One of my biggest struggles as a teacher has always been students helping students all the skills they are learning in all the subjects. I have to be very purposeful about spiraling skills consistently so the students don't forget what was learned at the beginning of the year. Read more details about how I use spiral review in all subjects (and not just morning work) ... Read More
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How to Implement Close Reading in Science {Free Resource}
Close reading is all the buzz in reading instruction these days. Did you know that you can implement close reading in science? This post will share details about close reading in science with ideas for implementation. The science close reading strategies that I am going to share would also work well with social studies. In addition to these strategies that I will share in ... Read More
Teaching Students How to Study
One thing that I have learned teaching upper elementary is that some students have to be taught how to study. Most don't come to us already knowing how to study. Sure, some students grasp the material quickly and retain it easily. However, the majority of my students needed me to explicitly teach them strong study methods they could do independently or with someone else. ... Read More
Thanksgiving Science Activities {With Cranberries}
Science and Thanksgiving are not two things that I typically put together. However, I recently found some really fun Thanksgiving science activities that involve Thanksgiving food. Make sure you check this site out if you are interested in a few more Thanksgiving science activities. Floating Cranberries This first science activity explores whether cranberries ... Read More
Easy No Prep Physical and Chemical Changes Activity for Fall
Last fall, we did this super quick (but fun for the kids) fall themed 10 minute activity to review physical and chemical changes. This physical and chemical changes activity is ridiculously easy and cheap but also engaging. All you need is a bag of pumpkin shaped marshmallows (to go with the fall theme, regular marshmallows would work if you do this at any other ... Read More
Fall Science Experiment: Dissolving Pumpkins
Fall is my favorite season! I love the cooler weather, the changing leaves, and even football season! I really love incorporating fall activities into the classroom and especially fall science experiments. This post shares a quick fall science experiment that is perfect for exploring the scientific method. Here are the supplies you will need. Note: The printables I used ... Read More
Roller Coaster Fun: Potential and Kinetic Energy Review
My first year or two teaching I was very guilty of thinking that engaging science needed to involve some sort of complex science experiment. Thank goodness I learned a few years in that that was not true. I learned that drawing, designing, and even reflective discussions were a great way to engage my students in science topics we were studying. Last week this was put ... Read More
