Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

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...]

Women’s History Month

I love Women's History Month. It's a time of year when we collectively seek out stories of determined, courageous women ... women who looked obstacles right in the face and said, "Pardon me while I go around you." It's so common for curriculum calendars to suggest, or mandate, certain topics for certain times of the year. I remember when I was a new teacher and my mentor said something like, … [Read more...]

Sweet on Scarecrows

  I don't know what it is about scarecrows, but I sort of have a fondness for them. Maybe it's because they're supposed to be scary, but they just aren't. And a scarecrow that's surprisingly not scary is a nice kind of irony.    These are some of my favorite picture books about scarecrows. All three are great examples of how authors are intentional with word choice and how the detailed … [Read more...]

Sound Experiments

This science unit is so fun. It's loaded with my favorite sound experiments, like this one. I first saw this idea in a library book and, to be honest, I didn't expect it to be that big of a deal (or even work, if I'm still being honest). But to my surprise, it actually delivered. I think I suffer from Pinterest-Fail PTSD. Singing Spoons is a fun way to show kids how volume and pitch change … [Read more...]

Light Experiments

Nothing in the universe travels faster than light. (Rumors born in faculty meetings might be a close second, but light wins.) It's easy to get kids engaged in the study of light. There are loads of light experiments that spark anticipation and wonder ... some even feel like magic to young scientists. Like, 👆Why does that perfectly good straw look broken?  And, How can we pop a balloon without … [Read more...]