When students give up on assignments or get overwhelmed, it’s tough to find ways to help them re-engage. So, I’ve invited Dr. John Spencer (https://spencereducation.com/) of The Creative Classroom podcast (https://spencereducation.com/podcast/) to help us uncover 5 brain-based ways to help kids who shut down in class. John is a former middle school teacher and current college professor on a quest to transform schools into bastions of creativity and wonder. Listen in as John and I explore how to: 1. Intentionally cultivate self-empowerment (the ability to self-regulate and self-direct.) 2. Introduce creative constraints when kids are overwhelmed. 3. Use the gradual release model to slowly acclimate students to more self-directed work. 4. Think diagnostically, looking for root causes beyond those related to behavior. 5. Call impromptu workshops when you notice a significant number of students struggling. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.