Today in the lounge Jill compares her questionable methods of training her dog to ways we sometimes respond to student behaviors and create habits and situations without even realizing it. Every teacher can relate to this conversation, and might grab a metacognitive tip to reflect on! Share a giggle and enjoy this lounge discussion.

Kids love to move, to get active, to reset by doing activities throughout the day. In this episode, Jill shares an idea from a California high school principal on integrating activities into the school day to motivate and engage kids between classes. Join Jill and Colleen in the lounge for a wide-ranging discussion on brain breaks, schedules that motivate kids, and activities that promote regulation.

Today in the lounge, Jill and Colleen discuss the trend of students not reading whole books and the individual and societal impact of that trend. Using data, conversations with a teacher, and personal experiences, this conversation concludes one very real emergency: more people need to read more books! How do you cultivate the love of reading in your classroom? Stop in the lounge to learn more about the impact of reading–and NOT reading–whole books.

As a follow up to St. John Paul II and St. Gianna, this conversation addresses the dignity of work. As a tenet of Catholic Social Teaching, the hosts question how this generation of students experiences the dignity of work, and how teachers and schools can help cultivate a culture where students know their gifts and can contribute through service to their own community at school. Join Jill and Colleen in the lounge for a relfective and inspirational conversation about work and its fruits.

In this episode, Jill and Colleen reflect on the experience of being at a conference specifically for faith-based teachers and leaders. The tone of whole-group gatherings and keynotes feels different than just being at a secular professional gathering. It’s an inspiring reminder of the unique opportunity we have in Catholic, Christian, and faith-based schools to reflect who we are and hopefully look LESS like our secular counterparts as we strive to achieve mission.

LIVE in the lounge today is Heather Reinbolt, principal of Zion Lutheran School in Bay City, MI. Heather shares ideas about some of Jill and Colleen’s favorite topics–innovative practices in multiage classrooms and microschools. From flexible grouping to customized scheduling, Heather is a master innovator striving to create the just-right learning experience for every student.

Jill & Colleen recorded LIVE at the Michigan Great Lakes Unity Conference October 15th and 16th. In this episode, they interviewed Emily Hoffman hot off her presentation on social inclusion of students with disabilities at West Catholic High School. Emily shares how the culture of inclusion has been built up during her 15 year tenure and how much the student drive and own what happens at WC to ensure all students find places of belonging and flourishing. Stop in for insights and inspiration.

Jill shares how a community book study and a personal read impacted her and her school community. Stop in the lounge for some highlights about St. John Paul II and St. Gianna Molla, two modern saints with important, inspiring messages for today’s busy families.