We don’t like to be the bearers of bad news. Some of us avoid conflict at all costs, but we do our students a gross disservice when we shield them from challenges in a bid to protect their self esteem. Perhaps they will avoid the temporary sting of defeat when we don’t challenge them, but they will […]
All Students Deserve to Fail Read More »
There are a few questions I get quite a bit through my TPT store, this blog, and other social media. Today, I’m covering my top 4. Question: Your STEM challenges are listed for grades 2 – 8. I don’t think it’s possible that any activity could be appropriate for that age range; are you full of
Frequently Asked Questions Read More »
You know that feeling you get in October, like the grind has begun? All that back-to-school adrenaline that got you through September has waned, and what remains is a looooong month ahead with zero days off. Guess what? The kids feel it too. They’re now firmly rooted in classroom routines, and they know what to expect
The Twilight Zone: “To Serve Man” ELA Activities Read More »
This past week, I found myself in a YouTube rabbit hole. Has that ever happened to you? You go to watch one video on YouTube and the next thing you know, it’s 3-hours later and you’re still watching, but something so wholly unrelated to what you started with that you couldn’t explain the path you
YouTube Resource Round-Up: Videos for Teachers Read More »
In friendly conversation, people sometimes ask what I do. When I tell them one of the ways I earn income is by creating and selling lesson plans online, a common response goes something like, “Wow … that seems kind of lazy for the teachers to just buy lesson plans. I always thought that was part
In Defense of the Lazy Teacher Read More »
Special Announcement: This marks two times in one month I haven’t posted on my own blog as usual on Thursdays, but the reason is a good one, I promise! I was invited to guest post on a couple of great blogs. I want you to be able to find these posts easily! This week, I have
Guest Blog Post Announcement Read More »
I’ve mentioned before, I hate ice-breakers so much! I acknowledge they’re hard to avoid, but I prefer finding interesting alternatives to interviewing you partner and reporting to the class. One I think is a lot of fun for back-to-school is Apples A-head — get-it? A-head! hahahaha! I love a punny title! It’s a STEM challenge combined with
Back to School STEM Challenge: Apples A-head Read More »
You might have noticed the “Spotlight” tab in my menu above. Each month, I’ll be highlighting something special, and when the time comes to switch out that page (toward the middle of each month), I’ll transfer it to the regular blog posts. Here’s the spotlight from August 2016: This month, I’ve launched a new
Spotlight: August 2016 Read More »
Yay! The time has finally come for me to share my BTS STEM Challenges! I wrote all about them as a guest post on Hojo’s Teaching Adventures blog this month. Check them out! CLICK HERE for BTS AWESOMENESS!
Back-to-School STEM Challenges Read More »
BTS Ice Breaker, grades 4 -8 I have a confession to make: I hate ice breakers, and I have always hated ice breakers. When I see those dreaded words at the top of a meeting agenda, it sends an icy chill down my spine — apropos to its name I guess! Always desperate to escape
Back-to-School Ice Breaker Read More »
