The Creative Classroom with John Spencer

It’s been quite a year so far in American education. Between school board battles over Critical Race Theory to protests over mask mandates, we are seeing significant social strife playing out in the context of our schools. We’re also seeing school staff shortages, leading to... The post You Don’t Have to Be a Martyr to Do Student-Centered Learning appeared first on John Spencer.

It’s important that students get a chance to chase their curiosity and connect with experts in the field. This can help inspire possibilities for all students. In my latest podcast episode, I interviewed Dr. Sarah McAnulty about what she’s doing to help connect classrooms to... The post Dr. Sarah McAnulty on How Classrooms Can Connect with Scientists appeared first on John Spencer.

Early on in my project-based learning journey, I made a vow to go 100% project-based. My students would learn everything through exploration and discovery. I would remain the guide on the side observing the process and helping out only when necessary. After leading students through... The post Direct Instruction Is Still Necessary in a PBL Classroom appeared first on John Spencer.

In this podcast interview Dr. Kristen Mattson shares a bold vision for how we define digital citizenship and digital ethics. She also provides practical strategies that teachers can use in the classroom and integrate into their curriculum. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this... The post Dr. Kristen Mattson on Redefining Digital Ethics and Digital Citizenship appeared first on John Spencer.

For the last three weeks, I have been planning out this semester’s courses. I am teaching eight courses ranging from fully in-person to fully virtual but synchronous (using Zoom) to fully asynchronous and online with a combined hybrid approach mixed in. My goal is to... The post How to Use Strategic Confusion for Deeper Learning appeared first on John Spencer.

We aren’t sure what this year will look like. With the spike in Covid cases, it might involve more hybrid or virtual learning. Or it might be more of a “return to normal.” But regardless of the situation, we do know that teachers will continue... The post 10 Creative Risks to Take With Your Students This Year appeared first on John Spencer.

I never cry while watching a drama. I can feel all the feels of a serious motion picture but it will never move me to tears. This isn’t a hyper-macho “dudes don’t cry thing.” I’m a pretty sensitive guy. It’s just a reality of my... The post What Ted Lasso (And These Three Other TV Shows) Taught Me About Being an Educator appeared first on John Spencer.

In my previous articles, I’ve explored how we can empower students with voice and choice in reading. However, today’s article provides some nuance. While we need to empower readers to own their learning and we need to create extended periods of choice-based independent reading time,... The post Sometimes Student Choice Isn’t the Answer in Reading appeared first on John Spencer.

This is part of a series on empowering readers. If you’re interested, I also have a self-paced course  where I walk you through practical ways that you can empower your students in the reading process. Some people say that it’s better to ask forgiveness than... The post Less Work. More Reading. appeared first on John Spencer.

This is part of a series on empowering readers. If you’re interested, I also have a self-paced course  where I walk you through practical ways that you can empower your students in the reading process. The students filed into class discussing the latest TV shows... The post There Is No Such Thing as a Reluctant Reader appeared first on John Spencer.

This is the first article I’m doing in a summer series on Empowering Readers. If you want to take a deeper dive into the topic, I also have the Empowered Readers self-paced course that I co-created with literacy expert Bonnie Hamer. It officially launches today.... The post Empowering Readers from Day One appeared first on John Spencer.

Nothing about this evening fit the description of a dance recital. Not the parking lot or the lawn chairs or the sound of the cars whizzing past. I sat in jeans and a sweatshirt, eating a slice of pizza off a thin paper plate as... The post What will we take away from this year? appeared first on John Spencer.

In this latest podcast episode, Stephanie Higgs shares how she has integrated intentional creative thinking into her daily routine with students. She also shares her journey from from working at a museum school up to her current role as a gifted education teacher and coach.... The post Stephanie Higgs on How to Integrate Creative Thinking Into Daily Classroom Practice appeared first on John Spencer.

Creative work is inherently fun. However, sometimes it’s also frustrating, slow, and difficult. In other words, it’s a lot like working out. We explore this connection in the following article and podcast. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to... The post 5 Ways Creative Work Is Like Working Out appeared first on John Spencer.

Creative work is inherently fun. However, sometimes it’s also frustrating, slow, and difficult. In other words, it’s a lot like working out. We explore this connection in the following article and podcast. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to... The post 5 Ways Creative Work Is Like Working Out appeared first on John Spencer.