Anglophone group

I recently used the Placemat Strategy during a teacher workshop.

At the end of the session, one of the teachers came up to me and said that she had really liked the activity because it gave everyone a voice.

She explained that she is a little bit of an introvert, and that having the opportunity to write down her ideas first meant that she could organise her thoughts before sharing them with the group.

Her comment really stayed with me.

It made me think about how often we ask students to contribute by putting their hands up or speaking immediately, and how many students might have valuable ideas but simply need a little more thinking time or a different way into the conversation. It also made me think about the importance of creating different ways for students to participate.

Here are three strategies I have been using for some time:

My first post here — and a short survey 🙂

Do you have students in your groups who do not speak (or do not speak exclusively) the classroom language at home? And/or students who have been socialized in a cultural environment different from the one that is dominant in your current classroom context?

If so, have you developed any teaching methods or pedagogical stances that turn this diversity into a resource, benefiting the whole group?

I am thinking both of language classes and other subjects (French, philosophy, social sciences, history, etc.). It seems to me that this diversity can enrich understanding of course content, increase student engagement, improve learning efficiency (and therefore save time and energy), bring deeper and more grounded perspectives, and foster group cohesion.

But concretely, how do you make the most of this situation?

I would very much like to read your thoughts and experiences.

Hello everyone,

Today, I would love to hear your teacher perspective on how to use ChatGPT to create groups for stations, collaborative work, or differentiated activities.

We all know that creating groups can quickly become a real challenge. We are often trying to juggle so many things at once:

• student levels

• language needs

You know the one.

The brilliant protocol from a PD session.

The reflection routine you meant to try.

The discussion structure you saved in a folder somewhere.

Great ideas, sitting there like clothes in the closet with the tag still on.

And honestly, it makes sense.

This weekend, I met with a few teacher friends.

 And one sentence stayed with me.

“ONE OF THE HARDEST PARTS OF TEACHING RIGHT NOW… IS HOW DEPENDENT STUDENTS HAVE BECOME.”

They told me about lessons where, even after explaining a task several times,

 students still ask:

“What are we supposed to do?”

Good morning,

I hope your first week went well.

Yesterday, I read an interesting post about bribing students. It was saying that it is especially efficient with Middle School students because it activate quick compliance without requiring understanding, trust, or intrinsic interest when attention is low. It ended by asking who uses it in their classroom.

It made me think. In my classroom, I use reward. For example, when students perform well in a task, I give them a “free homework pass” that they can use anytime. For example, if they did not have time to do a homework, if they did not like a homework, or if they just wanted a break.

I realise this is an extrinsic motivation, which can shift attention away from meaning, curiosity, and effort and risk teaching students that learning is something done for a reward target than because it matters.

What is your…

Classroom management is often misunderstood as being “strict” or “controlling.” In reality, it’s about creating the conditions where learning, well-being, and relationships can thrive — for students and for teachers.

At its core, effective classroom management is the balance between:

• Structure

• Safety

• Engagement

• Autonomy

This quote is a powerful reminder that experiences often have a deeper impact than objects, not only for children at home, but also for our students in the classroom.

In teaching, rewards are often stickers, points, or small items… but experience-based rewards can be far more meaningful:

✨ a special classroom job

✨ a moment of one-on-one time with the teacher

✨ choosing an activity

✨ picking their partner for a task

We all know that moment when a student refuses to do the work… and it can feel frustrating, confusing, or even personal. But what if we step back and see it as a signal rather than a problem?

Edutopia recently shared some research and strategies on this topic, like:

• Offering choices to increase student ownership

• Breaking tasks into smaller steps

• Building strong teacher-student relationships

• Teaching self-regulation skills

Active listening is more than just hearing words. It’s about being fully present, understanding meaning, and building deeper connections.

You know those moments when a student feels really heard?

When you paraphrase what they’ve said, or pause long enough for them to find their own words, and suddenly, you see it in their eyes: they feel seen.

Active listening can transform those moments. It teaches empathy, reflection, and patience, qualities we all want to nurture, both in our students and in ourselves.

Here are a few simple ways I like to weave it into lessons:

• Paraphrase what my students say and invite them to do the same.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the quiet moments in the classroom—the ones we sometimes rush to fill.

But what if silence isn’t a gap in learning… but where the learning actually settles in?

Silence gives students time to think, process, form their own questions, and build confidence before they speak. It’s where ideas take shape. And yet, it can feel uncomfortable—for them and for us.

I’m trying to lean into that discomfort a little more. To count to ten before rephrasing a question. To resist jumping in with a prompt. To allow students to sit with their own thinking.

Have you noticed the power of silence in your own teaching?

How do you create room for those quiet moments of reflection?

Last week I asked different teacher what is the most difficult part of their job as a teacher. The top response was noise.

Classroom noise is a natural part of active learning, but when the volume tips too far, it can leave both teachers and students feeling overwhelmed.

So how do you strike the balance between buzz and calm?

What strategies help you manage noise without shutting down student energy and engagement?

Every day in the classroom, our words leave a mark.

A word of encouragement can become a lifelong source of motivation.

A hurtful comment can leave scars for years.

What if, for just one week, we committed to practicing impeccable speech?

Not to be perfect, but to be fully aware of the power we hold with our words.

Not to control our students, but to strengthen trust, connection, and mutual respect.

Hi everyone,

Let’s take a moment to reflect together:

Classroom management isn’t about power — it’s about partnership. When we shift from reacting with punishment to responding with connection, we create classrooms that feel safe and empowering for all students — especially those with trauma, disabilities, or regulation challenges — feel safe and valued.

Connection isn’t the easy way, but it’s the strong and sustainable one. It’s where real growth begins.

What are some ways you build connection in your classroom? What’s worked well — or even surprised you?

Drop your thoughts below — let’s learn from each other.