Gavin Clifton’s Post

When I graduated from Harvard University's Learning Design, Innovation and Technology M.E.d in May 2024 I told everyone that I wanted to design a program for ‘underserved’ students in Florida. Yet, I didn't really know what that entailed. To find out what ‘underserved’ means I am currently tutoring elementary, middle and high school students at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Central Florida (BCBG). I tutor all subjects as needed while talking to students, parents, and the BCBG administration. I am reveling and growing in the ‘discovery’ stage of this design cycle. I believe our schools should have a program of study that adapts to individual students to reflect their interests and aspirations. Thus, the curriculum and pedagogy wraps around a student. And the same is true of teachers, to them more freedom and positive emotional incentive. A shout out to Realm Learning which is practicing this approach! Check out : www.realmlearning.com/ I will share my findings and observations each week. Last week, I found 🔔 2nd graders (7-8 yr.) who can solve math word problems but only if someone reads the problem out loud as he can’t read. 🔔 5th graders (10-11 yr.) who can’t spell double syllable words and doesn’t know how to break down a word to spell it. 🔔 9th graders (15 yr) doing Geometry who does not remember double digit addition or multiplication. 🔔 4th graders (9-10 yr) who can solve math problems mentally but can not write a whole sentence in a paragraph. 🔔 6th graders (11 yr.) who is a high achiever and will do any amount of Math practice to excel. She was amazed to discover Khan Academy but does not have internet or computer access at home. I witnessed warning flags like the short attention spans of children, students passed on without correct assessment, and lack of literacy skills for reading and writing. As I go back to BGCF this week 📣 I am urgently seeking free reading and spelling apps that elementary/middle school students will find engaging. 📣 Also, free sites for Math games for elementary to middle school? I am using Khan Academy but I want to lure children in as well. The Boys and Girls Clubs have computers that students can use. Any suggestions? Please comment.

Ever wondered how hands-on learning transforms education? Let's dive into the world of experiential learning at SpringStone Montessori! From sensorial exploration to practical life skills and math manipulatives, watch as children discover, explore, and learn through experience. Follow us for more educational content and ignite your child's passion for learning today! 🏫 #HandsOnLearning #MontessoriEducation #LearningThroughPlay

Open-ended questions spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the classroom! In today’s video, I share what open-ended questions are and why they’re a game-changer for student engagement and learning. As an educator and Academic Director at Tuli’s The Academy & Kindergarten, I believe in the power of inquiry to inspire young minds. Watch now and let’s redefine how we ask questions! #OpenEndedQuestions #EducationMatters #TeacherLife #CuriousMinds

Excited to share this graphic, 'Eight Essential Supports for Inclusive Classrooms'! This visual guide outlines key strategies to enhance learning environments, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed regardless of their abilities. You can dive into the graphic to discover practical ways to implement these supports in your classroom or educational setting. Let's start a conversation on how we can continue to improve inclusivity in education. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Comment below, and connect and share with educators and friends who are passionate about making a difference! #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEd #TeachingTips #EducationalEquity #ClassroomSupports #InclusiveTeaching #EducationForAll #TeacherLife

The Challenge of Helping Pupils Learn In my class, I noticed some pupils had trouble keeping up. For example, Emma struggled to recognize letters, while Ahmed would lose focus halfway through any activity. Mary barely participated, always looking unsure. It felt like I was teaching, but not everyone was learning. I knew many teachers face the same challenge trying to reach every child in a classroom filled with different needs. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? What I Did I decided to try something different. Instead of traditional lessons, I added games and stories to my teaching. For phonics, we acted out sounds and matched letters to pictures. For math, we used objects like toys to count and group numbers. I also gave individual attention during activities, especially to Emma and Mary, helping them feel more confident. Ahmed, who was restless, responded well to short, engaging tasks broken into smaller steps. What Happened The change was amazing. Emma started recognizing letters, Ahmed became more focused, and Mary began participating with a smile. It reminded me that with patience and creativity, we can help every child succeed. The Lesson Teaching is never one-size-fits-all. As teachers, we’re constantly adapting, learning, and growing. If you’re facing the same challenge, remember you’re not alone, and small changes can make a big difference. #TeachersChallenges #CreativeClassrooms #MakingLearningFun #InspiringTeachers

What does it look like to shift our role in the classroom from teacher to facilitator? I explore this question, and more, with Kyle Wagner on his podcast!

🍎⭐️Master the Art of Teaching Through Play: Understanding the Role of the Teacher In the comprehensive on-demand webinar series "The Role of the Teacher," Dr. Sarah Aiono, CEO of Longworth Education, explores the pivotal role of educators in facilitating play-based learning environments. Over several sessions, this webinar delves into the balance between intentional teaching and child-led exploration, providing educators with strategies to support socio-emotional development, foster key competencies, and implement effective problem-solving approaches during play. Learn how to navigate the nuances of teaching through play, with practical insights on planning, assessment, and using positive descriptive feedback to enhance student learning. Ideal for educators committed to deepening their understanding of their role in play-based pedagogy, this webinar equips you with the tools to make a lasting impact in your classroom. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gzWc4PMS

🍎⭐️Master the Art of Teaching Through Play: Understanding the Role of the Teacher In the comprehensive on-demand webinar series "The Role of the Teacher," Dr. Sarah Aiono, CEO of Longworth Education, explores the pivotal role of educators in facilitating play-based learning environments. Over several sessions, this webinar delves into the balance between intentional teaching and child-led exploration, providing educators with strategies to support socio-emotional development, foster key competencies, and implement effective problem-solving approaches during play. Learn how to navigate the nuances of teaching through play, with practical insights on planning, assessment, and using positive descriptive feedback to enhance student learning. Ideal for educators committed to deepening their understanding of their role in play-based pedagogy, this webinar equips you with the tools to make a lasting impact in your classroom. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gzWc4PMS

We are evolved to learn through play. Let's stop seeing play as a distraction from learning, and recognize it as the one the most powerful tools in our educator tool kit!

This report embraces key pedagogies to extend the idea of using play for active learning beyond the early years, to include children age 6-12 years old. So interesting…