Posts by Amber Chandler
Preparing Students For Future Success with PBL and SEL
Over the last few years, I’ve developed a philosophy of a “Flexible Classroom,” where not only is the seating often changeable, but the academic, social and emotional needs of my students are met in ways that are far from rigid, but instead receptive and bending. Learn more here.
Balancing Choice, Collaboration and Community
As the facilitator of my student’s learning, I do need to retain ownership of some aspects of their learning. But if I am to truly create writers who write things that the world will want to read, I’ve got to open the world up to them.
Will the NFL Ever Use Robots, Not Humans?
How could tech change the future of the NFL? Here's how one teacher is engaging students in a conversation about the role tech has in their lives and how their futures might be impacted.
Smart Review | Bridging the Language Barrier with TalkingPoints
As a parent, I can’t even begin to describe how important I think home to school/school to home communication is for my sanity and my child’s success. Unfortunately, for parents with limited English knowledge, this can be a real challenge. This app can help.
Would You Rather Be Traditional Or Prepare Students For The Future?
Today's students need classrooms that prepare them to think, build, create and collaborate to gain skills necessary for future success. Here are my plans for this year to help my students work on year-round passion projects that build these skills.
Smart Review | An Epic! Review From a Teacher and Parent
Whether for classroom or home use (or ideally a combination of both) the Epic! digital library is an excellent place for students, teachers and families to explore and grow a love of reading together.
Smart Review | Check123
Though videos in general aren’t new or innovative, this platform is. If you’ve ever googled a topic and found a million videos, then wasted your planning period wading through them, this tool may be for you.
Building Confidence and Curiosity with littleBits Code Kit
Teacher blogger Amber Chandler reviews the littleBits Code Kit after observing her nine-year-old son using it and speaking with the lead designer.
Words of Wisdom To Inspire & Motivate Educators
The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and many of us could use a little motivation to make it across the finish line. Here are some of my favorite words of wisdom from teachers and leaders who help me stay moving.
3 Lessons Learned Building Student Digital Portfolios
I decided this past fall that my students would build digital portfolios of all of their work this year. Here are three of the lessons I learned while implementing this endeavor.