Inauguration Day is right around the corner, but many kids don't fully understand what happens on that day. It's typical for us to plan election activities for our students. However, we don't always give the inauguration the same amount of attention. This time around, I'm going to see this process all the way to the finish line. First though, we couldn't find a simple book about Inauguration … [Read more...]
Election Day Activities for Kids
Election Day is coming up. Everybody is talking about the issues and kids want to participate in some way. But many don't fully understand and they wonder, "What is voting all about?" This topic is on our social studies radar, so finding Election Day activities has made its way to the top of our teacher to-do list. One of the best (and easiest) ways to create a basic awareness can be found in … [Read more...]
Female Inventors Who Changed Our Lives
Three cheers for female inventors! Although they haven't always received the recognition they deserve, female inventors have had a significant impact on our lives. Many of their inventions are still part of our world today. I mean, come on. Can we hear it for Ruth Wakefield and the deliciousness she brought to our lives with the chocolate chip cookie? Thank you Ruth. From Josephine … [Read more...]
Teaching Basic Economics in First Grade
When I first learned I would be teaching basic economics to a room full of six-year-olds, I raised an eyebrow. These seemed like concepts only college kids studied before they embarked on careers in finance and marketing. "My kids are first graders," I said. "They're still arguing over who gets to use the swings during recess today." Turns out, they weren't really arguing. They were actually … [Read more...]
MLK Day Activities for Kids
Every January, I'm on the lookout for new MLK Day activities. This can be a challenge when you teach the littles. His work, and the events leading up to the civil rights movement, are really big ideas for first graders. One of the best ways to support kids with this topic is through rich, thoughtful discussions and I usually turn to picture books to help me get started. One of our favorites is My … [Read more...]