Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Cheer Up, Crankenstein

I'm sure you know a Crankenstein. Maybe even two or three or ten. 😂 They're the kids who think Valentine's Day is a gross icky waste of time. They hate it all ... the hearts, the flowers, the syrupy sentimentality of dumb valentines ... it's torture. They hate when the day starts and they can't wait for it to end. Or can they?? Meet your I-Hate-Valentine's-Day-Kids head on with Samantha … [Read more...]

After the Fall: Learning to Persevere

I love this book. It picks up where the original tale ends ... after Humpty has been put back together again. But now he's scared. The fall broke not only his shell, but his courage and confidence too. His fears hold him back and they keep him from enjoying the things he used to ... until one day, one step at a time, he decides to conquer his greatest fear. INSTRUCTIONAL IDEAS This story is a … [Read more...]

The Human Body: A Smart Art Science Project

This Smart Art science project has evolved over the years, often with input from my students. We've had fun thinking of arts and crafts supplies we could use to represent different parts of the human body. I think we've been pretty clever, using straws for windpipes, balloons for stomachs, and sponges for lungs. The project requires some prep and does take a little time to build, but it's easy to … [Read more...]

Inspiring Stories Written by Athletes

I realize "Athlete Authors" isn't an actual genre, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorite groups of books for children. LeBron James is more than a basketball player. And Malcolm Mitchell is more than a football player. Each have a story to share. Each are real-life, kid-approved examples of what perseverance and effort can do for us when we're faced with challenges. And, now, each are also … [Read more...]

10 Ways to Build Reading Stamina

Reading stamina is important, no question. The more time we spend reading, the more we learn about ourselves and the world around us. Knowing how to engage with books for sustained periods of time begins with our youngest readers and grows over the years. For some kids, this is easy and natural. For others, not so much. When you teach a primary grade filled with six and seven-year-olds, most of … [Read more...]

Famous Inventions Kids Love – Bubble Gum

Thank goodness for inventors and all their famous inventions. There are the basics like cars, light bulbs, and (one of my personal favorites) hot water heaters. Then there are some less obvious ones like thumbtacks and zippers. There are even a few I resisted at first, like backup cameras in cars. I mean who needs those? (Apparently, me.) If you can believe it, I didn't even want an iPhone when … [Read more...]