How do you teach kids to ask good questions? The standards are pretty clear. In K-1 classrooms, children need to be able to ask and answer questions about key details in a text. And in second grade, students should be able to ask and answer questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how to demonstrate understanding. Many children naturally ask questions and LOTS of them. But some kids, for … [Read more...]
Children’s Books about Famous Inventions
My collection of children's books about famous inventions has become one of my favorites. Not to be outdone by my love for everything Mo Willems, this collection is a close second for sure. The funny thing is, I wasn't even looking for it. Frankly, I never even thought about it. Instead, it found me. It started when I was writing lessons for National Bubble Gum Day. (Yes, that's a thing.) For … [Read more...]
Dr. Seuss Biography Project
Whose childhood was not impacted in some way by the work of Theodor Geisel, or Dr. Seuss? I loved going to my grandmother's house because she had a small collection of his books on a shelf upstairs and I would just sit on her soft carpet and read book after book while the adults were doing who-knows-what downstairs. I loved how silly they were, with creative nonsensical words that rhymed with … [Read more...]
A Crankenstein Valentine – Book Activities
Do you have a Crankenstein valentine in your classroom? If you're like us, you probably have at least one or two or ten. They're the kids who think Valentine's Day is a gross, disgusting waste of time. They hate it all... the hearts, the flowers, the syrupy sentimentality of dumb valentines... it's torture. They hate when the day starts and they can't wait for it to end. Or can they?? Take … [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...]