2026 GOCSD Innovation Summit

As educators, we know our students are showing an increase in behavioral issues and struggle with emotional regulation. According to the Child Mind Institute, approximately 10 percent of students struggle with mental health concerns. That means potentially one to two students in EVERY classroom need instruction on coping strategies. At the end of this session, you will be able to implement actionable coping strategies in your day-to-day lesson plans which will benefit your students who currently need them and those who will undoubtedly face stressors in their future. Also, 10 attendees will have a chance to win a "Take 5 Box!"

Get ready to rethink the power of manipulatives! This hands-on session will show how giving students the opportunity to physically touch, move, and build with math tools can spark deeper understanding than screen-based practice alone. While manipulatives are often associated with early primary grades, they can be game-changing for upper elementary students—especially those who have struggled to connect with math in the past. Participants will explore how to use manipulatives to connect mathematical concepts to real-world situations, helping students make sense of what they are learning through building, modeling, and proving their thinking. This approach moves beyond rote memorization and drill-based learning, empowering students to develop lasting conceptual understanding. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies, engaging lesson ideas, and interactive games they can implement immediately. This session is ideal for educators teaching grades 2–5.