As teachers, we are always able to express our opinions and share our feelings with our students. But do all of our students' voices get heard? In a traditional classroom, the answer is no. Whether that is because a student is shy  or anxious or we simply run out of time, there's always an unheard perspective. Flipgrid, a video discussion platform, is changing that. Teachers post questions, videos, or links to start discussions. Students respond to the prompts and to each other with short video reflections. TA-DA! Everyone is given a voice. Watch the two videos below to discover the power of Flipgrid and student voice.

As a graduate student, I used Flipgrid to communicate with my classmates. I was often required to create one video with own thinking and then respond to at least two classmates' responses. To ensure all of us received peer feedback, we were asked to give priority to students with less responses (i.e. everyone should have 2 responses before  receiving a 3rd response).  From responding to readings to providing feedback on  each other's projects, my classmates and I were in constant dialogue, having deep and reflective conversations long after class ended.

Flipgrid's website has a wide range of ideas for using Flipgrid in K-12 classrooms. From the homeroom to Art, World Language, and P.E., the sky's the limit. Click on the buttons below to learn how Flipgrid can enhance the discussions in your classroom and give all of your students a voice.

It's time to give Flipgrid a try! Follow the links below to get started.

Have you had a student in your class who could benefit from positive affirmations or a change of mindset? What if your student could  record himself/herself and revisit the recordings when feeling distressed? Discover ThinkUp by listening to this sample:

Learn how to use ThinkUp.

Book Creator is a tool for creating, collaborating, and sharing across all subject areas in all grades. Discover 4 compelling ideas for Book Creator and two sample books below,  followed by a brief hook for Book Creator on iPads AND (new this year!) computers.

On an iPad...

On a computer...

Follow the links below to learn about Book Creator for the iPad.

Webinar 1: Overview of Book Creator with project ideas and applications.
Webinar 2: Supporting students with graphic organizers and templates.
Webinar 3: Collaborating with peers and sharing with authentic audiences.

​Follow the link below to learn about Book Creator on the computer.

Do even more with Book Creator by exploring additional ideas on Pinterest.

Design Thinking is a framework that includes the following phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Watch the video below and follow this link to discover more about the Design Thinking Process.

Learn ways you can integrate Design Thinking across your curriculum below:

The following are resources and books I have found to be inspiring: