"The Gift of Tech: Tools to Unwrap for Your Classroom"

Show Notes:

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Tech Tuesday, we explore three amazing tech tools to elevate teaching and leadership in the new year.

• Padlet: Collaborative boards for brainstorming and feedback.
• Canva for Education: A creative platform for stunning presentations and portfolios.
• Pear Deck: Interactive slides for active learning.

1. Des Moines Public Schools. (2023). Padlet for group projects: A case study in collaboration. District Technology Insights.
2. Hamari, J., Koivisto, J., & Sarsa, H. (2016). Does gamification work? A literature review of empirical studies on gamification. Proceedings of the 47th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
3. Metro Nashville Public Schools. (2023). Enhancing math lessons with Pear Deck: A teacher’s perspective. Classroom Technology Report.
4. Pappas, A. (2022). Visual collaboration tools in K-12 classrooms: Enhancing creativity and engagement. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(2), 112-124.
5. Portland Public Schools. (2023). Digital portfolios with Canva: Engaging parents and students. School Impact Report.

Share your favorite tech tools with me! Connect on Instagram at @thecyclingsuperintendent, @teach.lead.innovate or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for listening to Tech Tuesday! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Motivation Monday, we explore resilience—the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger from setbacks.

• What is Resilience? Learn the science and practice of resilience in education and leadership.
• Real-World Examples: Discover how educators and leaders at North Star Elementary, Paradise High, and Lincoln High are using resilience to create positive change.
• Research-Backed Benefits: Explore studies showing the emotional, academic, and relational benefits of resilience.
• Actionable Strategies: Get practical tips to cultivate resilience in your life and work.

1. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.
2. Luthar, S. S., Cicchetti, D., & Becker, B. (2000). The construct of resilience: A critical evaluation and guidelines for future work. Child Development, 71(3), 543–562.
3. Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary magic: Resilience in development. Guilford Press.

Share your stories of resilience! Connect with me on Instagram at @thecyclingsuperintendent or @teach.lead.innovate. And you can always email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Motivation Monday! Let’s turn setbacks into stepping stones this week.

Welcome to Teach-Lead-Innovate! On this week’s Forward-Thinking Friday, we explore outdoor learning, a transformative approach that connects students with nature and enriches their education.

Highly Recommend: The Mr Saad Show: https://www.youtube.com/@themrsaadshow

• What is Outdoor Learning? Learn how outdoor spaces can become dynamic classrooms.
• Real-World Examples: Discover programs like Denmark’s forest schools, Berkeley’s Edible Schoolyard, and outdoor science labs in North Carolina.
• Research-Backed Benefits: Explore studies showing how outdoor learning improves academic performance, mental health, and engagement.
• Actionable Tips: Get practical strategies to start incorporating outdoor learning into your curriculum.

1. Belfast Education Authority. (2023). Nature journaling and student engagement. Education Insights, 15(2), 42-49.
2. Kuo, M., Barnes, M., & Jordan, C. (2018). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1-9.
3. Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Algonquin Books.
4. Mygind, E. (2009). A comparison of children's physical activity levels and well-being in the school playground and the school forest. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 37(3), 44-50.
5. Waters, A. (2018). The edible schoolyard: A universal idea. Chronicle Books.
6. Wake County Public Schools. (2023). Outdoor science labs: A new frontier in experiential education. District Research Quarterly, 9(1), 18-24.
7. The Mr Saad Show. (2023). Benefits of Outdoor Education. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/ktESSuHJ7Lc?si=qzHjH5Id0cD2x4Sn

Are you incorporating outdoor learning into your teaching or leadership practices? Share your stories and strategies on social media or email me at thepedalingprincipal@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in to Forward-Thinking Friday! Let’s continue to innovate and inspire together.