Whether your class digs into an earth science unit on the tundra, savannah, rainforest, grasslands, or desert, you will undoubtedly find a growing endangered species list. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is encouraging teachers to join them on May 17th by participating in the eighth a...
So often, we hear media reports about the negative aspects of teaching and forget that teachers are the people who have made our children's collective future their life's work. The next time you are frustrated with our education system consider the following:
Jamie Vollmer has put together an ou...
As a part of a month-long awareness project organized by various pet organizations, the 2013 National Pet Week will be celebrated May 5th-11th. This year’s motto, “You and your pets: Companions for Life,” is dedicated to the promotion of the well-being of animals, and recognizin...
May Day is not celebrated in the United States with the same zest that it is in other countries. So take the opportunity to incorporate May Day into your classroom, providing some fun, while sneaking in learning at the same time.
Celebrate International Workers' Day Locally
May 1st is known as ...
Teaching is a profession that is often filled with rewards as big as the challenges that are faced each day. Teachers are hard working, highly educated people with one major goal: to better the youth of America. Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10,2013, is an entire week devoted to those who will...
Starting with the classic Dick and Jane primer, kids are introduced to families in most every book they read. Whether your pupils are only children, or part of a big family, they can use what they know about family to connect with all sorts of literature.
Siblings in Literature, from Younger to ...
The Olympics began in Greece way back in 776 BC, according to historical records. They consisted of only one sport: a sprint. They were eventually banned by the Roman emperor as being too pagan. Those Games are now referred to as the ancient Olympics. Fast forward 1,500 years after the Games were...
Ask any teenager why they ought to study history and you’ll likely hear the well-versed, yet veritable response, “So we don’t repeat past mistakes.” Here’s a magnificent chance to add authenticity and critical analysis to this central ambition as you approach Holocau...
World Poetry Day; did you know such a day existed? I must admit, I never realized there was an actual day dedicated to poetry until I began working in the classroom. Even when I was a student, I don't remember ever having a day dedicated to honoring poetry. That might be because it wasn’t u...
As Presidents’ Day approaches, an interesting twist to studying the holiday is to research the role of the First Lady. Historically, that role has been as the official hostess of the White House. The title, “First Lady,” was not widely used until after the Civil War. Martha Wash...
Mardi Gras is best known for its wild, colorful, and crazy parades. Horns and trumpets blast, people slip into ornate costumes, and the streets of select cities like New Orleans, are impossible to walk through. This is one party that takes place all over the world! Whether you’re in Paris, ...
As far as stressful jobs go, teaching earned a place on more than one rankings list that I checked. Of course, this comes as no surprise to those of us in the profession. Job stress contributes to teacher attrition rates, which averaged 17% nationally in 2011. For teachers with less than five yea...
A new read-aloud during the holiday season is like a cup of hot cocoa. It gets me in the mood for snowflakes doused in glitter and milk carton gingerbread houses. Which of the following titles will become a new favorite for your class?
Home for Christmas by Jan Brett
Grades: Pre K - Third ...
"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick
According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 22 million military veterans living in the United States today. November 11th is our chance to say thank you to those who have m...
A subject continually increasing in popularity is genealogy, or discovering one’s ancestors. In the spirit of celebrating our roots, the month of November is National Family Story Month. During a time traditionally set aside for gathering with people we cherish, the upcoming holiday se...
