Teaching requires many talents and skills, including flexibility. While we may learn to expect the unexpected, nothing could prepare us for the situation we currently face; schools closed due to a pandemic. As people across the country attempt to adjust to a new normal of sheltering in place and social distancing, teachers have the added challenge of continuing to provide students with a quality learning experience through distance education. This would be no easy task even under normal circumstances, but thankfully, there are ways to help keep students engaged in a manageable way. From a company dedicated to educators helping educators, to an app where students can record short videos for … [Read more...]

  This post is especially for the parents and educators who are currently stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is such an unusual and crazy time for families - you may be asking yourself, what do I do with my kids all day? If you're not sure how to approach scheduling out your child's (or children's)  time at home, I totally get it! I'm writing this for those who are not homeschooling experts, by any means. This is for those readers (whether parent or educator) who would just like some basic ideas and strategies for how to schedule their family's day-to-day routine, also providing educational time as well as relaxation time. Hopefully my scheduling ideas can alleviate … [Read more...]

As I'm writing this blog post, there is a lot of stress in California and states around the country as many schools are closing due to COVID 19. A lot of uncertainty for how to proceed during this time. It is a great opportunity to spend time with close family doing fun activities. To ease some of the stress, I've created a list of STEM ideas and activities for teachers (or parents) to utilize at home during this time.   Challenge #1: Pinball STEM! Design a Pinball machine that contains the following properly-functioning parts: flippers, drain, holes, bumpers, and plunger. For extending learning, students can decide to incorporate a spring in the design of their plunger. … [Read more...]

I believe that every child can have a successful learning experience (whether at home or in school) when given the right tools and resources! I will describe some of my most useful and engaging tools for the upper elementary classroom and/or at-home/homeschooling . Interactive Notebooks + Aligned Interactive PowerPoints = Magic. Do you use interactive notebooks? I love them! Some of the most valuable tools whether at home or in the classroom are interactive lessons, especially utilizing BOTH interactive PowerPoint presentations and interactive notebooks. You may be thinking, What?!? PowerPoint presentations are SO old news! But just stick with me for a moment. Imagine an … [Read more...]

Hi Teacher Friends, Do you love teaching Ancient Civilizations as much as I do? I often feel overwhelmed looking on Pinterest or Instagram with how many great ideas and activities there are out there for Ancient Civs. I could probably spend the whole year in the classroom just focusing on Ancient Egypt alone, with its pyramids, their social hierarchy with pharaohs, and interesting process of mummification. To help narrow down some activities, I've listed 5 of my favorite Ancient Egypt ideas and resources! Here are 5 of my favorite Ancient Egypt activities to do with Upper Elementary and Middle School students: 1.) Ancient Egypt Interactive VocAppulary Are your students … [Read more...]