International Polar Bear Day

February 27 is International Polar Bear Day. This day offers an opportunity to pay attention to polar bears and the dangers they face due to climate warming. It is also an excellent way to engage students with real-world connections to animals, climate, environment, habitats, and more.  One way to engage students in learning is by … read more »

All about Me and Other People, Using Biographies in Instruction

The start of the school years is a time to get to know our students. Perennial favorite activities other than “what I did on my summer vacation” essays are “all about me” assignments. As students take a look at their own lives, this is a perfect time to add biographies to your class lessons. Reading … read more »

Summertime and the Reading Is Easy

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” Henry James. Ah, summertime and the reading is easy. Finally, time for teachers to read something just for fun. Nothing is more enjoyable than sitting under a tree with a cool drink and a good book written … read more »

Have You Heard? Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.

We learn through play our entire lives. However, play is crucial for children. Kenneth Ginsburg describes play as essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. He references an article that asserts play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized … read more »