Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

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...]

Dr. Seuss Biography Project

Whose childhood was not impacted in some way by the work of Theodor Geisel, or Dr. Seuss? I loved going to my grandmother's house because she had a small collection of his books on a shelf upstairs and I would just sit on her soft carpet and read book after book while the adults were doing who-knows-what downstairs. I loved how silly they were, with creative nonsensical words that rhymed with … [Read more...]

Leprechaun Directed Drawing and Math Activity

Yep... it'll be here before we know it! And soon, all we'll be thinking about are rainbows, leprechauns, and pots of gold! This is such a great holiday to celebrate with kids. The legends, the bright colors, the trickery... it's so much fun! When I was a kid, I loved books that showed me step-by-step how to draw things. I don't think kids have changed much in this way because my students still … [Read more...]

Mae Among the Stars

Little Mae was a dreamer. She dreamed of dancing in space, surrounded by billions of sparkling stars.✨ Encouraged by her parents' words, Mae dug in and began the work of making it happen. "If you can dream it, if you believe it and work hard for it, anything is possible," they said. Mae became NASA's first African American female astronaut. And on September 12, 1992, she became the first African … [Read more...]

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...]