Books on hibernation and other forms of dormancy Animal dormancy is an interesting phenomena that will engage your students. Hibernation, torpor, brumation, and diapause are all ways that animals can sleep through the winter; a concept that can be a bit challenging for early childhood learners to grasp. Make this abstract concept more tangible by […]
Outdoor Education
Podcast
Celebrating the Winter Solstice with an Outdoor Party for Your Elementary Students [Ep. 26]Celebrating the Winter Solstice Winter break is coming and so is your classroom party! Instead of taking elements from Christmas or Hanukkah for your winter party this year, consider celebrating the winter solstice instead. The winter solstice is a natural phenomenon that everyone on Earth experiences at some point in the year making it an […]
Different Seasons Books Learning how the seasons are made can be a very abstract concept, especially for early childhood learners. However, picture books could be just the tool to help you teach your students the reason for the seasons. In this episode, I share 8 different seasons books that you can use in your elementary […]
Outdoor Education
Winter Gear Wisdom: A Practical Guide for Elementary Outdoor EducationDelving into the realm of winter gear for outdoor learning, elementary teachers often find themselves facing the challenge of ensuring their students are adequately dressed for the season. This guide aims to unravel the complexities surrounding winter gear, ensuring students are well-prepared and enthusiastic about outdoor learning during the winter season. What is the weather […]
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 […]
Picture Books
ELA
12 Snow Books to Support Your Elementary CurriculumPicture 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 snow books includes 12 titles that can help with your weather units, states of matter studies, and your water cycle units. By reading some of these books […]
Picture Books
16 Activities for Groundhog Day Inspired by the Book “Groundhog Weather School”Groundhog Day is coming up and can be a wonderful opportunity to fulfill some of your curricular goals in reading, writing, and science. Activities for Groundhog Day can come in all different themes including shadows, animal needs, seasons, and weather. Consider using a Groundhog Day book to introduce the holiday to your students and to […]
ELA
Picture Books
16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary TeachersPicture books are an amazing way to learn about the world and can be an invaluable tool for introducing children to the changing seasons. This list of wonderful children’s books about winter is compiled of 16 titles that introduce seasonal signs, animals in winter, and the water cycle to your students. By reading some of […]
Picture Books
ELA
The Snowy Day Ezra Jack Keats: 15 Fun Activities for Early Childhood LearnersNothing says winter like reading The Snowy Day Ezra Jack Keats. If you are itching to read this Caldecott winning story in your classroom but you’re not sure what activities to do alongside it, I’ve got you covered! Included in this article are 15 fun activities for early childhood learners that are related to the […]