Children benefit from two types of stories in their lives. They need “mirror” stories that reflect their own experiences, which lead to a sense of belonging in their classroom and communities. They also need “window” stories that let them peek into lives and experiences that may be different from their
As we move through the last few weeks of school, you may be searching for a memorable way to send your students off to summer break. You still have plenty of options if you want a heartfelt way to commemorate the year and say goodbye to your students. Check out
Let’s explore phonics! Phonics refers to the ability to match letters and letter-sounds, which can help your students “break the reading code.” In this article, you’ll learn more about why phonics skills are so important for literacy development, then discover helpful strategies for teaching elementary students—with five free downloadable teacher
What do monitoring screen time usage, practicing internet safety, and preventing cyberbullying have in common? These topics all fall under the umbrella of digital citizenship. Digital Citizenship Week is an annual event held by the nonprofit organization Common Sense Media. This year, it will be held from October 17 to
When we think of modern-day heroes to teach about in class, it’s often people who made a difference when they were well into their adult years. But young people can—and often do—make a serious impact on the world. Teaching your students about young heroes can remind them that they have
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates a second day of independence in the United States—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln. First celebrated in Texas, this holiday has been a tradition in African American communities for over 150 years as a time to gather, celebrate,
Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to introduce important concepts about the world—such as recycling, weather, earth elements, and how our planet works—to young learners in your classroom. Here are a few ideas and fun activities for learning about and celebrating Earth Day with your students. What is Earth Day
Ready, set, read! Are you looking for a great event to encourage families and children to get involved with reading? Then get ready for International Children’s Book Day (ICBD), held on April 2, the birthday of classic children’s book author Hans Christian Andersen. This worldwide celebration aims to promote literacy
Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? While your young learners are probably not ready to write an entire book, this month is a great time to practice creative writing skills with your students. Not only can creative writing be helpful for teaching vocabulary and sentence structure,
Holidays, religious celebrations, and cultural festivities all come into play for students and teachers during the early winter months at school. December may be the most memorable and fun time of year for many students—with plenty of seasonal activities, holidays, and classroom parties during the days before winter break. In
