Once 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 ArticleCelebrate Children’s Book Day
Celebrate Children’s Book Day on April 2, 2015. Children’s Book day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate reading. Fostering a love of reading, at an early age, leads to life-long learning! Engaging...
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 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 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 ArticleEnd of Year Showcase-Independent Research Topics
As a librarian, I teach the importance of finding information. To get students excited about research, I have them select a research topic. With 500 students, this is a bit scary. However, they must...
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 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 ArticleFlower Power
With spring in the air, most kids would rather be outdoors. This is the perfect time to explore plants and science with your students. By using engaging resources and developing science experiments,...
View ArticleThe Lazy Days of Summer
Through exploration, students can learn at their own pace and discover new ideas and concepts. Summer no longer needs to be lazy. It can be filled with adventure as you travel through the pages of a...
View Article“Old” School
I recently read this article which appeared on the Good Morning America talk show. A Seattle Nursing home also have a preschool. The concept of intergenerational education is not a new one, but this...
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 ArticleValue of Tall Tales
Tall tales are stories that are loosely based on real people that did larger than life deeds. These stories can be humorous when the main character solves a problem by impossible means. You can have...
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 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 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 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 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 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 ArticleUsing 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...
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