Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

The Life Cycle of an Apple

It's still apple season where I live and we've been making all the things... caramel apples, apple butter, and SLOW COOKER APPLESAUCE. These recipes are not terribly hard to make, but they sure are good. And the kids love them! I think it's important for children to know where their food comes from and how it's grown. This little book about the life cycle of an apple is one way to help them … [Read more...]

Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe for Kids

Apple season is here and we're ready for all the apple love... apple turnovers, apple butter, and of course applesauce! Slow cooker applesauce is incredibly easy to make with kids, even in a classroom. And the smell that fills the air while it's simmering and doing its thing just adds to the anticipation of eating it. "When will it be done?" can be heard on repeat all morning long. To make … [Read more...]

Procedural Writing Templates That Grow with Your Students

I love to write, so I love to teach writing. But not every kid is as enamored with it as I am. "I don't know what to write," is a phrase I've come to expect from at least one child each year. For many children, our how-to writing unit is a favorite. The self-confidence of a six-year-old is enviable and it's not hard to convince them they are experts at something. Some, however, are sure they … [Read more...]

Activities for Wemberly Worried

We love these fun activities for Wemberly Worried. Actually, we just straight-up love Kevin Henkes and all his relatable characters... Lilly, Owen, Julius, Chrysanthemum, Sheila Rae, Chester, and, of course, Wemberly. Most kids can find themselves in at least one of his stories, if not more. This is one of those books teachers typically reach for at the beginning of the year. However, the … [Read more...]

Classroom Rules and Expectations

With the beginning of school right around the corner, this is the time to start thinking about classroom rules and expectations. Though schools have many safety systems in place, the children need to understand their own role within this setting. Knowing how to behave kindly and safely will go a long way toward establishing and maintaining a strong and thriving school community. When planning … [Read more...]

The Pigeon Has to Go to School

The Pigeon has to go to school, but to be honest, he's not happy about it. In fact, he's panicking. Loaded with what-if questions, he's working hard to get out of going. "What if I don't like school?" "Will finger paint stick to my feathers?" "Why does the alphabet have so many letters?" "What will the other birds think of me?" "What's up with those heavy backpacks? I'm a fragile … [Read more...]