The Chalk Blog

After the excitement of the holiday season, the first few months of the year can feel a little “meh,” back to the grind, same-old same-old. Our new course 5245: Educational Innovation with Art Integration can help! The course is all about an approach that reinvigorates teachers and energizes students! You’ll learn strategies any PreK-12th grade content area teacher can use to boost engagement and achievement using visual and media arts, music, theater, and dance/movement. With choices offered throughout, you’ll develop a plan to integrate the arts in a way that meets your students’ unique needs. Read on to learn more and download a sneak peek resource from the course!

If you’re planning lessons for Black History Month, you NEED to read this blog post first! And if you were not planning to teach any lessons for Black History Month, you need to read this blog post, TOO!

It’s important to remember how powerful brain breaks for students can be! The main benefit of a brain break is that it can improve a child’s overall well-being and positive mental space. Studies have shown that physical activity reduces stress, increases energy levels, and improves mood.  When students are given opportunities to take breaks and engage in physical activity, they are better able to manage their emotions and cope with the demands of the school day. In “Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks” author Youki Terada explains some benefits of implementing these regular breaks throughout the day.

Music educators are uniquely positioned to orchestrate connections between student culture and the universal language of music. Quality professional learning is key to making this happen. In our new music-focused course, 5214: Teaching for Equity in the Music Classroom, you will explore strategies to expand students’ musical understanding beyond the Western classical perspective to honor a different approach: one that both affirms the music students are familiar with. 

Are you ready for a REBOOT!? 

Educators are always working to better understand and incorporate the diverse lived experiences, learning needs, and preferences of their students into the curriculum. With a mix of varying abilities, language skills, and strengths, planning inclusive lessons can be a challenge. 

When I was an educator, I knew about grant writing and outside funding, but the process seemed so technical and academic, I never investigated organizations or funding. This course will teach you how to jump in with both feet to learn the basics of writing a proposal as you complete a foundational document, setting you up for success!

With a New Year comes resolutions and fresh starts. You might be starting 2023 by implementing new routines and fresh starts in your classroom. If you aren't already incorporating mindfulness practices, we encourage you to give them a try!