Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

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...]

Trimming Down My Trash

I recently found these on sale in my local Target. They came wrapped together in one complete set and I snapped them up because there are so many ways they can be used in the classroom. They wash up easily and I don't have to worry about how much I'm throwing away. Plus I love how there are 4 in each set (perfect for student teams). The variety of pieces means I can use them for:• food prep … [Read more...]

Seasonal Scissor Bins

 A lot of the stuff we throw away during the holidays are things kids can cut to develop their fine motor skills. I mean does anyone actually use ALL of the wrapping paper that comes on the roll? (If you do, please don't tell me. That'll make me feel bad.) Save the paper plates and napkins you didn't end up using. Gather up some leaves and pine needles. Yarn, feathers, straws, … [Read more...]