During a recent coaching session an educator asked me, “Jocelynn, how do we create a happy and equitable Valentine’s Day experience for all students?” This is a complex and nuanced question to answer because there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, all of your students do not celebrate this holiday. Whether for …
Happy Equitable Valentine’s Day to You and Your Students – 3 Considerations Read More »
Christmas Around the World is probably one of my favorite projects. Any “around the world” journey opens the door for multiple ways to level up each students’ cultural learning. Plus, people celebrate Christmas in several countries on EVERY continent. Yes, every continent: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. This creates a …
3 Ways to Level Up Your Christmas Around the World Lesson Read More »
The key to empowering students to believe in their ability to succeed academically is creating a culturally responsive classroom this year. In a culturally responsive classroom, students SEE the importance of their people and perspective, as well as the power of their voice. Students also learn the importance of engaging with different people and perspectives …
Kickstart Your Culturally Responsive Classroom this School Year! Read More »
Having complex conversations in the classroom can seem challenging and overwhelming, but I have 5 simple strategies to help you confidently guide student discussion. Before we dive in, I want to be honest with you. These strategies are effective and classroom tested, but they are not a magic spell. Long before you engage in complex …
5 Simple Strategies for Having Complex Conversations in Every Classroom Read More »
Looking for ideas for Black History month? Well, here are my 5 favorite ways to celebrate Black History month with my students. Each of these ideas offers a peek into the past and a glimpse into the future, while presenting the choice offered today. It is important to look at history to learn and grow …
My 5 Favorite Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in the Classroom Read More »
Are you ready to design culturally responsive lessons, but are not quite sure where to start? Trust me, you are not alone. The good news is that today, I am going to pull up a (virtual) chair beside you and we will talk through a few strategies together. Excited yet? Me too. A Framework to …
How to Design Dynamic Culturally Responsive Lessons Read More »
Merry Christmas and happy culture-centered holiday season! *chuckle* Maybe that sounds silly, but it is important to think about. Every year before October even ends, my social media feeds begin filling with teaching resources or tips, tricks, and strategies for navigating the classroom until Christmas break. There are Christmas countdowns, Christmas themed rewards for positive …
How to create a Culture-Centered Holiday Experience in the Classroom (Winter) Read More »
Are you looking for ways to make sure all students in your class feel affirmed, welcomed, and celebrated? Look no further. A culture-centered classroom is just that. By using culture-centered teaching practices, students feel affirmed, welcomed, and celebrated for several reasons. First, teachers use the culture of the students inside and outside of the class …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRErRPSsNl0Whether Thanksgiving is a few months away, or a few days away, there are a few things to consider as you plan your lessons and prepare to facilitate conversations with your students. As with all lessons, creating the Thanksgiving lesson should be done with purpose and intentionality. This is a lesson that should be revisited …
3 Considerations When Teaching the Thanksgiving Story Read More »
As an educator and a mother of five children, I strive daily toward intentionality in my actions, in the choices I make, and with the words I use. This is completely contradictory to the age old saying, “Do what I say and NOT what I do.” For this reason, I not only strive to have …
6 Ways to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom Read More »