In this S5E14 @schoolutionspodcast BONUS, I unpack @katedriscoll931 's revolutionary approach to education that prioritizes observation over analysis, pride over perfection, and joy over data. Whether you're teaching art, math, or anything in between, Kate's strategies for classroom belonging, student engagement, and inspiring students will transform how you think about effective teaching.
What if the most important thing we could teach students isn't in any curriculum guide? Art teacher Kate Driscoll, whose video reached 80 million people, believes the answer is simple: teach them to notice.
What You'll Learn:
• Why teaching observation before interpretation changes everything for student participation and attention in class
• How to create conditions for authentic pride (not participation trophies) that boost student motivation
• Kate's assessment philosophy that starts with "What do you like about your work?" – a game-changer for low engagement
• The power of using contemporary, local artists to increase student engagement and create meaningful home-school connection
• 5 concrete strategies you can implement Monday morning for active learning across any subject
Kate sees 400 students for just one hour each week, yet every child leaves her classroom carrying pride and creative confidence. This approach to inclusive teaching and culturally responsive teaching works because it honors the whole child while building student success through real autonomy and choice.
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and anyone committed to education transformation and empowered educators.
Referenced Episode: Season 5, Episode 14 - "Why This Art Teacher is Making Kids Love Creating" with Kate Driscoll
5 Try-It-Tomorrow Strategies:
1. Practice noticing – really seeing without devices
2. Create conditions for pride through real challenges with autonomy
3. Find contemporary, relevant connections to your curriculum
4. Ask "What do you like about your work?" before offering feedback
5. Remember the joy you bring
Weekend Challenge: Take a noticing walk with your students. Count colors in a leaf, observe shadow patterns, really see your environment. Email your observations to schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: The 80 Million View Video
1:00 - The Power of Teaching Students to Notice
3:00 - Observation Before Analysis: What Students Are Missing
4:30 - The Radical Skill of Paying Attention
5:30 - Creating Conditions for Pride (Not Trophies)
6:45 - Contemporary Artists: Making Curriculum Relevant
8:00 - Assessment That Starts With Self-Reflection
9:30 - Remember the Joy You Bring
10:30 - 5 Try-It-Tomorrow Strategies
12:00 - Weekend Challenge: Take a Noticing Walk
13:00 - Final Thoughts: Teaching the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
🚀📚 Watch the full S5E14 @schoolutionspodcast interview here (https://youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI)
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