My family and I love the line of Cranium games. (Talk about honoring multiple intelligences! I think these game-makers have attended a conference or two. Or maybe they're just smart people who know how differently people think.) In one of their games, Cranium Cadoo, there is a category called "Fast Finds." Each Fast Find card lists two things you have to find before the timer runs out. For … [Read more...]
Book Talk: Little Dog Poems
April is National Poetry Month. I know, I know ... "It's only February. What is she talking about? Can't I just get through Valentine's Day?" But some of you are super planners ... the kind of planners that know what the next 8 weeks look like ... and I wanted you to have time to find this book: A teammate of mine introduced me to this book years ago. (Thank you Michele … [Read more...]
Flipping Over Groundhog Day!
I am, that's who. And, actually, I never cared until I moved out of Florida. Floridians welcome winter. It's a temporary break from the oppressive heat and humidity. It's the one week of the year when your hair does what you always knew it could. And, if you happen to have a coat and a cute scarf, you can finally wear them. But now I live where it's cold. And I'm cold. I'm ready for … [Read more...]
What Do You Do with an Idea?
I know it's Wednesday and I missed Book Talk Tuesday, but sometimes you just have to jump when the inspiration strikes. And I've been struck. I have a LOT of books. It's what I collect. See? And this isn't even the half of it. There are dozens tucked away in baskets, bins, and drawers. As a matter of fact, as I type this, I'm reminded of a civics project my daughter is doing in high … [Read more...]
When Scientists Read & Write
Every year, I end up with a class full of students who LOVE science. (I'm guessing you do, too.) Of course, experiments are their favorite... being curious, gathering materials, getting messy, seeing what happens... it's the best. Because science is grounded in what's "real," most of my children also like to read nonfiction. I don't know what your science materials look like, but … [Read more...]