This week, as we continued to learn about the scientific method, we dove into a lesson on variables. This concept is always a bit tricky for students, especially independent and dependent variables, but my students seem to have a clear understanding after our introductory lesson. We started off by cutting and pasting our “Science Variables” flap books into our science journals. I projected PDF ... Read More about Scientific Variables: Constant, Independent, and Dependent

I am so fortunate to work at an elementary school that has a science lab, which is run by a fantastic science lab director, who coincidentally used to be my assistant. Her name is Liz, and she also has her own craft business.  (You can check out some of her wonderful creations HERE.) She has the lab looking so beautiful and inviting. I think I get just as excited as the kids to go and visit. ... Read More about Taking a Closer Look! – Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

This week we Powered Up by learning about the Powers of Tens. To start off the lesson, I asked the students to take out their calculators. (Boy were they excited about this). I then asked them to enter 10 x 10 = into their calculators.  I asked what the product was. When they gave me the result, I wrote it on the board. I then asked them to enter 10 x 10 x 10 = and recorded the ... Read More about I’ve got the Power! The Power of Ten that is…

We are a week from starting school, and it is confirmed that this year instead of teaching reading, language arts and social studies, I will be teaching math and science. That means that this teacher has some homework to do. Therefore, I have been gathering my Go Math! Chapter 1 materials.  While doing so, I remembered a cute little activity that I did with my students a few years back. You ... Read More about Dividend? Divisor? Quotient?

Vocabulary acquisition is essential to improving students reading and writing skills. The question is, how can we expose students to more sophisticated language and make sure it sticks? Word of the week is one of the ways. Some Benefits of Word of the Week As teachers, we know that unfortunately not all students come into our classroom with an adequate level of vocabulary knowledge. This can ... Read More about Word of the Week Routine to Enhance Vocabulary + FREE Worksheet

It’s summer, and as a mother and teacher I know the importance of having kids continue reading during their months off of school, but it is NOT always easy.  As adults we know reading is rewarding, but now we can reward them for reading as well. There are several opportunities provided throughout the community to reward kids for reading, so make sure to share these with your kids and students ... Read More about Reading is Rewarding (Summer Reading Incentive Programs)