out is how it combines insights from implementation and improvement science. Instead of vague suggestions, it provides a structured, 25-step framework that may take up to three years to fully implement. That might sound like a long time, but that’s the point—real change isn’t instant. Skipping steps is where so many schools go wrong, and this book will help schools avoid those pitfalls.
What You’ll Find Inside
James doesn’t just talk theory—he provides real, practical tools to make change happen. The book includes:
A clear, research-backed roadmap for school improvement, with detailed steps for data collection, habit formation, and team collaboration.
Real-life examples from schools that have successfully implemented lasting change.
Tried-and-tested strategies to ensure that good intentions turn into real, measurable progress.
There is also a website (https://www.makingchangestick.co) that has been created which provides more tools to assist in the implementation of the program. There is also a subscription option which will provide full access to the Making Change Stick training suite for everyone in a school’s organisation for 3 years. (note these are currently in development (as of February 8, 2024)
Why This Book Matters
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by school initiatives that come and go, leaving little impact, Making Change Stick is for you. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or policymaker, this book will help you rethink how change happens—and how to make it last.
James doesn’t promise an easy fix, and that’s what makes this book so valuable. Instead, he offers a thoughtful, collaborative, and science-based approach to school improvement. If you’re ready to commit to real, meaningful change in your school, this book will be an invaluable guide. If you’re looking for a way to break the cycle of failed initiatives and create something that truly lasts, Making Change Stick is a must-read.
AI-Powered Pedagogy: Redefining Education
Book - 1 Feb 2025 [AI Tools]
Jennifer Chang Wathall's "AI-Powered Pedagogy", recommended by Kath Murdoch, explores AI's potential to transform education. This essential read emphasizes pedagogy over technology, offering practical strategies and a framework for ethical AI integration. Jennifer focuses on developing crucial skills like critical thinking and creativity, preparing students for an AI-driven future. This book could be valuable resource for educators seeking to navigate the evolving educational landscape.
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.
Bookmark an article by selecting the above icon (top right).
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
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:
What are the pros and cons of ChatGPT?
How can it be used in daily life?
How can it simplify our roles and enhance learning?
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.
Please Consider Supporting Inspiring Inquiry
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