Take a cue from the recent social media craze that Kyle Schwartz started by asking her third graders to jot down “What I Wish My Teacher Knew”. This simple lesson plan not only builds your students’ sense of community, but it also shows your students that you care and are there to listen to their needs. Read...
We know you save every empty shoebox, paper towel roll, and soda bottle just in case the right class project or craft comes along. So let us help you put those hoarded 2-liter soda bottles to work!
Start by removing the labels and the sticky residue left behind. The trick is soaking the bottles in warm water, which will get...
Many students have difficulty mastering word problems. We have a solution that helps students break apart a word problem into six easy-to-follow steps. In following these steps, students will learn to focus on the information and sequence that is helpful to solving the problem.
Use this template <free download> to make following these steps even easier.
1. Underline the Facts
Students...
Plan ahead with these fun activities and free downloads to get you through April Fools, Earth Day, and National Poetry Month
3 April Fools Jokes to Play on Your Students
Give your students this "pop quiz". Use our April Fools pop quiz <free download>. Tell your students, "Be sure to read all of the questions before beginning, but the first...
Test Giving Tips
Take some of the anxiety and anticipation out of test day by making your classroom a test-friendly environment.
• Set the mood by playing calming music as students come into class.
• Give tests at the beginning of the day when students' attentions are still alert and focused.
• Give your students each a magic pencil (no....
Improve high-level, critical thinking skills and you're sure to improve reading comprehension, problem solving, writing skills, and more! We’ve gathered five important higher-level thinking skills, defined the skill, and suggested a way for you to help improve that skill. These tips are a terrific way to give your students the tools they need for success in school as well...
Find a penny, pick it up. All day long you'll have good luck! This project has your students doing just that–collecting pennies while gaining research skills and meeting the standards. This project is perfect for any time of the year, but would be a fun project to introduce around Presidents' Day when your students are learning about Abraham Lincoln...
Put a twist on your Valentine’s lessons with these heart-themed, science lessons, activities, and free downloads. They go beyond the mushy-gushy romance of V-day...although, we're not against that (see Secret Valentine Exchange)! Plus February is American Heart Month, so you can use these activities all month long to promote heart health awareness.
Getting to Know the Heart
Familiarize students with...
Maybe you want to promote a healthier classroom by getting your students up and moving through an activity, maybe your students are more tactile learners, or maybe you find that if your students are active they are more focused and well-behaved throughout the rest of the day. Whatever your motivation, we've got some "active" math games to get your...
It can be hard to compete with those adorable student-made gifts that the teacher in your life will inevitably get this holiday season. But we’ve gathered 12 exceptional gifts sure to please your special teacher whether he or she is your co-worker, friend...or yourself.
1. Comfy Shoes
It’s no surprise, teachers are on their feet all day! Treat them to a...
