What’s your background, and how did you get started in education?
My name is Gay Miller. I am a seasoned educator with a burning passion for making learning a fun and engaging experience for upper elementary students. My journey in education was ignited by my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith. Her social studies class felt more like story hour, and her language arts practice was as engaging as a game show. She inspired me to create a classroom where learning is an innovative joy, not a chore. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s in Learning Disabilities from Appalachian State University, plus a gifted certification from Walters State Community College, I’ve spent 34 years in the trenches of upper elementary education. I’ve taught in various settings, including inclusive classrooms, which has given me a wealth of insightful knowledge and experience.
As a Premier Publisher, what unique insights do you bring to curriculum design and educational technology?
As a Premier Publisher, I bring a unique blend of experience and innovation to curriculum design and educational technology. My specialty lies in novel studies, where I emphasize higher-level questioning that goes beyond mere recall. I believe in turning students into detectives, uncovering hidden layers of meaning, and engaging deeply with the text. This approach caters to advanced learners, who crave more challenging, material and supports students with learning disabilities who benefit immensely from critical thinking exercises. In the classroom, even reluctant readers become enthusiastic participants, eager to delve into the story and uncover its secrets. This method ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities, are actively engaged and learning at their own pace.
Furthermore, I’ve ventured into creating interactive vocabulary games that transform learning into an engaging and enjoyable experience. These games accommodate various learning preferences by integrating play elements, making education more accessible and fun for everyone. Whether through novel studies or interactive games, I aim to make learning an adventure that every student, regardless of their learning style, can look forward to daily.
Could you share a story about the impact you’ve seen from one of your popular Boom Card decks?
One of the most rewarding aspects of creating Boom Card decks is seeing how they positively impact both teachers and students. I received feedback from a teacher who used my Boom Cards with the novel Holes. She mentioned that her students were incredibly engaged with the material. They enjoyed the interactive nature of the Boom Cards and had meaningful discussions about the book. Another teacher shared that my Boom Cards for the novel Number the Stars became integral to their read-aloud sessions. After finishing each chapter section, they would break to work on the Boom Cards, which helped reinforce comprehension and analysis in a fun, interactive way. Because of these activities, the teacher noticed that even her reluctant readers were more interested and engaged in the story.
What made this particular outcome so exciting or rewarding for you?
These stories are incredibly rewarding for me because they highlight the positive impact of my resources on both students and teachers. Knowing that my Boom Cards help engage reluctant readers and foster deeper discussions about the text is genuinely fulfilling. It is exciting to see that my materials make learning more enjoyable and support teachers by reducing their preparation time. The ability to tailor my resources for various learners, including those with special needs or adult ESOL students, makes the effort I put into creating them feel genuinely worthwhile. Moments like these remind me why I became an educator in the first place—to make a meaningful difference in every student’s learning journey.
How do you leverage your expertise in curriculum design to create Boom Cards that are pedagogically robust yet highly efficient?
I leverage my expertise in curriculum design by meticulously aligning my Boom Cards with curriculum standards. This involves conducting an in-depth review of the standards and carefully selecting content and questions that directly address specific learning objectives and skills. This alignment guarantees the content is relevant and effectively reinforces key concepts students must master. To create pedagogically robust resources, I incorporate interactive elements that promote active learning and engage students. These elements include higher-level questions, interactive games, and differentiated instruction.
- Higher-Level Questions: My Boom Cards feature questions that require students to infer, analyze, and think critically about the material. This approach goes beyond mere recall of facts and encourages deeper engagement with the text.
- Interactive Games: I design games that make learning vocabulary and other language arts skills fun and engaging. These games accommodate different learning styles and motivate students by incorporating play elements.
- Differentiated Instruction: My Boom Cards are designed to accommodate diverse learners, including those who excel and those who may need more support. By offering varying difficulty levels and types of questions, I ensure that all students can benefit from the material.
- Ease of Use for Teachers: Efficiency is key for educators, so I ensure that my Boom Cards are easy to integrate into existing lesson plans. The decks are organized so that teachers can quickly find and use the resources they need without extensive preparation. By combining these strategies, I create Boom Cards that are aligned with educational standards and engaging, effective, and easy to use. This holistic approach ensures that both students and teachers benefit from the resources, making learning both enjoyable and productive.
What tips can you share with emerging publishers?
- Stay up-to-date with cutting-edge research to ensure your resources are relevant and effective.
- Be open to feedback from teachers and students—this can provide invaluable insights for improvement.
- Always prioritize creating high-quality, engaging content that addresses real classroom needs.
How has becoming a Premier Publisher impacted you?
Becoming a Premier Publisher has expanded my reach, allowing me to connect with more educators worldwide. This broader connection has enhanced my visibility and provided a continuous stream of valuable feedback. Through this feedback, I’ve refined and improved my resources, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of educators and students alike.
How do you ensure your materials meet high standards?
I ensure my materials meet high standards by regularly reviewing and updating them based on the latest educational standards and best practices. For instance, I align my content with national standards such as the Common Core. I frequently test my resources in natural classroom settings to ensure they are effective and practical for everyday classroom use.
What are some ways you make your Boom Cards adaptable and inclusive for all types of learners?
I incorporate multiple difficulty levels and various interactive elements. With visual aids and multimedia elements, I cater to different learning styles while ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies, making the resources accessible to all students. By considering the diverse needs of learners, I strive to create an inclusive educational experience.
What tips or strategies can you share that help creators make high-quality digital resources for teachers?
- Focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that allow teachers to integrate your resources into their lesson plans.
- Engage students with interactive content that makes learning fun and effective.
- Always be open to constructive feedback to refine and improve your resources continuously. This iterative process ensures your materials remain relevant and high-quality.
What opportunities do you see to collaborate and innovate together in the Boom community?
Collaboration within the Boom community can drive significant innovation and growth. By working with other creators, we can develop interdisciplinary resources that provide a richer learning experience. Participating in community webinars and events allows us to exchange visions and best practices, creating a supportive and innovative community. Co-creating resources with other educators can also lead to new and exciting educational tools.
What role can Boom Publishers play in supporting teacher self-care and preventing burnout?
Boom Publishers can play a crucial role in supporting teacher self-care by creating ready-to-use, engaging resources that save teachers valuable time. By reducing the workload associated with lesson planning, teachers can focus more on their well-being and professional development. Providing high-quality, reliable resources can alleviate stress and help teachers maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Any final motivational words for aspiring Boom Publishers or educators looking to make a difference?
Believe in the transformative power of your work. Stay passionate and keep learning—education is ever-evolving, and your dedication can make a significant difference. Remember that every resource you create has the potential to impact a student’s life positively. Embrace the journey, stay determined, and strive to make education engaging and accessible for all.
Check out these awesome decks by Gay Miller:
