Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Landform Models Kids Can Make

Crayola makes an AIR-DRY CLAY that's so easy to work with, it's perfect for making landform models with kids. The clay typically dries in about 48 hours and then it can be finished with acrylic paints. According to Crayola's directions, the hardened clay can even be carved, although we haven't tried that. Sounds cool though! I've always been a teacher who believes art should be an integral part … [Read more...]

Activities for Landforms

Planning children's activities for landforms is a fun and creative process. I don't recall learning about landforms when I was a kid though. I grew up in Florida near the beach, occasionally paddled a canoe down a nearby river, and spent quite a few fall holidays on a cattle ranch I guess some people might call a plain. I thought the hills in north Florida were pretty decent, but now I live in … [Read more...]

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...]