Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Famous Inventors: Biographies for Kids

In my last post, I wrote that we'd take a look at some amazing children's books about inventions, but then I decided to go with famous inventors first. To me, it makes more sense to talk about the identity we create when we live a curious life before we talk about the outcome of such a life. People who are curious observe the world. They ask a lot of questions and tend to notice problems. Often, … [Read more...]

Something from Nothing

👉 Being able to make something from nothing can be a valuable life skill. Making mountains out of molehills is the dramatic exception, of course. In my last post, I wrote about letting kids linger for a little bit after they announce "I'm bored." It's ok to be bored. Being bored allows time for creativity to develop. Boredom also motivates a search for novelty and can lead to new goals. If we … [Read more...]

I’m Bored *Sigh*

If you work with children, you've probably heard the phrase I'm bored a few (dozen) times. It's sort of a trigger because we take it personally, as if we aren't entertaining enough. And, maybe, sometimes we aren't. And that's ok. One, I'm not an entertainer. Two, I probably wouldn't be that entertaining even if I tried. And three... I don't remember where I was going with this. See? Now you're … [Read more...]

National Poetry Month: Books for Children

April is National Poetry Month, which I think scares the heck out of a lot of teachers. Not me. Or at least not anymore. I think most people have a deep-rooted fear of poetry. I'm guessing you're already remembering some horrible class you had in high school where you were forced to read and understand a bunch of poems you thought were dumb. Been there. Oh, and another confession? I used to … [Read more...]

Easter Activities for Kids

A quick search online, and you can find tons of Easter activities for kids. Many of them are craft projects and kid-friendly recipes, but my teacher-heart is always on the lookout for science experiments. I created this Easter science unit years ago, but over time, I found ways to cut the costs and simplify the planning. For example, I used to lug my heavy Crockpot to school to slowly melt a … [Read more...]

Truffula Tree Craft

Over the years, I've seen a decline in the number of arts and crafts activities we plan for our students. Many of us have been conditioned to think they aren't rigorous enough, they aren't standards-based, and there isn't time due to the testing schedule. "There are more important things to do," we're told. To all of that, I respectfully say ... 🙄. Arts and crafts lessons give children the … [Read more...]