Vestal's 21st Century Classroom

with Meghan Vestal

5 Online Learning Tips for Teachers

Whew… the past few weeks have been a whirlwind! With the outbreak of the Coronavirus, schools are closing everywhere, with little time to prepare. Many districts have decided to move to online learning, but most teachers have received little training on how to teach online courses effectively. If you are in this position, you may be feeling panicked and stressed. I have been working in online ... Read More about 5 Online Learning Tips for Teachers

Constitution Games and Activities for the Classroom

At less than 5,000 words, the U.S. Constitution is considered very short compared to the constitutions of other developed countries. Despite its length, the U.S. Constitution is full of significance and has influenced almost every other written constitution in the world. A document of this significance should be taught in a fun and exciting way. Here are five constitution games and activities that ... Read More about Constitution Games and Activities for the Classroom

10 Ways to Have a Great Student Teaching Experience

You have been in college for more than three years, studying education. Now is the time you have been waiting for throughout those years… your student teaching experience! This is one of the most exciting times in the life of a young teacher because it is the time when you get to apply all the things you have learned and actually be with students on a regular basis. As exciting as this time is, ... Read More about 10 Ways to Have a Great Student Teaching Experience

Are You Starting Teaching Midyear?

Being a new teacher is never easy, but it can be especially challenging if you are starting teaching midyear. If that is you, you will be entering a classroom full of students who have already been trained and adapted to another teacher’s way of doing things. Some will even test you to see how much they can get away with. As scary as that may sound, there are certain practices you can implement ... Read More about Are You Starting Teaching Midyear?

Christmas Read Alouds for Upper Elementary

Do you know those teachers who like to go all out for Christmas? You know, the ones who plan lots of Christmas-themed lessons and put up a tree in their classroom? I’m not ashamed to say that I am one of those teachers! I love finding ways to get my students' attention, and celebrating Christmas in the classroom is a great way to do it. The one rule I have set for myself when it comes to holidays ... Read More about Christmas Read Alouds for Upper Elementary