This professional development session is designed for K–3 teachers and focuses on strengthening the intentional use of "Zen Zones" or "Calm Corners" as tools for self-regulation, belonging, and skill-building rather than simple break spaces. Participants will collaborate around real classroom scenarios to problem-solve challenges such as avoidance, escalation, and inconsistent use, while exploring proactive structures and clear routines that support student success. Teachers will leave with at least one concrete, actionable adjustment to improve how calm down corners are taught, implemented, and integrated into classroom systems. Please bring a Chromebook and a student scenario you'd like to analyze.
This professional development session is designed for K–3 teachers and focuses on strengthening the intentional use of "Zen Zones" or "Calm Corners" as tools for self-regulation, belonging, and skill-building rather than simple break spaces. Participants will collaborate around real classroom scenarios to problem-solve challenges such as avoidance, escalation, and inconsistent use, while exploring proactive structures and clear routines that support student success. Teachers will leave with at least one concrete, actionable adjustment to improve how calm down corners are taught, implemented, and integrated into classroom systems. Please bring a Chromebook and a student scenario you'd like to analyze.
During this session, educators will learn how to incorporate Open Middle math problems in their classrooms. Open Middle problems afford students opportunities to strengthen conceptual understanding, develop perserverance, and communicate collaboratively with peers. Educators will walk away from this session with access to usable templates and problems they can implement immediately. Please bring a laptop and a pencil.
