Using History to Hook Readers
Learning about historical events can be a fun way to introduce and review higher level reading skills. Finding relevant and engaging resources can help you hook your students on history. Here are some...
View ArticlePre-Reading Engagement Strategies
“I hate reading!” and “I don’t want to read!” Obviously these comments are not from an engaged reader. Regardless of a student’s’ reading level or ability, reading can be an engaging past time. The key...
View ArticleKindergarten Readiness
Is your kindergartener feeling tired, scared, happy, sad, or possibly overwhelmed about starting school this fall? Reading can be a great way to connect with your child and reassure them as they...
View ArticleClassroom Management Toolkit
In today’s day and age, teachers are being asked to deal with more behavior problems than ever before. Classroom management deals with more than bad behaviors, it deals with all aspects of the...
View ArticleRoadtrips: Hands on Learning
Are you hitting the road this summer? You can turn this trip into a life long lesson in map reading skills. Many cars are manufactured with gps or a navigation system. This can be turned off and...
View ArticleBeat the Summer Time Blues
“Mom, I’m bored!” These three words are my most dreaded words to hear. Trying to keep you children engaged during the summer months can be a challenging task. Try these activities that won’t break...
View ArticleCampfire Stories and Engaging Activities
Growing up, I camped a lot! Campfire time was always the highlight of the day. Nothing beats sitting under the stars and feeling the glow of the fire! We toasted marshmallows or made s’mores and...
View ArticleYour Country’s History
This time of year many people reflect on their country and how the efforts of others play a role in their own life. This summer, take time to discover your own personal history. You may find heroes...
View ArticleBlast off to Summer with Space Exploration
With longer nights, kids tend to spend more time out of doors. Encourage them to look up! The beautiful starry sky can be a great topic for summer exploration. Big Universe has the resources that...
View ArticleTeaching Manners by Writing Thank You Notes
There have been several posts about letter writing and manners. Well mannered children and teens can write “Thank You” notes to family and friends. Your kids can write “thank you notes” for birthday...
View ArticleSuccessful Reading Group Strategies
Teaching foundational skills to younger students is vital for later student achievement. In grades K-3, reading groups are common. These reading groups need to be flexible and not just based on...
View ArticleIt’s a Laughing Matter
Knock–Knock–Who’s There? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad you’ve heard this joke before. Higher level thinking skills can be developed through exposure to jokes and riddles. If you haven’t...
View ArticleApril is School Library Month
As a school librarian, I absolutely love libraries. I guess it’s my job to love and support them. However, not everyone is aware of the untapped resources available to them for free. Your tax dollars...
View ArticleOnce upon a time: a Fairy Tale Discussion
I recently began teaching a novel study with my fourth grade students. As I was selecting the novel, I was amazed at how many novels make references to fairy tales and folk tales. In the common core...
View ArticleSweet Resources to Help you Celebrate “Pi” day
Pi is the mathematical term to describe the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi is 3.14159 You can celebrate pi day on March 14th of any year, but 2015 is extra special. You can...
View ArticleDictionary Use in the Classroom
Dictionaries In The Classroom Do your students struggle with comprehension due to lack of background knowledge? Increasing your students’ vocabulary will increase their reading comprehension and...
View ArticleResources that Support A Friendship Based Writing Activity
This time of year teachers reflect on the climate in their classrooms. An engaging Valentine’s Day activity for all grade levels is a way to foster a positive environment in the classroom. You will...
View ArticlePenguin Unit: Cool Resources
Winter is a great time to teach students of all ages about cold weather animals. Kids love to learn about these cool animals. Using these materials, educators can teach beginning research skills while...
View ArticleAppreciation for Art and Artist
Art education is great way to engage your students! By collaborating with other teachers, you can discover ways to integrate art into your curriculum. If you are timid about art education and don’t...
View ArticleMusic and Its’ Impact on Learning
You’ve probably read research that correlates learning and music. So, turn up the volume and have your students research about music related topics! Research Musicians This is a great biography unit....
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