Teach With Magic

DAR California Outstanding Teacher of American History, CCSS Outstanding Middle Level Educator, Author of Teach with Magic!

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

My account was hacked and turned premium to boost spam. Might as well take advantage. Here's my lesson on geography I did today. It was a huge hit. Energy was WAY HIGH (too high?) all day. Clouds, Disneyland maps and plenty of Duo! Runs best in PPT! https://t.co/x24cxcNjcn

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

So it appears my account was stolen. Just checking to see if I can still post.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@TolentinoTeach I've written a lot about the power of place making in the classroom with music, costumes, lighting etc. Just wearing a green apron for my Starbucks grading lesson gave it unreal energy.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@jen_evans @teachthemx3 7th grade social studies and in California.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@u0ki9jet @MrDanielBuck Absolutely the case here. Every student knows dual enrollment is ridiculously easy.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@jenteach13 Early. Ours are being held this year so I can't send my usual summer parent letter, print out accommodation lists, set up Classroom, etc. I don't get it.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@anenglishteachr Be yourself. Teachers are generally pleasers and do far too many things just to keep the peace. Be you and do what you know is right.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

There's a God in Heaven who loves you. Hear more at the Harvest Crusade starting in just 45 minutes at https://t.co/AH8VJp5RL1

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

I'm back from the Courageous Creativity Arts in Education conference at Disneyland. It was great - again! Read all about it: https://t.co/cEQeRpF0qJ #education

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

Yes: handwriting still matters.

A new study has confirmed that writing by hand activates far more complex and widespread neural networks in the brain than typing, underscoring its importance for learning and memory.

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology used a high-density EEG cap with 256 electrodes to record brain activity in university students. They found that the intricate, sensory-rich movements involved in handwriting, especially cursive, trigger highly synchronized brain waves across extensive areas of the parietal and central regions. These coordinated patterns are strongly linked to memory formation, cognitive processing, and encoding new information.

In contrast, typing, which involves repetitive, simpler finger movements, produced significantly less neural connectivity and engagement. The difference was striking: the brain appears much less active during digital writing.

The researchers conclude that the unique motor and sensory experience of holding a pen plays a key role in brain development and learning. As a result, they argue that handwriting instruction should remain a core part of education to support deeper comprehension and cognitive growth in the next generation.

[ “Handwriting vs. Typing: A High-Density EEG Study on Brain Connectivity During Learning” — Norwegian University of Science and Technology (published in Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)]

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@FixingEducation The "all grade bands should be equal values because math" argument is given almost exclusively by people who aren't math teachers. The real problem though isn't the bands. It is that we don't have agreement on what an A even is.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

I'm working on a new fall of Rome lesson, so I did a Google Search for existing ones... The first link was my own tweet. I completely forgot I made this. I never got to use it. COVID happened, then I moved to high school. Glad to know past me was thinking similarly!

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

Made this to go along with Jenga for the fall of Rome. Each "rating" will lead to the number of pieces they have to remove! Thanks to all who shared ideas. #sschat https://t.co/XIqJ8FR7uD

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@Fedex Saga, Day 5. After failing to pick up again yesterday, they never came today. "Jim" on the phone says they have no record of the pickup order - despite allegedly coming the last 2 days. He says I have to call @Walmart again. Walmart, perhaps find a better partner.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@FedExHelp Why would I do all that work looking up that info when your driver can't even follow basic directions I delivered by phone already?

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@Fedex drama, day 4. After talking to them yesterday and telling them exactly where it was, they once again failed to pick up today. "It wasn't ready for pickup." Well, enjoy coming again tomorrow I guess. What a joke of a company.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

Can't believe Teach with Magic is 5 years old! Great time to read it again. Available on Amazon!

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

Continuing my @fedex nonsense. They were to come pick up the item they delivered broken today. I told them I can't leave it on my very exposed porch or it could be stolen. It's on the side. Driver didn't bother to look or knock on my door. Guess he can come again tomorrow. Unreal

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

@justgreene Yep. I upscale them and then print them. I usually use https://t.co/d3EtVJzbAg. They print on vinyl. My originals have lasted years now.

[Teach With Magic @mrroughton]

Another teaser poster in progress! Once again, AI creates what I've have in my head for years and couldn't do myself. Transformers, roll out!