EL Magazine

What if joy wasn't just a bonus, but the foundation of learning? Research shows that when students feel joy, they learn better. Our December/January issue of EL explores how to create school cultures where both engagement and achievement can soar—from reimagining class discussions to rethinking electives. Because post-pandemic education needs more than academic recovery. It needs learning experiences worth showing up for. Read more about creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and excited to learn: https://lnkd.in/eTubxzNr #StudentEngagement #SchoolCulture #JoyfulLearning #StudentWellbeing

Educators, we want to hear from you! 📣 Each issue of EL magazine includes a "Tell Us About" column where we gather insights from readers like you. For our March 2025 issue, we'd like to hear how you approach team building in your school or district. Head over to our Google form for a chance to have your voice featured in the magazine. The deadline to submit is coming up on December 18, 2024: https://lnkd.in/eWhCeKeq

A middle school student sits alone at lunch. He's anxious about making friends, yet desperate to have them. What's missing? According to Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., the answer might be simpler than we think: every student needs "a thing and a buddy." Whether it's trading Hot Wheels cars or joining the volleyball team, finding something to care about and someone to connect with can transform a student's entire school experience. Beyond safety and basic needs, identity might be the most powerful path to student joy. Read more in the newest ASCD blog: https://lnkd.in/eu8SBMup #SchoolLeadership #StudentWellbeing #SchoolCulture

When technology is designed with students in mind, it can create powerful moments of joy in learning. McGraw Hill's Sean Ryan explores how innovative technologies—from augmented reality to AI—are helping teachers foster those magical "aha moments" when abstract concepts suddenly click. Whether it's exploring a 3D human heart or watching students track their own progress through dynamic data visualization, thoughtfully designed edtech can make learning both accessible and exciting. Because when teachers have the right tools, they can create more opportunities for discovery, success, and joy—even in challenging circumstances. Read more about the intersection of technology and joyful learning: https://lnkd.in/eqNPDjZf #EdTech #StudentEngagement #FutureOfLearning

I am honored to tell y’all that I was interviewed for EL Magazine about joy in education. 🤗 That’s the theme for their December issue. 🩷 The interview is called, “Joyful Teacher, Joyful Students”! I would love for y’all to read it. That whole issue is amazing, with so many amazing goats 🐐 in the work sharing about joy. It’s a much needed issue. Check it out! ASCD Thank you Sarah McKibben! 🤗 🔗 Link here: https://lnkd.in/eQ52jxmH #joy #joyineducation #joyinthejourney #joyinthemorning #teacherjoy #studentjoy #teacher #teacherlife #student

What if joy wasn't just a reward for learning—but intrinsic to the learning process itself? In her new article for EL, Lauren Porosoff challenges us to think deeper about what "centering student joy" really means. True student joy, she argues, isn't about prize bins or one-minute dance parties. It emerges when students see themselves reflected in materials, make meaningful contributions to discussions, and create work that matters to them personally. Because when we expand our understanding of what joy means in education, we open the door to genuine discovery, accomplishment, and learning that resonates with students' values. Read more about reimagining joy in the classroom: https://lnkd.in/eY958d7f #StudentEngagement #JoyfulLearning

🎉 New Year, New Goals: Share Your 2025 Education Resolutions! As we step into 2025, we're curious: What educational goals are you setting for yourself? Whether you're: • Implementing innovative classroom strategies • Prioritizing teacher well-being • Strengthening student relationships • Or charting a completely different path Share your education resolution in the comments below! Your story could inspire others in an upcoming ASCD Blog. Note: By commenting, you grant ISTE+ASCD permission to publish and edit your response for our blog. #EducatorCommunity #TeacherGoals #Education2025

Did you know? Students who practice gratitude have higher GPAs, more positive emotions, and live more meaningful lives! ✨ Here are five ways to fill your classroom's gratitude jar: 📔 Use a gratitude journal 🌟 Lead gratitude activities 🤝 Pair students to increase cooperation 💝 Encourage service learning 💫 Model it yourself! Read more ways to create a grateful classroom culture on the ASCD Blog: https://lnkd.in/eqReazKr #TeacherJoy #SchoolCulture

In an age of deepfakes, viral misinformation, and "fake news," how do we help students become savvy media detectives? 🔍 ASCD author Chris Sperry shares that it's not just about knowledge—it's about teaching students to question, analyze, and reflect on their own biases. The best part? These skills can be woven into any subject area. More on how to transform students from information consumers to critical thinkers: https://lnkd.in/exAt-a7t #MediaLiteracy #DigitalCitizenship #K12Education

What doesn't work when teaching students about healthy tech use? 📵 Guest speakers, extreme examples, and one-off lessons often fall flat. After 20 years of preparing teachers to address digital wellness, Liz Kolb learned that real change comes from ongoing, judgment-free conversations where students have agency in their learning. Near-peer mentoring, small-group discussions, and parent involvement prove far more effective. Student device use is complex. There are no quick fixes—only thoughtful, continuous conversations that validate students' experiences while building their capacity for informed decision-making. Read the full article to discover how to create comprehensive digital wellness programs that actually change behavior: https://lnkd.in/eKpmWEvH #DigitalWellness #EdTech #StudentEngagement #K12Education