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 […]
ELA
Picture Books
“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsStep into the enchanting world of Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, where winter unveils the secrets of animal survival. This article explores the fascinating narratives of creatures above and below the snow, unraveling the mysteries of their adaptations. Whether you’re a teacher looking to enhance your classroom with lessons on animal adaptations […]
Science
Snowy Science: A Guide to Teaching About Matter in WinterSometimes teaching about matter can be intimidating and challenging. It’s an abstract concept that educators have the difficult task of teaching to young children. This guide to teaching matter in winter will hopefully give you some ideas for leveraging the season to help you fulfill your curricular goals in an impactful and engaging way while […]
Science
Talking About Turkey Facts: 10 Things to Know Before ThanksgivingTalking about turkey facts is a regular occurrence in classrooms come November in the United States. But do you have the facts to keep your kiddos interested? I have uncovered answers for you for 10 of the most searched terms about wild turkeys. If you want to talk about turkey facts with your students this […]
Science
Pumpkins in November: How to Use Halloween Pumpkins to Teach StudentsHalloween is a magical time of year, but when it’s over you’re left with multiple carved pumpkins to take care of. So, what do you do with all of those pumpkins in November? There are many ways that you can dispose of your carved pumpkins, but why not put them to work for you by […]
ELA
Picture Books
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”: Why It’s Not the Best Option to Teach Life CyclesLet me begin with letting you all know that I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar and this article isn’t here to bash it. Instead, I’m just looking to share my thoughts on why I don’t think it’s one of the best books to use to teach butterfly life cycles. Also, if you’ve used The Very […]
Science
Amphibians Vs Reptiles: How to Teach the Difference in Your Elementary ClassroomAmphibians vs reptiles may be one of the hottest topics you cover this school year. Not only are these animals inherently interesting to children (and many adults!), they are also confusing to keep separate. Are reptiles and amphibians the same? What are the characteristics of amphibians? What is the difference between amphibians and reptiles? These […]
Picture Books
Science
Pollination for Plants: How to Use “Flowers Are Calling” for Effective TeachingPollination for plants can seem like a challenging concept to teach in elementary school, but it can be a blast if you embrace it! With the help of Rita Gray’s Flowers Are Calling and experiential learning, your students will be pollination pros in no time. This article is here to guide you through background information […]
Science
Seed Dispersal Types: 6 Innovative Ways Seeds Travel to New PlacesFor Teachers What are seed dispersal types? What is seed dispersal by explosion? What is animal seed dispersal and how does it benefit plants? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the interesting techniques that plants use for seed dispersal. Teaching seed dispersal in your elementary classroom can be […]
Science
Outdoor Education
Teaching the Weather of Summer: A Helpful Guide for Elementary TeachersTeaching the weather of summer is a great way to end your school year and weather studies in kindergarten and 3rd grade. Your students are already feeling the warmer temperatures, hearing the birds call, and getting antsy, so why not harness the excitement and get outside?! Summer is unique in each region and will have […]
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