2025 ROE8 Summer Institute

Presenters: Sam Buss (Special Education Coordinator for Ogle County Educational Cooperative) and Lynn Kalnins (Principal of Chana Education Center - Therapeutic Alternative School)

Young children learn best through play, making games a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation. In this engaging session, participants will explore how to use interactive and developmentally appropriate games to help children recognize, express, and manage their emotions. From fostering self-awareness to building coping skills, attendees will learn practical strategies for incorporating play into everyday routines to support social-emotional growth. The session will feature hands-on activities, examples of games, and tips for adapting them to diverse needs, empowering educators and caregivers to nurture emotional resilience in a fun and meaningful way.

This session will explore digital tools that make learning more interactive, collaborative, and engaging. Teachers will get hands-on experience with tools like Curipod for interactive lessons, Padlet for collaborative brainstorming, Blooket  for game-based learning, and more!. Educators will leave with ready-to-use activities, practical strategies, and quick setup guides to implement multiple tools in their classrooms immediately.

Empower students with Class Companion, an AI-driven tool that provides real-time, personalized feedback to support learning. This session will explore how AI can enhance student writing, critical thinking, and revision skills by offering instant, constructive guidance. Learn how to integrate Class Companion into your classroom to foster independence, improve engagement, and streamline your feedback process. Leave with practical strategies to help students take ownership of their learning with AI support!

In this interactive breakout session, attendees will practice the Whole Brain Teaching strategy Magic Circle to achieve 100% student engagement during direct instruction in ANY subject or grade level. This strategy transforms the way teachers give directions or teach content by making learning highly interactive and student-focused. Participants will experience firsthand how Magic Circle fosters deeper critical thinking and ensures every student is actively involved. Walk away with practical techniques to immediately implement in your classroom.