This session introduces teachers to the principles and practices of Positive Discipline, based on the work of Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. Positive Discipline is a classroom management approach that fosters mutual respect, collaboration, and responsibility among pupils. It equips educators with strategies to create a positive learning environment, emphasising encouragement over punishment and building pupils' intrinsic motivation to behave and succeed. Participants will explore practical tools to manage challenging behaviours, facilitate problem-solving, and promote a sense of belonging and significance in the classroom. Through interactive activities, role-playing, and discussion, we will demonstrate how Positive Discipline can transform classroom culture while maintaining firm boundaries. Teachers will leave this session with actionable strategies that empower them to maintain classroom order without compromising on respect and kindness.
Imagine a classroom where students take ownership of their learning, confidently set goals, and navigate challenges with resilience. This workshop explores the power of coaching in education, focusing on the GROWTH model as a framework for student agency and self-reflection.
Join me to explore the findings of an action research project that implemented simple, everyday strategies to support primary students with ADHD. Discover what worked, what didn’t, and how these approaches not only improved focus and behavior but also benefited the entire class. Participants will come away with practical tools and insights to create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Research indicates that executive function skills are more reliable predictors of success in academics and life than test scores, IQ, or socioeconomic status. Therefore it is important to teach children strategies to improve their Executive Function Skills. We will present and discuss our data and observations from a school year of teaching Executive Function skills in a Grade 4 classroom. We will share our approach to the direct instruction of the barriers and strategies method, based on Dr. Laurie Faith’s book, “Executive Function Skills in the Classroom.” We will share our students’ growth in acquiring these skills through brainstorming and shared problem solving.
Session Description: Creating a structured, engaging classroom environment is essential for student success. In this interactive session, teachers will explore and practice high-impact teaching strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into their daily lessons. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions to practice the following strategies: - Classroom Structure and Beginning Class: Using seating charts for classroom management, posting clear objectives, and implementing bell-ringer activities to activate prior knowledge (e.g., KWL charts). - Middle of Class: Utilizing graphic organizers to structure learning, explicitly teaching key vocabulary for improved comprehension, and applying Rosenshine’s “Checking for Understanding” techniques. - End of Class: Reinforcing learning by reviewing homework, ensuring students record assignments, and using exit tickets to assess understanding. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of classroom routines in fostering a positive learning environment. Teachers will leave with practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Executive functioning skills—such as planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation—are essential for academic success but often underdeveloped in students. In this workshop, middle and high school teachers will explore practical strategies to support students' executive functioning skills in mainstream classrooms. We will discuss the importance of explicitly teaching the language of executive functioning, helping students recognise and understand these critical skills. Participants will learn how to guide students in planning their work, setting achievable goals, and following through with their plans. We will also explore simple, effective classroom strategies to foster independence and self-monitoring. This session is aimed at teachers for Middle School and High School students. By the end of this session, teachers will leave with actionable techniques to integrate executive functioning support into everyday instruction, empowering students to become more confident and capable learners.
This conference session aims to deepen educators' understanding of inclusion and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing solutions and actionable strategies to enhance inclusive practices in international schools. This conference session focuses on self-reflection, teaching practices, UDL principles, and future planning. Participants will engage in discussions, brainstorm solutions, and explore practical strategies for fostering inclusive education. It will incorporate expert insights, group activities, and e-portfolios as tools for assessing student progress in diverse learning environments.
As educators, understanding the way the brain functions, and regulates, during times of stress or anxiety, provides critical information to assist us in knowing how to help our students achieve success. Regulation is the ability to understand and adapt one’s emotions in order to be able to respond to situations with balance, calm, and control. For both students and adults, it is an essential skill which fosters resilience. In this workshop, we will be exploring ways to integrate regulation techniques and awareness into our classrooms.
