• AI Tool: Brisk AI – A Powerful Tool for Educators and School Librarians

    “We want people to learn and be comfortable with technologies that they might not have as much experience with, and to see the library as a safe place for that exploration,” Dr. Carla Hayden once said. This insight truly resonates now that I have discovered Brisk AI. In one seamless extension, I can integrate AI across my go-to websites, PDFs, Google Slides, and Docs—generating everything from quick assessments in Google Forms to interactive lessons drawn from YouTube. It is a genuine game-changer for my day-to-day tasks as a librarian and educator.

  • AI Tool: SchoolAI a Solution for Student AI Use?

    logo of Schoolai and it says AI Tools at the top. Colors are dark blue and light blue with a star burst pattern.

    The conversation around AI and education is often filled with fear—fear that students will cheat, plagiarize, and misuse this powerful technology, leaving teachers overwhelmed and academic integrity compromised. But what if we’re approaching AI the wrong way? Instead of keeping it locked in metaphorical dark rooms, whispered about but not fully addressed, what if we brought it into the light? Imagine AI as more than a threat—what if it became a trusted partner in education? Tools like **SchoolAI** are already paving the way, offering safe, customizable, and transparent solutions for teaching and learning. With features like personalized chatbots, innovative tools…

  • Play, Learn, Connect: Bringing the Power of Games to Your Library or Classroom

    Did you know that November is International Gaming Month? When I was in the district, I taught a gaming course and brought board games into study halls as a way to help students connect, unwind, and think critically—all while having fun. With students often experiencing too many study halls and a decline in homework, they’re left with time to fill and a need for real, meaningful engagement. Board games are a simple but powerful way to build connections, and they offer an alternative to screens that actually gets students talking, strategizing, and even laughing together. What’s great is that study…

  • Making Magic in the Secondary School Library with Monthly Missions

    Tired of seeing bored students during study hall? Looking for fresh ways to get them excited about visiting the library? In this post, I’ll share creative monthly challenges that I’ve used to transform my school library into a hub of activity and imagination. From turning a ghost into a famous book character in October to building epic summer reading stacks in June, these simple yet impactful ideas will inspire students to engage, create, and explore—all while keeping your library lively and fun. Curious? Dive in to discover how you can bring these exciting activities to your own library!

  • Flip, Flash, and Flourish: Flippity’s Formula for Fun-Filled Learning

    Flippity has long been a favorite tool for educators looking to bring more interactivity and engagement into the classroom. With its latest updates, including multimedia flashcards, a vintage video game quiz, and a customizable board game creator, Flippity continues to offer flexible, fun ways to elevate learning. What makes Flippity truly stand out is its ease of use—no coding required. Teachers can simply copy and paste their content into pre-made Google Spreadsheet templates, allowing for quick and simple customization. From embedding YouTube videos and audio into flashcards to turning content into competitive quizzes, Flippity’s tools help chunk information into digestible,…

  • Graphic Novels are Reading!!

    Graphic novels and webcomics are reshaping how we experience stories. These visual narratives deliver quick, engaging content that resonates with readers of all ages. Once considered a niche, they now fill a crucial gap in literature, offering an accessible and dynamic way to enjoy storytelling in today’s fast-paced world.

  • New TPT Store and Resources

    Introducing My New Teachers Pay Teachers Store and Resources FREE ITEM : Back to School and Fall Themed Ten Frames! Hello, fellow educators and math enthusiasts! I am thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new Teachers Pay Teachers store, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my latest resources with you: FREE: Back to School and Fall Themed Ten Frames- Roll and Cover Ten Frame Mats- Roll and Cover (Full School Year) As we gear up for a new school year, it’s essential to have engaging, effective, and versatile teaching tools at our fingertips. That’s why I’ve created…

  • EduProtocol: Iron Chef

    The Iron Chef EduProtocol is revolutionizing classroom dynamics, promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and dynamic presentations. Students work together, race against the clock, and distill their research into engaging, concise presentations. This fast-paced activity mimics the excitement of the "Iron Chef" TV show, turning learning into an exhilarating challenge. By transforming the presentation process, students avoid common pitfalls like overloading slides with text. Instead, they focus on highlighting key points and enhancing their speaking skills. Weekly practice with the Iron Chef EduProtocol builds confidence, teamwork, and presentation prowess, creating an energetic and engaging classroom environment where students thrive.

  • EduProtocol: Fast and the Curious

    The Fast and the Curious EduProtocol is ideal for teaching new information such as math facts or vocabulary words. Anything that with repetition would improve understanding and more to long term memeory.  This protocol spans five class days, using just 15 minutes each day. It is perfect to start at the beginning of the school week.

  • EduProtocol: Word Up Wednesday

    Discover Word Up Wednesday, an EduProtocol that enhances vocabulary learning through collaboration and creativity. In just 5 minutes, students work together to complete tasks like definitions, synonyms, and memes. This engaging, low-pressure activity is adaptable to any subject, making learning both fun and effective.