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John Thomas

@flyfish29.bsky.social
89 followers 61 following 109 posts

Grades 1-2 teacher, ADHD, Dyspraxic, Dysgraphic, LEGO EDU Ambassador, Edutopia Facilitator & Blogger, recovering principal, former stay@home dad, hiker, kayaker, gamer, KC sports and MIZZOU fan

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Reposted by John Thomas
Teacher2Teacher @teacher2teacher.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Lend a hand to teacher Kim G. They ask, "What is your best advice for a new kindergarten teacher on navigating small groups with little classroom support?" Join the conversation:
edutopia.org
What is your best advice for a new kindergarten teacher on navigating small groups with little classroom support?
I have taught 3rd grade for the last few years and have now moved to Kindergarten. I have a para for part of my day. I’m really working on creating small groups and centers so I can confer with studen...
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 30/09/2026
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 25/09/2026
These language games will get your upper elementary students excited about building vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills! 📝👂
edutopia.org
21 Effective Learning Games for ELA Classes
Developing students’ language skills can be more engaging with games that address vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 25/09/2026
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I'm excited as a 2026 Seesaw Ambassador! 💚Favorite tip- hearing students explain their thinking in math. Ss still still do hands-o  work & show their work in an annotated picture/video. Get started at app.seesaw.me #SeesawAmbassador #SeesawConnect2026 @seesawlearning
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I think it works best with small groups unless the class is relatively small. I hear a rich discussion where students either already have an idea of which one doesn’t belong or they just start sharing thoughts and then build on each other’s ideas.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
In another lesson, I have students use highlighters to mark key words like more, less, altogether, and others. An added bonus: My younger students are getting to use big-kid highlighters in all these lessons, which is a "highlight" of their year. 😉
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I also have Ss just highlight punctuation in a word problem. Then I say the shocking statement: Ss should NOT read fluently in math! I explain that Ss should read a word problem 1 sentence at a time. Then stop to be sure they understand before they move. Ss typically read problems too fast!
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
This is a great strategy. My Ss attack word problems using 3 highlighters. Students highlight everything in a word problem in specific colors: Yellow for sentences that are directions. Pink for information, & blue for questions. It helps students read through a word problem.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 13/09/2026
Word problems can feel like a lot for young learners. That’s where CUBES comes in: a step-by-step scaffold to help get them started. 🧱 Remember: It’s just one tool in their toolkit, not the whole toolbox. Keep pushing them to reason through the actual math, but starting with CUBES can help.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
My Ss love doing Which One Doesn't Belong. They get started discussing it without any prompting. The WODB idea was inspired by Sesame Street's "One of these things is not like the others." This source has them ranging from Kindergarten to high school levels. talkingmathwithkids.com/wodb/
talkingmathwithkids.com
wodb | Talking Math With Your Kids
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 25/08/2026
Is it time to go back to basics? In this episode of School of Practice, high school teacher Nicholas Ferroni talks through his decision to decrease tech time, what his students have gained from it, and where tech still has its place in the classroom. 🧑‍🏫
edutopia.org
Podcast: How Nicholas Ferroni is Rewiring His Classroom for Human Connection
As debates about reducing classroom tech heat up, a popular high school teacher shares some practical tips for striking a better balance.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 23/08/2026
Curiosity. Challenge. Feedback. Progression. What do these things have in common? 🤔 You can find them both in math *and* games. #ITeachMath
edutopia.org
Increasing the Rigor in Your Math Class Through Gamification
Teachers can harness the design principles of games to cultivate students’ curiosity, encourage productive struggle, and make math work compelling.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Self-care is SO important! I used to work 12 hour days prepping for the beginning of the school year and was exhausted before it even started.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I'm not sure what technology your school uses; we're a Google school. But I think some Microsoft products have sticky note options- perhaps they have a way to share them virtually. Good luck!
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Building on the idea Gloria suggested, perhaps you could create virtual sticky notes in Canva to export or take screenshots for the email. Using a cursive font will help make it more personal. Even have some printed out to leave in the classroom or mailbox. www.canva.com/features/sti...
canva.com
Free Custom Sticky Notes - Virtual Sticky Note Board | Canva
Build ideas and collaborate with your team using custom sticky notes from free online whiteboard sessions in Canva.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I'm a recovering administrator, and I struggle with handwriting too. It can be so challenging to work in a school with educators who typically have very neat handwriting! I'm so glad you're searching for adaptations to try out this strategy.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 12/07/2026
School’s all about giving students the skills they need to succeed. That applies to reading, writing, and math, of course, and an even more fundamental skill: self-regulation. Here are 19 ways to help kids practice it. #SEL #ElementaryTeacher #EduSky
edutopia.org
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Writing for @edutopia.org is an amazing experience. Edutopia editors are SO easy to work with during the writing process to help create publishable articles.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
There are so many great books listed in response to this question! @edutopia.org
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
How do you make math relevant for your students? #math @edutopia.org www.edutopia.org/teacher2teac...
edutopia.org
How do you make math relevant for your students?
We know units in math are what make the numbers truly mean something. Without a unit, they’re just symbols we manipulate. While I love manipulating numbers and looking for patterns, students don’t alw...
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Reflection on my sample teaching lesson is what led to my current teaching position. It’s so important.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Such great stuff here! @edutopia.org
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Writing for the win!
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
@edutopia.org Despite there never being enough time, there are spare minutes built into the day. Like when traveling to Allied Arts or specials. Whether it's on the way or while waiting for the last class to leave, I try to connect with students and their stories.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 15/06/2026
Inspiration is “not automatically consistent over time, it can be renewed by sparks we create or experience, and inspiration is contagious—students and colleagues can catch it from us!” 💡 #EduSky
edutopia.org
Rekindling Your Inspiration as a Teacher
Inspiration is not consistent over time, but, like a growth mindset, it can be deliberately fostered through reflective exercises.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Absolutely! Although all too often, they want to share them right smack in the middle of a lesson. So I pick & choose when (arrival time, recess, snack, transitions, independent work, reading conferences, & sometimes at morning meeting), but it certainly gives me a solid relationship with students.
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Jennifer Liang @jenniferliang.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Probably the best article I've seen yet about the edtech backlash. Very balanced. @edutopia.org www.edutopia.org/article/shou...
edutopia.org
Should Laptops Really Go the Way of Cell Phones?
Having won the battle on phones, some public intellectuals are calling for laptops to disappear from classrooms, too. Many teachers say that would be a mistake.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
As a recovering administrator, I sure wish I had this resource when I began leading a school.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
THE most important topic of the year. Self-care! @edutopia.org www.edutopia.org/podcast/11-w...
edutopia.org
Podcast: 11 Ways to Improve Teacher Well-Being
Laurie Santos, the renowned Yale professor, cognitive scientist, and host of The Happiness Lab, shares a science-backed toolkit for busy educators in need of a wellness tune-up.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Administrators and leaders: This recovering principal suggests this newsletter to further your professional development. @edutopia.org www.edutopia.org/principal-pr...
edutopia.org
Edutopia Newsletters: The Principal Project
If you’re working to support schools—whether you’re leading one or guiding many—we know you don’t need more noise in your inbox. That’s why The Principal Project newsletter cuts through it all—bringin...
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Student ownership of learning for the win!
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
I've worked for 3 principals who respected the expertise in the room, and it resulted in glorious working conditions! I've also worked for an administrator who went out of their way to make me feel like the newbie (as a 14-year veteran of that particular school) by changing everything, almost daily.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 31/05/2026
Get students excited to write with these 2 theater-inspired activities! 🎭✏️ #EduSky #ElementaryTeacher #literacy
edutopia.org
Collaborative Activities That Inspire Students to Write
Theater-style games allow students to work together to generate ideas and develop narratives.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 31/05/2026
A student survey is an effective way for schools to understand exactly what learners believe they need to be academically successful. Here’s how to use one. 📋👇 #EduSky
edutopia.org
Making Schoolwide Use of Student Surveys
Detailed feedback from students about what helps them learn can shape schools’ instructional initiatives and goals.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 31/05/2026
Sometimes it’s tough to grasp major literary themes from mere words on a page. 📃 Try doing a hands-on activity with your students like mapping, sketching, or sculpting their thoughts—it can give them a new lens on what a story is about. #ELATeacher #EnglishTeacher #EduSky
edutopia.org
3 Visual Thinking Exercises To Try in English Class
Activities like mapping, sketching, and sculpting can help students clarify ideas—and deepen their literary analysis skills.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 31/05/2026
“All students will not remember ‘page whatever’ in math or other subjects, but they will remember how you made them feel, the times when you laughed or cried together, the different experiences you gave them beyond the classroom or Chromebook, and the ways you let them know you were proud of them.” —Erlene Monteith, Teacher
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Edutopia @edutopia.org · 27/05/2026
What’s your take on eliminating zeros from the grade book? In this episode of School of Practice, @mrrablin.bsky.social explores the tradeoffs of a no-zeros grading policy—and shares strategies for building motivation and accountability! Listen on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4uwrBe6
New episode of School of Practice: Rethinking Zeros in the Grade Book. Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 24/05/2026
4 characteristics of a “warm demander” teacher: 1. The right kind of “demanding” ✅ 2. Consistency 3. A touch of empathy 4. Celebrating wins 🎉 Learn more here:
edutopia.org
4 Characteristics of Outstanding ‘Warm Demander’ Teachers
The dispositions and priorities of teachers who hold high expectations for every child, care deeply, and help them reach their academic potential in a structured environment.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
I use Unifix cubes like the colored cups assessment. Students keep the cubes in their pencil box and show red, yellow, or green on their name tag with the top cube showing how they feel. I can also do a quick emotion check-in at any time. 
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 23/05/2026
Morphology: Big word. Even bigger literacy benefits. 📖 #literacy #ElementaryTeacher #EduSky
edutopia.org
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
My first- and second-grade students LOVE IT when I break things down and teach morphology. They naturally enjoy the concrete, and doing this helps make things concrete- at least as much as it can be given the complexity of the English language.
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 21/05/2026
Come in for a smooth landing at the end of the year. 🛬 Prep young students for summer with one of these 5 strategies! #EduSky
edutopia.org
Keeping Students Engaged at the End of the Year
Early elementary teachers can use these ideas to keep things exciting and manage big feelings as students prepare for summer and a new grade.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
As a recovering administrator, sustainability is #1 in my book. This is a great article. It's all too easy to see a shiny new initiative and try to jump on that train. However, it's so important to see a school's current successes, and only make changes where they're needed, with the staff on board.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Have you or anyone in your school community tried a new practice that had a positive impact or transformed a process? If so, @edutopia.org wants to hear from you! www.edutopia.org/teacher2teac...
edutopia.org
Have you or anyone in your school community tried a new practice that had a positive impact or transformed a process?
Hi everyone! 👋🏼 With the end of the school year in sight, I’m curious to know what your takeaways are. Specifically, is there a new practice, big or small, that has positively impacted how a process i...
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 12/05/2026
Need a new class activity to end the school year? 🎈☀️ In this week’s episode of School of Practice, teachers share low-prep ideas for celebrations and reflections across grade levels! Listen on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4np8jVh
apple.co
14 Excellent Ways to End the School Year
Podcast Episode · School of Practice · May 12 · 20m
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Play is so important not just in early childhood but also in the primary grades!
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 13/05/2026
Formative assessment doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it can even be fun! 🤩 Here are 28 creative, low-stakes strategies—gathered from our archives and from our educator community on social media. #EduSky #assessment
edutopia.org
28 Ways to Quickly Check for Understanding
From sketching comics to drafting tweets, these fun—and fast—ways to check for understanding are creative and flexible.
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John Thomas @flyfish29.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
What are some ways you're finishing up the school year? Need ideas, check out the @edutopia.org podcast. Have ideas, share them here: www.edutopia.org/teacher2teac...
edutopia.org
What are some projects, activities, and lessons that you hold until the end of the school year to keep your students engaged with academic content? A bonus if you can post a picture!
The end of the year is upon us. It can be challenging to keep students focused as the days of summer approach. I have some hands-on, engaging lessons I keep until the end of the year, especially with ...
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Reposted by John Thomas
Edutopia @edutopia.org · 22/04/2026
Number lines––a staple of early elementary math classrooms—do more than help students arrive at the right answer to the first equations they ever encounter. They help students understand *why* it’s the right answer. ➕ #MathSky #EduSky
edutopia.org
How Number Lines Can Boost Mathematical Understanding
From fractions and decimals to distance and time, the humble-but-versatile number line can deepen students’ understanding of key mathematical concepts.
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