Talking teaching and learning

Innovative Practices is a weekly 10-15 minute live discussion from our team at Inspired Classroom. Each week, Greg Zorbas throws out an innovative idea in a 3-2-1 format. 3 tips from the team’s experience. 2 handy resources from Inspired Classroom. 1 weekly challenge to get the inspirational sparks flying and develop ‘cognitive sweat’ in learners across the country.

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Innovative Practices happens live every other Wednesday at 4:00 Mountain time on Inspired Classroom’s YouTube Channel. Go to our YouTube Channel to subscribe and see past episodes.

Use Innovative Practices with Your learners!

Check out the free innovative curriculum learning projects sponsored by our partners on this website.

Topics, resources, and weekly challenge:

January 26, 2022—Opening Your Classroom to the World-Live and Interactive with Guest Speakers
Resources: Etiquette for Students During Virtual Events; Guest Preparation Form
Weekly Challenge: Email ideas for virtual guest speakers to: greg@inspiredclassroom.com

February 2, 2022—Teaching Kids to Think—Inventive Thinking with SCAMPER
Resources: S.C.A.M.P.E.R Inventive Thinking Project; Inspired Brainstorming
Weekly Challenge: Use the Inspired Brainstorming suggestions to have one lightning round of brainstorming with your students.

February 9, 2022—Active Listening in the Classroom
Resources: Active Listening Video; IFR Graphic (see below)
Weekly Challenge: Practice using tips and resources in your classroom and email greg@inspiredclassroom.com to let us know how it is going.

March 23, 2022—Tech Spotlight: Google Earth in the Classroom
Resources: Golden Eagle Migration Projects; Google Earth Tips; Google Earth for Education
Weekly Challenge: Practice using Google Earth in your classroom and email greg@inspiredclassroom.com to let us know how it is going.
April 6, 2022—Ideas for Adding Literacy in the Content Areas
Resources: Question and Response Stems; KWL Chart for Research;Writing a Scientific Mystery—Setting in the MPG Ranch Mountain Lion Challenge
Weekly Challenge: Add in some specific literacy skills in your content area instruction in your classroom and email greg@inspiredclassroom.com to let us know how it is going.

April 20, 2022—TECH SPOTLIGHT: Equipment Recommendations for Distance Learning
Resources: Information on EdTech products to go with your equipment. What Equipment Do I Need Checklist; Product links from Inspired Classroom:
LogiTech Hybrid Learning; ElGato FaceCam; Headsets for Teaching and Learning;
Speakers for the Classroom; Headsets for Teaching and Learning
Weekly Challenge: Just try it! Practice using one new piece of equipment in your classroom and email greg@inspiredclassroom.com to let us know how it is going.

May 4, 2022—Open Ended Projects in the Classroom
Resources: Start with a Scenario to hook the students: Creating Scenarios; Thinking Processes to Bring Learning to Life; Decide on a Project
Weekly Challenge: Over the summer try planning an open-ended project that emphasizes thinking processes rather than the ‘right answer’. Email greg@inspiredclassroom.com to let us know how it went.