I had no idea what my topic for this week was until today. I was thinking about yesterday when a fourth grade student asked me to help him tie his shoe. I said, “You don’t know how to tie to your shoe?” I was a bit incredulous. He replied, “No one ever showed me how.” I told him, “How about […]
What Teachers Teach That Curriculums Don’t
What Happened to Handwriting?
Is it just me or has there been a decline in the quality of students’ handwriting? Over the past few years I have noticed student handwriting getting worse and worse. I, also, notice that handwriting is not being taught explicitly in most classrooms. Why is that? Here are my thoughts on that. 1. The curriculums that teachers are being forced […]
A Round-Up of FREE Fall-Themed Activities
Last week I shared a list of notable nonfiction books for the fall season. With that in mind, I’d like to share a round-up of free fall-themed activities that could be used with those books. It’s always nice to have ideas saved in the same place. And even better when they’re free! Apples 1. Apple Investigation Worksheet from Preschool Play […]
10 Notable Nonfiction Books to Share With Students This Fall
I can’t believe it is September already! Fall is almost upon us. Usually this is the time of year when apples, pumpkins, and fall become themes in the classroom. You might do apple taste testing to see which color apple is preferred. You might do a pumpkin investigation where students record their observations. Or you may do activities with fall […]