Educational Links 3/3/20

Educational Links 3/3/20

Me Learning: A Student-Centered Learning Model

https://www.teachthought.com/learning-models/student-centered-learning-model/?fbclid=IwAR2kbSnBoTo25cwaIvGSCyoKbvsPUiMGT5T72qmHkcMg3zCq5RVUe7yhh_g

Steps to Make Classrooms More Culturally Responsive

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2020/03/steps_to_make_classrooms_more_culturally_responsive.html?fbclid=IwAR0A5EPY46m7vlWR2Z7soG8lGFkJ-PEtXq4FZtjGJrersB_-BWzIYwCvFWY

Hidden Segregation Within Schools Is Tracked in New Study

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/02/26/hidden-segregation-within-schools-is-tracked-in.html?cmp=soc-edit-fb&fbclid=IwAR3p63eOPoVeCjx_9YzS4Cem6VqaVtv5krRP3egeAW1S-u9mDee2oACL6N0

WHY GENERAL ED TEACHERS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

https://www.thinkinclusive.us/why-general-ed-teachers-are-essential-for-special-education/

Lesson Learned: I Needed to Engage Students in a Voter Engagement Project

https://www.pblworks.org/blog/lesson-learned-i-needed-engage-students-voter-engagement-project?fbclid=IwAR0rAuHBP5_ZY7HslfRIRl6jol7EGMC0UNZ3l8y3LU1gDY228G9c3vLwH4I

WE DID A SHORT & USEFUL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE TODAY TO EXAMINE HOW WE TEACH WRITING

https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2020/02/27/we-did-a-short-useful-professional-development-exercise-today-to-examine-how-we-teach-writing/?fbclid=IwAR0GQEyZgweNs89UNbYTKflMKj2Iwsjxp92VZlCjLO5vqATpOuQQMPWx-NI

‘Students Are Lonely:’ What Happens When Coronavirus Forces Schools Online

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-03-02-students-are-lonely-what-happens-when-coronavirus-forces-schools-online

It sounds like a drastic measure: moving every school to online learning in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. Here in the U.S. it seems almost unfathomable, despite guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to start preparing.

Educational Links 3/2/20

Steps to Make Classrooms More Culturally Responsive

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2020/03/steps_to_make_classrooms_more_culturally_responsive.html?fbclid=IwAR3McQaYqDcFNWKBvsm14s6TZYt7MEDiUSVchhKylz6grN45aN39HGd0P3o

Students Tackle Life's Challenges Together

https://www.edutopia.org/video/students-tackle-lifes-challenges-together

A Mindset Shift to Continue Supporting the Most Frustrating Kids

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/47954/a-mindset-shift-to-continue-supporting-the-most-frustrating-kids?fbclid=IwAR0OB6oZmRO68LtoUuAEMuWRlAD8zK1BHMpk2l3vyInom_NKeCXIU3DLkls

Great Tools for Making Mind Maps and Flowcharts 

https://practicaledtech.com/2019/12/01/great-tools-for-making-mind-maps-and-flowcharts/

Are Your Diversity Strategies Missing the Mark? Nine Ways to Get it Right

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/diversity-strategies/?fbclid=IwAR2ypLfUj38xc48wfPBsGxjPRGSd_FKHToTn6g21ufkXCKF08molVxrLjks

Technology in rural schools: Addressing digital equity

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2020/02/26/technology-in-rural-schools-addressing-digital-equity/?utm_content=buffer34288&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR0dKZAjKjS_v1CRLVfJxch21pw3jnAkj2ua5MYx3hx8Tk54Xx5aBePgHcg

6 Common Myths About Learning and Thinking Differences

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/getting-started/what-you-need-to-know/common-myths-about-learning-and-thinking-differences?_ul=1*13z9rb*domain_userid*YW1wLXg1OXRZZFBFeURzOVNtd05BXzZoNmc.

There’s a lot of misunderstanding about learning and thinking differences like dyslexia and ADHD. Here are some of the most common myths—and facts to debunk them.

Educational Links 3/1/20

A Fun, Experiential Approach to Strengthen Reading and Writing Skills

https://www.edutopia.org/article/fun-experiential-approach-strengthen-reading-and-writing-skills?fbclid=IwAR1iQRM5H_JtomDJ1igBO8Ov_ye7KzkApseOOHFYm8uuGA7LnH4_51PGdXI

4 Steps to Help Students Discuss Real Issues and Tackle Misinformation

https://www.kqed.org/education/533175/4-steps-to-help-students-discuss-real-issues-and-tackle-misinformation

What Giving Students Choice Looks Like in the Classroom

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52421/what-giving-students-choice-looks-like-in-the-classroom?fbclid=IwAR04zVmWFHeBNO5As-AmoE4Ug2lRRAxPzilM0k6Iza4IlQPLHFPI2nAFOUI

Why Your Best Students Need Strict Accountability

https://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2020/02/29/your-best-students-need-strict-accountability/?fbclid=IwAR0kQUrmSPAN2kvkFhqUuH_nKA_d889X4BOAMWX5IGHj7owy5MuYsh9mOOY

What’s Going on Here? How to Have a Trouble Huddle with Students

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/trouble-huddle/?utm_sq=fhsz51axy6&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=The+Literary+Maven&utm_content=Articles&fbclid=IwAR0DEsHkUoU7qveV9vSaTZ4th3TtYdLuEZpZoMc6WSvUhxROYNzDFrTLiqM

States to Schools: Teach Reading the Right Way

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/02/20/states-to-schools-teach-reading-the-right.html?cmp=Soc-edit-fb&fbclid=IwAR1cydSQhpPnisVuqJ7tNt9sP0auXQiqf-P4HngS7Xev1OYkaqvj8E-Avfk

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-auditory-processing-disorder/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=diagnosis&fbclid=IwAR1uNchWIXPOXUlomIdhV1lFvL2XsZ8JBKRAAlc_fnDdOTWtIt0PUiQBZ-c

Up to twelve percent of children have diagnosed or undiagnosed auditory processing disorder, a condition that inhibits the brain’s ability to translate and process sounds. Learn more about common signs and symptoms.

Educational Links 2/29/20

Reaching Students With Emotional Disturbances

https://www.edutopia.org/article/reaching-students-emotional-disturbances-lori-desautels?fbclid=IwAR3vy45TKjES5RGnJp8fAOiyGh3lZm88V7sr2xYAUfSNbzeZX_mJJY2Cdkg

Does Social Media Cause Depression?

https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/?fbclid=IwAR3z4Gpqe5NiFPDh8fjfSK8Xi9Z_u1meP-Lk-lifW7i2g0saEyKkX-1fitA

Mainstreaming Making: Helping Teachers and Administrators Embrace Making

https://www.edsurge.com/research/reports/mainstreaming-making-helping-teachers-and-administrators-embrace-making?utm_content=bufferb6c12&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=EdSurgeBuffer&fbclid=IwAR03csnLdqh7ExKTR8-Smhh5dnbDt1a3tqJy51DU9af6kDOgQtQaKlgta20

Trouble Estimating “How Many”: What It Looks Like

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/math-issues/trouble-estimating-quantity?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=org-earlyjourney-feb20-fm&utm_content=article&fbclid=IwAR1Vsf-_dUXCxPY2CQldM0BQsgcMI4s0k_V_r0zE3bE9OvFZ6QJnuirwka0

COLLABORATIVE LESSON STUDY

HTTPS://WEGROWTEACHERS.COM/CONSULTING/LESSONSTUDY/?FBCLID=IWAR2VIG4JTJRACDETZL6CD5FC-XZLQJTFIMF8WNWONABG06RXU8MKTTGXRVA

What's Your Purpose? Finding A Sense Of Meaning In Life Is Linked To Health

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53733/whats-your-purpose-finding-a-sense-of-meaning-in-life-is-linked-to-health?fbclid=IwAR37ksghuNrYo4M8K6H10TUqQTNNs3vpV3nv8AOGv_rjyUYsir9VU6CO3zw

An Updated Guide To Robust PBL For Teachers

https://www.teachthought.com/project-based-learning/an-updated-guide-to-robust-pbl-for-teachers/?fbclid=IwAR1VdPOkw4Kpv0vD9USkscAMbeuZTvxzFigH02XcyyH-NkqnGO7VVFiNlG0

First, there are varying degrees of how effective any project-based learning experience will be due to a variety of factors including teacher and student experience with PBL, the nature of the project, and outside variables that are the reality of any school. The aim is to turn all the knobs to 11 but that’s not reality. With any PBL experience, it’s most likely there will be pieces you wish were more impactful. Effective teaching with PBL is not an easy skill to master and it takes practice and time for refinement.

Educational Links 2/25/20

3 Tips to Use Data Effectively

https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-tips-use-data-effectively?fbclid=IwAR32XZdiKW1nuIrEm-Q-iwINJeXXwSABTXbYny0E0yd-WNB6fnygN09Ps2c

Section 504, IEPs and Sports | Extra-Curricular Activities | What to Know for Inclusion.

https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-504-sports-extra-curricular-activities/?fbclid=IwAR2nDWJmp96dTwL3bpYml4aNHSXKycX2ZFKVUDvATJBWgwd6eRRs5U9gDTc

Stop Saying Learning Styles Don’t Work

https://www.teachthought.com/learning/learning-styles-multiple-intelligences-effectiveness/?fbclid=IwAR1hh7jRzj2byaXFsLjGbUI-3hEBXR7lt_L1QdIv7RkdsFeLxxGnWPI2PjU

Tips for Terrific Transitions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me2gQHS7EC8&fbclid=IwAR3mPVT_sSLgDm0XdAh93Zrnmg72TNPaeyZEr7L-oT5JNHHKQtTZyX18yG4

5 Tools And Strategies That Support Personalized Learning

https://www.teachthought.com/learning/5-tools-and-strategies-that-support-personalized-learning/?fbclid=IwAR3OmOoDsG2784dLgXgLgJ_GT3I4GI7X2qRJi3QRYCs41EMHjcc46GUW-U0

How It's Done: Using Blended Learning to Close Achievement Gap

https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-its-done-using-blended-learning-to-close-achievement-gap?fbclid=IwAR3CkrJ97QwyRKzs3HIchpqTmI229O24aB-IGJ13Urq3aPRfv3M8AG1pPj8

Schoolwide Strategies for Promoting a Love of Reading

https://www.edutopia.org/article/schoolwide-strategies-promoting-love-reading?fbclid=IwAR3p9mJUY2CnOGEBkKF6rmtj241oFjEdcuTQRNO3jRQrRQvmQ751rHWxBjw

A literacy consultant explains how schools can encourage all students to share the joy of reading.

Educational Links 2/24/20

Dealing with a 'Culture of Fear'—Administrators on PD in the Age of Blended Learning

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-03-15-dealing-with-a-culture-of-fear-administrators-on-pd-in-the-age-of-blended-learning?utm_content=buffera6776&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=EdSurgeBuffer&fbclid=IwAR15bYU4u4kco-_hvLoQ_9R99MtZ8jdKtlUn-_Q37kVvBCRRHACt9raXhO0

When Your Classroom Spirals Out of Control, Do This

https://www.bamradionetwork.com/track/when-your-classroom-spirals-out-of-control-do-this/?fbclid=IwAR2MBIlndJIItApynTqG2j6lfhNGB-eMHZZec4dmTLAyRlmyqVFxUAlH4-c

WHAT SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

https://www.thinkinclusive.us/special-education-inclusion-research/

Why Creating A Culture Of Inquiry Is So Important

https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/why-creating-a-culture-of-inquiry-is-important/?fbclid=IwAR1ohEYRrgLzSnN_9-576zxHxVk80kGthQkpjuVMZQtG_72Gb3L34t8YYL0

What Adolescent Girls Wish Their Parents Understood About Them

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/51736/what-adolescent-girls-wish-their-parents-understood-about-them?fbclid=IwAR0Eaj_GNqkIzRmWzpyeshvfH7bz8pTdgaeX_Tn_Sn3SNNgwyfXNEkDxweE

Modern Trends In Education: 50 Different Approaches To Learning

https://wegrowteachers.com/modern-trends-in-education-50-different-approaches-to-learning/?fbclid=IwAR3aU2gVpusIdapGj3qOCtJmNBvLDKS5CYmNJSEDPW8iDYHzXArwFMbqP8o

A Fun, Experiential Approach to Strengthen Reading and Writing Skills

https://www.edutopia.org/article/fun-experiential-approach-strengthen-reading-and-writing-skills?fbclid=IwAR0g3jJhKlMjdpTNSTL3ReRnMzmUQs-H-4nsui-Yto9RFyWvCACHLcp3fGo

Hands-on learning experiences help young learners build their vocabulary while boosting their literacy skills.

Educational Links 2/23/20

Reflections on Becoming More Culturally Responsive

https://www.edutopia.org/article/reflections-becoming-more-culturally-responsive

About Dyslexia

https://dyslexiaida.org/frequently-asked-questions-2/

20 Classroom Management Strategies and Techniques

https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/classroom-management-strategies/

Teaching Special Education

https://teach.com/careers/become-a-teacher/what-can-i-teach/special-education/

What is Academic Rigor, What Do We Do with It?

https://www.teachhub.com/what-academic-rigor-what-do-we-do-it

12 Ways to Support English Learners in the Mainstream Classroom

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/supporting-esl-students-mainstream-classroom/

The achievement gap in education: Racial segregation versus segregation by poverty

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2020/01/20/the-achievement-gap-in-education-racial-segregation-versus-segregation-by-poverty/

There are many reasons for persistence in the achievement gap, including that the legacy of separate and unequal may cause segregation in the past to have continued effects today. Looking directly at today’s situation—how important is today’s segregation per se? Black students mostly go to school with other Black students. Black students also mostly go to school with low-income students. Do either of these forms of segregation contribute to the racial achievement gap? 

Educational Links 2/22/20

We Asked, You Answered: First Book Research & Insights in 2019

https://firstbook.org/blog/2020/02/13/we-asked-you-answered-first-book-research-insights-in-2019/?fbclid=IwAR18FbNZav0eOiE33zDIRXXsbPMUJ6TQ2aSzB8Bo5G10DyqemDXztNldfQ8

Making Teams More Collaborative

https://www.edutopia.org/article/making-teams-more-collaborative?fbclid=IwAR0wv7FjhIjGcPqhFPzNxs4mjLl84dAQy9CSC9TVBDu8vIxpBTQDJWO6jI4

How This Teacher Brings Census Data to Life in the Classroom

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-02-19-how-this-teacher-brings-census-data-to-life-in-the-classroom?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Sponsored&fbclid=IwAR2vlVcwT4GDJkaQEE8D1wtS5ml9x0zkrgHxuZ9pQQQqgioLF_PK_nN2akA

Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/black-america-since-mlk-and-still-i-rise/?utm_campaign=BHM_2020&utm_content=1582036450&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&fbclid=IwAR0MJqk5Qi4nGgTgMvykU8wb5cEfZ9W1bbxKYEbvynT9QH0zCFys8HXVqp8

25 Ways Schools Can Promote Literacy And Independent Reading

https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/25-ways-schools-can-promote-literacy-independent-reading/?fbclid=IwAR1IfH-qyD-pvWqtXI7fIxMCiTmW3YwU2bj05e1FYtjo7TXRiYTWJ7nM1Rk

MALCOLM X WAS ASSASSINATED ON THIS DAY FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – HERE ARE TEACHING & LEARNING RESOURCES

https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2020/02/21/malcolm-x-was-assassinated-on-this-day-fifty-five-years-ago-here-are-teaching-learning-resources/?fbclid=IwAR0ZkO2GwG5yHj7yTHuRDiOvOQ9ZslbE0fDVY3DIA5eBsEZOCnqFLUPzar4

3 Tips for Remembering Behavior-Specific Praise

http://pubs.cec.sped.org/3-tips-behavior-specific-praise/

As you can imagine, when you’re in the middle of trying to teach a counting lesson, have an afternoon IEP meeting on the back of your mind, and are simultaneously wondering if you remembered to submit attendance that morning, doling out this kind of praise super frequently doesn’t just feel hard…it seems impossible! BUT, it doesn’t have to feel that way!

Educational Links 2/19/20

Is Your School Affirming Institutional Racism During Black History Month?

https://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2020/02/12/is-your-school-affirming-institutional-racism-during.html?cmp=soc-edit-fb&fbclid=IwAR23jEMZRi1zJLPa5aLZxCPtUnLmx9VezAOgls7ielebRaPQBNtUJC8P6wQ

Do You Have to 'Love' Every Student? And What If You Don't?

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/02/12/do-you-have-to-love-every-student.html?cmp=soc-edit-fb&fbclid=IwAR0vFluHRBWu0FKvY3nqFKqco2FRHMhtlXY3TrvCmVu4OdbN-W1b_FfwxTA

38 Prompts Merging Reflective Thinking With Bloom’s Taxonomy

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/44-prompts-merging-reflective-thinking-blooms-taxonomy/?fbclid=IwAR1nL3NzyN_pUgSyz1dcu8BnQl_aD3aSNDC0Fb3CrjyxOWymtW2vpChj8pI

Correcting The Deficit In Critical Thinking

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/correcting-the-deficit-in-critical-thinking/?fbclid=IwAR1l5inpbToJLfZQbpGwypbwEw5Ga51HPP-tyKM7yg2JccML1zZQSo4EyQE

How Do I Differentiate Through Project-Based Learning?

https://www.teachthought.com/project-based-learning/how-do-i-differentiate-thro

ugh-project-based-learning/?fbclid=IwAR0sbb9eX0yfVFk3ZwtsUd5ebBldA32QfVSbBR3Zp8SRndjl2f1wSsJH22A

I’m a Neuroscientist. Here’s How Teachers Change Kids’ Brains.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-02-19-i-m-a-neuroscientist-here-s-how-teachers-change-kids-brains?fbclid=IwAR1jXUUV-Q57Jm1dLaGYTUr7DdzfugUq8Ke91EQsqRCbD2eJTv2XK7vjk1c

Look deeper and within the community to make black history resonate

https://www.educationdive.com/news/look-deeper-and-within-the-community-to-make-black-history-resonate/569804/?fbclid=IwAR1AFoTk_G_0PuVUg3wG8PvUAUnDIJo7h29qUrqolLOuh4CHXnMuN7XgAkQ

Examining local history, including young voices and challenging personal assumptions are all good ways to start.

Educational Links 2/18/20

10 Ways To Start Shifting Your Classroom Practices Little By Little

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/51827/10-ways-to-start-shifting-your-classroom-practices-little-by-little?fbclid=IwAR0yRM2cpPBveHCRdYGdG0JxUxZPeV4pR4tLmsdXO16Ik0b4jpczOo0TrpQ

Correcting The Deficit In Critical Thinking

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/correcting-the-deficit-in-critical-thinking/?fbclid=IwAR3PER1Aizs_53ZKKyrF58KB6Y1G7OzR5NoMjmooI10r630JabXcVE9ctis

How Do I Differentiate Through Project-Based Learning?

https://www.teachthought.com/project-based-learning/how-do-i-differentiate-through-project-based-learning/?fbclid=IwAR1o4BWJT68IhGdLPEbmwhXuKV7bq_lKETkSN-Gzkf7INPArA0ARBPpYRd0

How 21st Century Thinking Is Just Different

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/how-21st-century-thinking-is-different/?fbclid=IwAR2yuNP8HquOV0GnzgAoXW0iAx4XJmhD_KM-dXI6BMB8xO-Z0d-6yDl7_R8

I’m a Neuroscientist. Here’s How Teachers Change Kids’ Brains.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-02-19-i-m-a-neuroscientist-here-s-how-teachers-change-kids-brains?fbclid=IwAR2gtn-GO3M4DmYMPeyphgwHxxe-ETbhsDGChVfURuv_MTtmfM5DbT3nIag

MOST POPULAR POSTS OF THE WEEK

https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2020/02/17/most-popular-posts-of-the-week-51/?fbclid=IwAR2_fqkNZcuvtiNPr8rk-ibbANwHcmgnsKtyiCr6oq9OqAPufWGW_ZprK4g

Behaviour: Are we putting the pupils' needs first?

https://www.tes.com/news/behaviour-are-we-putting-pupils-needs-first?fbclid=IwAR2_lsVxJ-apJta1HI8x9xHgHHJq0OCZKwBwbJlTcmqfcSnYKiot2G-W2Ys

In reacting to challenging behaviour, we need to question if we are prioritising the adults' needs, says Jarlath O'Brien

Educational Links 2/17/20

3 Ways to Make Better Use of Reading Science

https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-ways-make-better-use-reading-science?fbclid=IwAR3lGfin_rMt-dz48E1R74UQyUeSmM3reorH44YyjK2MGbOm6WCCQj22Dlw

How to Create a Project Based Learning Lesson

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/project-based-learning-lesson/?fbclid=IwAR02gMOFf3sp2e78ynU0xIS4gMaymxBsavG0RxuOmQJmUnNopXbqbZTM7oY

How play is making a comeback in kindergarten 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/education/how-play-making-comeback-kindergarten-classrooms-n1131766?fbclid=IwAR1EnWQ-YQZlqO56EivKzGqCy3ICdgEGWqwN90KRmVQpwSmBjfEbrBgaTTg

Teachers Are Turning to Podcasts as an Instructional Tool

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/02/13/teachers-are-turning-to-podcasts-as-an.html?cmp=soc-edit-fb&fbclid=IwAR0lYAkQE4nDKXttISYIWeLioIFgwuErEpSrriYvWqtKXM0X-hST4dh2p9g

25 Of The Best Math Resources For 2020

https://www.teachthought.com/technology/25-best-math-resources-2018/?fbclid=IwAR3OYkJZ3y4BeWvWEFPOSGAu2ysnL-VjAPdQU4yq9TqAbPlJhcav6CYlTyE

Why Understanding Dyslexia Matters

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54869/why-understanding-dyslexia-matters?fbclid=IwAR3q1PspQFO1tFDi3Ql1nmvGuOFU4bjy234oO8G1-LHt2IJjqQyMFhp4tiY

The 3 Rs of ADHD at School: Routines, Rules, Reminders

https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-strategies-for-teachers/

Never underestimate the power of a teacher who recognizes and harnesses the power of structure, communication, and interactive learning — especially for students with ADHD. Share these 11 powerful ideas with your child’s teacher to help build a lifelong love for learning!