For inspiration and encouragement, join us in our Facebook group for summer Share and Tell discussions, book studies, and fun conversations! READ MORE HERE. I usually stick to writing about lessons and curriculum. But after the 2020-2021 school year, I felt teachers might appreciate some extra attention and guidance concerning how to recharge after the … Read more
One of my 5th-grade GT students shared this challenging riddle with me years ago, and we then shared it with the class. It led to a very interesting discussion! If you’d like to try it out with students, here are some resources you can use. The video below (1) clearly presents the riddle, (2) prompts … Read more
Our brains constantly seek patterns and connections, and it was my 3rd-graders’ study of the brain and the picture book ZOOM that inspired this unique research project as part of our SYSTEMS unit. By third grade, my students were spending more time reading and exploring topics on their own and this project allowed me to … Read more
If you missed it, you may also be interested in “End-of-Year Letters and Reflecting on the School Year” and other EOY activities listed HERE. The final days of school can be hectic and full. Here are just a few low-prep creative activities that allow students to reflect, celebrate, and just enjoy one another! SNAPSHOT VIDEOS … Read more
by Hillary Miller and Marcy Tivol Recently, I had the pleasure of virtually meeting the two founders of Solving Fun, Hillary Miller and Marcy Tivol, and we are kindred spirits! I invited them to share about their passion for making problem-solving fun and the benefits of puzzling for academic and social-emotional learning. I’m excited to … Read more
The study of ancient philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists is a major component of the 5th-grade IMPACT theme. The Story of Science makes these paradigm-shifters come to life, and Pythagoras is one who fascinated my students! Pythagoras had some interesting ideas about the divinity of numbers and the prevalence of numerical patterns in the universe. His … Read more
For well over a decade, I’ve had students write letters – to their future selves- at the end of the school year in May. A colleague shared this idea with me, and I know many of you do the same with your students. It’s such a meaningful way for students to reflect on their year, … Read more
If the outdoor activities described below seem daunting, you might consider doing indoor activities first, what I call a Mini Think-a-Thon. You can read more HERE. Kids love field days and they are a great way to celebrate the end of a school year. Several years ago, I thought it would be fun to create … Read more
Here are two more engaging NRICH activities in which students must figure out the rules! This is a continuation of a previous post which you can find HERE. STRIKE IT OUT In the video below, the game is presented and students are challenged to determine the rules and the strategies that lead to winning! You … Read more
This unit is currently under new construction! Sadly, many of the original online resources have disappeared. However, teachers continue to reach out about this unit, and I am working on it! Subscribe to receive updates (scroll to find the subscribe form). Also, check out how Tiffany O’Connell has extended some of the ideas in this … Read more
