Culture

Podcasts for High School Students

We’re finishing up our three-part series on podcasts-radio that is personalized to a topic in which you are especially interested-with a list of some great podcasts for high school students.  1. Serial. Sarah Koenig tells one story, told week by week. The first season covers the true story of Adnan Syed, convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Baltimore. The problem: Adnan cannot remember what he was doing the day of the murder. And, as…

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Podcasts for Middle School Students

We’re continuing our three-part series on podcasts-radio that is personalized to a topic in which you are especially interested-with a list of some great podcasts for middle schoolers.  1. Welcome to Night Vale. Tune into the community radio of this desert town for the news on local weather, the mysterious lights overhead, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, a dog park that prohibits dogs, and dark hooded figures with unknowable powers. Activity to try: Challenge students…

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Podcasts for Elementary School Students

Podcasts have been growing in popularity over the past few years, and it’s more commonplace than not for adults to have a few favorites. It’s basically radio that is personalized to a topic in which you are especially interested–what’s not to like? Kids can also join in the trend! See our list below for some great podcasts for elementary age children.  1. The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified: Listen as world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious…

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Importance of Empathy in the Classroom

Results of a recent study at the University of Michigan show a troubling trend in regards to bullying and empathy in US classrooms. Over the past three decades, empathy among teens has dropped nearly 40 percent, and 1 in 3 students report experiencing bullying at least once. In light of these stats, it’s clear that cultivating and restoring empathy should be a priority in school. Here are four tips for educators looking to create more…

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High School Study Abroad Programs

While high school is an exciting time of learning and discovery, student’s rarely get the opportunity to experience the world outside of the classroom. These experiences are valuable, preparing students for college and the job market by immersing themselves in a different culture and gaining a better understanding of world. An excellent way for a student to get this experience is by participating in a study abroad program. There are many options and opportunities for…

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Self Care for Students Over the Holidays

Students and teachers are enjoying winter break, and excitement is running high! It is hard to believe we have completed the first four months of school and we are approaching a new year. After the winter performances and class parties are over, we spend time with the people we love to ring in the new year. It’s so important to keep self care in mind throughout this time.  One challenge of the holiday season is…

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How Parents Can Help their Teens with Sleep

Studies show that the average teenager requires 9 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night, but she typically only gets 7. It’s becoming more and more common for the normal life of the average American high schooler to interfere with sleep. In a recent poll of 2,000 parents, 1 in 6 said their teen experiences frequent sleep problems, here defined as “having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep 3 or more nights per week.” More…

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LGBTQ Inclusivity in the Classroom

Studies have shown LGBTQ students are more likely to be bullied at school, which can lead to missed classes and a higher risk of suicide. For those kids, a teacher who knows how to be inclusive can make a big difference, but many teachers aren’t sure how to do that. Over the years, gender and sexual identity have evolved, and not everyone has kept up.  A Queer Endeavor helps teachers navigate questions like how to…

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Holiday Food Banks for Donation

With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about people with food insecurity. People with food insecurity do not have access to sufficient amounts of food. Since it is the season of giving, please consider donating food or other resources to the following food banks. Merrimack Valley Food Bank The Merrimack Valley Food Bank is a community-supported, non-profit organization that provides nutritional food and personal care items to emergency feeding programs serving…

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Why I Love Teaching

Teaching is one of the most important jobs in our society. Teachers prepare the future generation of students for the world beyond the classroom. While it is often an underappreciated profession, teachers showcase their passion for their work. I have been working with children for six years, and love teaching. But why do teachers love teaching? Teaching is not like any other job. Other jobs can be uneventful; clock in, clock out. Teaching is a…

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