Beware of the Icebreaker
Excerpt from Tips & Tools for the Art of Experiential Group Facilitation Second Edition: In chapter one, I emphasized how important it is to carefully assess your group, and be awa
Setting the Tone: Creating a Positive Environment for Learning
This is an updated version of a previous post entitled “Optimal Ingredients for Effective Group Facilitation” rewritten for the new edition of Tips & Tools for the
Attitude is Everything
Excerpt from the Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner by Jen Stanchfield. Learners respond—even subconsciously—to a facilitator’s attitudes, demeanor, and expectations. We oft
The Reflective Educator/Facilitator Part Two: Meaningful Self-Reflection and Record-Keeping to Improve Your Practice
Last week’s post, “Embracing the Quiet and Taking Time to Reflect,” focused on the importance of prioritizing time for self-reflection to improve your practice
Embracing the Quiet and Taking Time to Reflect
In honor of the start of the new year I am re-posting this series of articles from the Inspired Educator Blog Archives on the importance of practitioner reflection. From the Archiv
Key Ingredients for Optimal Group Building Experiences
In past articles, I have compared group facilitation to cooking. As in cooking, group facilitation allows for a great deal of room for adaptation, experimentation and adjustment of
Full Plate Time Management Activity
With the start of fall I find that both the professionals and students I work with are often learning to manage a new routine and new responsibilities which makes it the perfect ti
Designing and Re-Imagining the Classroom Space
Excerpt from the Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner book: I spend a lot of time moving chairs, and it is worth it! The classroom or group room space has a significant impac
Celebrations, Appreciating Others, and Positive Group Norms Activities
During this time of year, I find myself facilitating many staff team-building retreats for community organizations. In my work with schools, the focus is on celebrating the end of
Create Multiple Pathways to Learning
The more senses that are used to learn and practice information, the more neural networks are activated and the more ways the brain is able to store and retrieve information. Mult
Differentiated Instruction: Don’t Dismiss It!
Wood N Barnes Publishing Co. is continuing to share excerpts from my new book: Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner: Experiential, Brain-Based Activities and Strategies to Engage, M
What is Brain-Based Learning? Excerpt from Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner
Over the next month Wood N Barnes Publishing Company is offering a series of excerpts from my new book that combine research and educational theory with practical strategies to inc
New Book! Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner
Inspired Educator Inspired Learner: Experiential, Brain-Based Activities and Strategies to Engage, Motivate, Build Community, and Create Lasting Lessons I am thrilled to announce t
Cultivating Creativity
Excerpt from the new book: Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner Play Dough Pictionary is one of my favorite community building and academic review activities. One of the reas
Compelling Quotes as a “Hook”, Reflection, or Welcoming Activity
Excerpt from the soon to be released Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner book: Purpose/Focus: active engagement, hook, introducing a topic, “first five” or “do now,” contex
Toolbox, Object, or Miniature Metaphor Charms for Introductions and a “Hook to Engage” or “First Five/Pre-Group Activity”
Purpose/Focus: active engagement, hook, context setting, discussion or writing prompt, “first five” or “do now,” welcoming ritual, conversation starter, reflection, communi
Image and Postcard Introduction or “Strong Beginnings/Welcoming Ritual” Activities
[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_a
Draw Your School or Workplace
It’s that time of year again! Schools, and colleges are kicking off their programs with community building and goal setting sessions. Draw Your School or Workplace is a strat
