Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Children’s Books about Famous Inventions

My collection of children's books about famous inventions has become one of my favorites. Not to be outdone by my love for everything Mo Willems, this collection is a close second for sure. The funny thing is, I wasn't even looking for it. Frankly, I never even thought about it. Instead, it found me. It started when I was writing lessons for National Bubble Gum Day. (Yes, that's a thing.) For … [Read more...]

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...]