Though I have never been a "textbook teacher", I can definitely see the benefit of using a common text with the students, particularly in science and social studies. I typically use only a textbook or common text for social studies, occasionally for science, and never for ELA or math because my district does not have a mandated textbook for either of these subjects. ... Read More
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Engaging Ways to Review
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
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. States of Matter With Cranberries Since you can find cranberries in many forms during a simple walk through your grocery store, they offer a great opportunity to discuss states of ... 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, well maybe just all the snacks. 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 and reviewing the scientific method. Dissolving ... Read More
Great Depression Poster Project Freebie
A few months ago, my class created some old-school Great Depression Poster Projects. I know we are in the technology age, but many of my students don't have access to computers outside of school. In order to give them an assignment that could be completed 100% outside of classroom, I had to keep it old school. :D I gave the students a requirement page that ... Read More
Quick and Easy Social Studies Ideas
I am writing a quick post today to share two of my recent favorite "activities" for social studies that are quick and easy to implement. 1. Social Studies "Head" Organizer I don't know about your social studies standards, but we have what feels like a hundred different people to learn about and remember. Geesh, sometimes I even get some of the people mixed up in my ... 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
