Learning Starts with Safety: How Classroom Culture Sets the Stage for Growth
Before any real learning can happen, students must feel emotionally safe. They need to know they are seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves. That is why the foundation of classroom culture is not content, curriculum, or pacing guides. It is...
The Power of Student Voice: Motivation Strategies That Actually Work
Motivating struggling learners isn’t about bribing them—it’s about knowing them. When students feel seen and understood, they engage differently. They ask questions, take more risks, and begin to believe in their ability to succeed. That’s the power of student...
A Solution for Students Who Rock and Fidget in Their Seats
Students who tip back on two legs of their chairs in class often are stimulating their brain with a rocking, vestibular-activating motion. They are trying to wake up their (brain’s) vestibular system. While it is an unsafe activity, it happens to be good for the...
Ask Susan: What to Do When Flexible Seating Becomes A Problem
Dear Susan: I have some flexible seating available for my students. Do you have any suggestions on how to manage it when it becomes more of a distraction for the other students? A: Implementing flexible seating can be a great way to help students refocus their energy...