Our reading habits are changing. This has a lot to do with what we are reading. Tweets, posts, snaps, infographics, and other contemporary text types are ideal for communicating ideas quickly and visually. They have a place in our society — and in our classrooms, too — but they are not substitutes for actual literature. … Continue reading Novel Instruction: Four Ways to Approach Plot and Structure in Literature
Love is in the air! Here is an easy Valentine’s Day activity for your students to make and display in your classroom to add a festive feel for the holiday. 1) Have students trace two circles on a piece of paper. (Plates and bowls are good for this part.) Cut along the lines to create … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Paper Wreath
Did you know that January 17th is the day people are most likely to drop their New Year’s resolutions? It’s even been dubbed Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day. As we head towards the end of January, you may be feeling like you’re ready to give up your resolutions, or are already overwhelmed by what the … Continue reading Starting Fresh in the Classroom for the New Year
STEM projects can sometimes be challenging to incorporate in the classroom. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending the annual CUE (Computer Using Educators) conference. I learned ideas for projects if a teacher has no budget, a low budget, or if they are fully funded. This proved that there are budget-friendly STEM resources … Continue reading STEM Design Process Simplified