Naturally Teaching

An elementary teacher science blog

Read this article to learn where to find garden grants, what to include in your proposal, and suggestions for planning your learning garden.
Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for Success

If you’ve considered adding a learning garden to your school’s outdoor space, but you’re not sure the logistics to make it happen or where to find garden grants to help you fund the project, this is the article for you!  I had the opportunity to interview Jeanne Henderson, former president of the Wild Ones Mid-Mitten […]

Read this list to find books about invasive species to read to your students
7 Invasive Species Books to Read in the Elementary Classroom

Are you looking for a way to introduce invasive species to your elementary students? The concept of invasive exotic species can be challenging for young students to understand. Picture books are an amazing way to learn about the world and can be an invaluable tool for introducing children to scientific skills and concepts. This list […]

Read this article to learn about reusing recyclables to make 10 different science tools for your elementary classroom
Reusing Recyclables: 10 Science Tools to Make for Students

Reusing recyclables to make science tools could be the difference between your students repeating scientific information and actually understanding it. Let me give you an example: one day I was coaching a 3rd grade teacher on how to use mineral testing kits that I brought for her students to try. The school had textbooks about […]

Read this list to find books about how butterflies grow to read to your students
How Butterflies Grow: 8 Picture Books About Butterfly Life Cycles

Butterflies are a hot topic for students and teaching about how butterflies grow can be a great way to tie their interests into the standards. If your district uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), 3rd graders are supposed to “develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have […]

Read this list to find books about the moon, sun, and eclipses to read to your students
12 Stellar Books About the Moon, Sun, and Eclipses

Are you looking for a way to get ready for the upcoming solar eclipse or to get a better understanding of the moon and sun? Picture books are an amazing way to learn about the world and can be an invaluable tool for introducing children to scientific skills and concepts. This list of books about […]

Read this interview to learn about the conservation implications for using a raising butterflies kit in your elementary classroom
A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation Conversation

If you’ve thought about adding a raising butterflies kit to your list of activities this year, you’ll want to read this article first! While these kits have great reviews and many teachers praise their benefits in the classroom, there’s a bigger picture to consider. I had the opportunity to interview Jenn Kirts and Michelle Fournier […]

Read this list to find St Patty's Day books about science to read to your students
A List of 10 St Patty’s Day Picture Books About Science

Are you looking for a way to spice up your St Patty’s Day celebrations while also getting the most out of your day? Picture books are an amazing way to learn about the world and can be an invaluable tool for introducing children to scientific skills and concepts. This list of St Patty’s Day picture […]

Read this list to find maple syrup books to read to your students
Tapping Into Learning: 15 Maple Syrup Books for Elementary Science

Picture books are an amazing way to learn about the world and can be an invaluable tool for introducing children to scientific skills and concepts. This list of maple syrup books includes 15 titles that can help with your weather units, photosynthesis studies, and your water cycle units.  By reading some of these books to […]

Read this guide for alternative Valentine's Day party ideas including activities, snacks, and crafts
Beyond Hearts and Cupids: A Guide to Alternative Valentine’s Day Parties for Elementary Teachers

Planning a fun and engaging classroom celebration poses a unique challenge for elementary teachers, unless you decide to plan an alternative Valentine’s Day experience for your students. In this guide, we’ll transform your Valentine’s Day party into an educational experience, exploring engaging activities and creative crafts that align with your science curriculum. Let’s redefine classroom […]

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