26 Dec 2018
Epic Rap Battles in the Classroom

Epic Rap Battles in the Classroom

The learning objective on Chalimar Chieza's Early American History classroom reads as follows: "The student will create sick rhymes that showcase their knowledge of the roots of government in the United States." Epic Rap Battles of History is one of my favorite YouTube channels. I knew that giving students opportunities to write songs about content was a good assessment, but I never thought of utilizing raps / slam poetry specifically. So much opportunity for students to show what they know in this creative assessment. Chalimar Chieza has been doing rap battles in her history classes for years. In this episode…
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01 Oct 2018
What Would Make A Great 1st Day of School?

What Would Make A Great 1st Day of School?

With the start of the school year upon us, I've been thinking a lot about the first day of school. Is it the most important day? How do you balance the need for rules & procedures with getting kids stoked about being in your class? How do you ensure students have a voice and feel seen & heard on the first day? How do you not only begin to develop a positive relationship with students but also help them begin to develop positive relationships with each other and with the content you're teaching? What do students think makes a great…
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24 May 2018
Keeping Kids Curious In The Classroom

Keeping Kids Curious In The Classroom

Welcome to episode 6 of The Thom Gibson Podcast! In Kindergarten, students are bursting with curiosity; why are doorknobs round, what is carpet made out of, why are my fingers little? Unfortunately, as students progress through their education, they tend to become less curious about the world around them and settle for just asking the questions that will get them the answers to pass the tests that determine their future. In todays episode, I chat with two-time Teacher-of-the-Year science teacher Kelley Janes who takes time out of every class to allow students to ask questions about the world around them;…
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28 Feb 2018
5 Class Greetings To Improve School Culture | The Thom Gibson Podcast Ep 3

5 Class Greetings To Improve School Culture | The Thom Gibson Podcast Ep 3

Can High-5's really make that much of a difference in school culture? In this episode, I explore the various ways I've begun to greet students at the door right at the beginning of class and how they've helped build a positive culture in my classroom and school. I also have another teacher, Justin Aion sound off of why he started High-5 Fridays at his school and the effects it had on his own school culture. Music by Podington Bear Connect with Justin Aion - www.twitter.com/justinaion   
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