Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

How to Teach Writing in First Grade

I think a lot about how to teach writing in first grade. When I was a beginning teacher, I would read through the writing standards and wonder if they were even reachable for kids who were only six ... kids who pretty much just learned how to use letters to write their own names ... kids who were still drawing pictures to communicate most of their ideas ... kids who would rather hear a story than … [Read more...]

Place Value Games for 1st Grade

When my own daughter was in fourth grade, her teacher hooked her with something she called Munchie Math. Her classroom was stocked with all the predictable manipulatives and resources, but food? Well, that was clearly the preferred tool of choice for these budding mathematicians. Suddenly, my math-loathing-kid was all about fractions and other fourth grade math mysteries. Armed with a cup of … [Read more...]

Fun Halloween Math for Kids: Freaky Frankies

So, this probably looks like an art lesson (and it is), but then (like magic) it becomes a fun Halloween math lesson chock full of data practice. The kids love it! And honestly, all the finished Freaky Frankies are adorable. FIRST THINGS FIRST Let's go ahead and get this out of the way. If you're thinking you can't do this lesson because you can't draw, trust me ... you can. Using simple shapes … [Read more...]

Halloween Science Experiments for Kids

These Halloween science experiments are something I look forward to every year! The kids do too, especially if I've already taught their older siblings. "Aren't you the teacher who makes the pumpkins sick? That's what my sister told me." Over the years, I've simplified the investigations so they're more manageable for me and more engaging for the children. I've also found some coordinating … [Read more...]

Welcome Back to School: Elementary Posters

Welcome back to school! Every year, my students have a lot of questions about the people who work in our school. This is especially true for incoming kindergarteners and kids who are new to our school. They want to know: Who is the principal? What does a custodian do? Does our coach like to play basketball? Children spend a lot of time at school so it should feel comfortable and … [Read more...]

Goal Setting with Kids: 7 Tips for Teachers

The beginning of the school year is a great time to plan for goal setting with kids. Even though the routine of setting goals and reflecting on progress continues throughout the year, raising a group of goal getters begins on day one. (Or at least week one.) This is the time to establish a sense of wonder, nurture a curiosity for what-ifs, and teach what it means to have a growth mindset. Kids … [Read more...]