Classroom Connect

10. Rising to the Challenge - Why do scaffolded challenges inspire learning and engagement?

Carefully scaffolded challenges, usually with defined criteria for success and reward, can be a great way to motivate children and increase their engagement in their learning. Ian and Andrew discuss some of the ways we can use challenges to support learning, including how this can also develop connections with families and carers.
Examples of Challenges include:
Time specified challenges where children are asked to complete a defined task or tasks by a certain date or across a particular time period.
Creative tasks with a clear brief, where their work is submitted and shared. 
Group challenges where children collaborate to produce something.
Rewards usually form an integral part of a Challenge - such as certificates, badges, celebration events, prizes etc.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

9. What's On The Calendar? - How do important events across the year support children's learning?

Across the year there are lots of events that schools connect to, these may include religious festivals, charity appeals, awareness raising days or memorials to events in the past. Ian and Andrew discuss ways these can used to enhance learning, drive cultural capital and enable children to make connections between their lives and the experiences of others.
Espresso's 'Calendar Picks' for EYFS, KS1 & KS2 can be a great way to bring these events into the classroom with easy to use ready-made lessons.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

8. The Skills Ecosystem - Why is collaboration central to the skills we need to build?

Building children's skills is an essential part of our work in the classroom. The 4Cs are a particularly important set of skills we need to build to prepare our children for their futures.
Communication
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Collaboration
In this episode we consider how collaboration fits in to this eco-system and explore ideas for building this essential skill.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

7. In the Moment - Why does adaptive learning have an impact on differentiation?

This time we discuss how Adaptive Learning is the differentiation of the digital age, and how we can start to use it effectively in the classroom. Key its use is the way we can adapt in the moment for each learner.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

6. Adding Source - How does the News develop critical thinking?

In a complex world it is essential children have the skills to understand the events and issues that affect them. Ian and Andrew discuss some of the benefits of engaging with real world news, with a particular focus on how this helps to develop their critical thinking skills.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

5. 'We didn't do any work today' - Why is engagement central to learning?

With so many options available to us, what are some of the best ways to engage children in their learning? Ian and Andrew share their thoughts on some great ways to ensure children are engaged in order to deepen their learning.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

4. Beyond the TV on Wheels - How can video create a secure foundation for learning?

With access to so many digital videos how can we maximise their benefit for children's learning? Ian and Andrew discuss some of the ways that video can be used to enhance learning in your classroom.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

3. Digital Yoghurt Pots - 'Spotlight on Strategies'

Ian and Andrew share some of their favourite, easy to implement, teaching strategies. There are plenty of other ideas in Discovery Education's Spotlight on Strategies collection.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com