Monday, February 22, 2021

One of My Favorite Stories for Black History Month

One of my students favorite stories is Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine. The story is about Henry "Box" Brown who reached the safety of the north by being shipped in a crate from Richmond, Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This is a touching story about one boy's experiences during the era of slavery in the United States. It is a wonderful story for creating discussions, and it holds the students' attention very well.  
 
Because of my students' interest in the story, I created language arts activities to accompany it.  

Even without these activities, I think your students would enjoy this story very much!  If your library doesn't have it, you can find it on Amazon.   
Happy Teaching!

Friday, June 21, 2019


Got WebQuests?

     One way I provide choice in my classroom is allowing my students to choose topics that they'd like to learn more about.  Having a variety of engaging webquest topics helps inspire students to read and research using targeted keywords. This has proven to be a very useful tool in improving research skills, informational reading skills, and understanding questions.  Students are usually not directed to a specific website to find information. They must use their internet search skills and scan and find relevant information.

    I keep a folder containing about 10 different webquests that students use to make their choice.  I add new topics every week, so they have a variety of choices.  I also ask them what topics they are interested in, and create new webquests based on their opinions.  They really love learning about topics they get to choose!

     To see a variety of topics, check out my webquest bundle below.  Let me know if you have comments or questions about these activities!



Saturday, March 26, 2016

Brain Breaks Benefit Students

     There has been much research done showing the relationship of physical activity and an increase in the function of our brains. As an elementary teacher, I have seen these benefits on a daily basis.

    A few years back, our local YMCA began teaching students in our school about the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise. These lessons were not only helpful to students, but faculty members as well.

     I decided to literally "run" with the information being taught.  I began running with my students, and taking time out for exercise games, physical Simon Says, or workouts to music.  We've never looked back, and my students love it.

    Since adding daily physical activity breaks, my students are more relaxed, more focused, and no doubt better thinkers.  If you're not incorporating brain breaks into your routine, I encourage you to check out the article below.  I have also included the link to one of the many You Tube videos we use to start our day.

Hike on!

http://nyti.ms/1vMnBDW - New York Times Article

http://bit.ly/1O1JqKz - You Tube Video Whip/ Nae Nae Elementary Cardio Workout

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Rainy Day Learning Fun


     I created these Rainy Day Task Cards to give my students an alternate activity during the rainy months of indoor recess.  In Michigan that's usually April and May, but seems to happen in the fall quite a bit also.  The cards integrate math, science, language arts, along with some fun trivia about rain. The last of our snow has finally melted!



Saturday, July 27, 2013


Character Matters - New Camping Themed Character Unit

    Everyone likes to camp, right? Well almost everyone.  I just listed a new printable on TPT called "Camp Classy Character." I've taught mini lessons about character for a number of years, and decided to compile them into a unit while adding a fun camping theme.  It also includes classroom management forms that can be used to help students stay "on the trail" throughout the year.
     Why teach children character? Aren’t students supposed to develop character as a part of their family life with positive role models instructing them as situations arise in the home?  While this is true for many children,  some students receive little or no positive character development from their current home life.
     We all teach character in our classrooms, whether we realize it or not.  Teaching students to use polite speech, be responsible, wait their turn, or treat each other with respect, are life lessons that will be beneficial to them regardless of their age.  Our schools are mini societies which demonstrate to children the importance of individual actions and how each action effects the group as a whole.
     I have been teaching mini character lessons for a number of years, and can honestly say that I can’t imagine going through a school year without them.  My two major goals in teaching character development are:
  -to equip students with lifelong skills that will allow them succeed at whatever they pursue, while having a positive impact on their community, and
  -to create a positive classroom environment which allows learning to take place at the highest level. 
    It’s a joy to see students put into practice what’s been taught and modeled in these mini lessons.  Students begin using the vocabulary that are embedded in the lessons, and they are more aware of positive acts of character when they see them.
     For this reason, I decided to compile a complete unit dedicated to character development. The six character traits that I emphasize are respect, responsibility, fairness, truthfulness, kindness (caring) and citizenship – all presented with a camping theme (Hey camping’s fun right?).  I have also included many of the management forms I use in my classroom to help students stay on track and grow in the individual traits of character development.  Please note that these lessons and techniques work very well for my students (fourth graders), but it’s not a one size fits all unit.  I change certain components from year to year to better meet the needs of my students. 
     If you’re like me, you might be wondering how you can make time for character instruction in an already jam packed schedule.  That can be challenging – especially if your state keeps adding new curriculum requirements each year.
      I try to teach two character lessons per week (at the start of the day).  Each lesson lasts about twenty minutes.  It’s time well spent.  I find that my students enjoy discussing the topics and sharing stories relevant to the lesson.  They’re usually disappointed when we need to move on to something else.  
     A classroom that includes positive consistent policies and procedures, offers children stability and an enriched learning environment.  Now more than ever, this seems to be a vital component if our goal is to encourage students to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. 
     I have included some helpful links about teaching character development in the classroom.  I welcome your comments and suggestions.  
Why Character Counts
Teachers Develop Character Strengths
How Families Develop Character Strengths
http://bit.ly/16oq3XA
Character Development – A Role For Community Leaders
How To Teach Character in the Classroom

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Hurray For Earth Day!

     I wanted to get my students thinking about the environment as part of our study of the Earth, so I developed a set of Earth Day Task Cards The overall theme of the cards deals with how kids can have an impact on their environment, but there are Earth facts included as well. My goal is to raise their overall awareness of environmental issues - not just on Earth Day, but every day.
    I'm always amazed at how quickly kids get on board when it comes to uniting for a worthy cause. Perhaps we'll see the seeds of environmental responsibility continue to grow and blossom. 
Hike on.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Electricity Scavenger Hunt - Science Activity

   I created an electricity scavenger hunt to get my students thinking about the many ways electricity is used in their homes.  It requires them to think about the power source (battery power or AC power), and also gets them thinking about energy transformations.  Great to use as an independent homework assignment or as a partner activity with a parent. 

Check it out at: http://bit.ly/15EleFm
Hike on!