Why do we have two eyes? This hands-on science lesson about the human body helps children understand that we need two eyes to have proper depth perception.
Recent studies have documented the fact that we begin to acquire language from our earliest moments. Even the babbling of infants plays a role. Sounds, words, facial expressions – all have a part in perhaps the most complex of all human activities. As we learn to speak, we not only learn words and sounds, but […]
Looking for occupational therapy activities using free or household materials? This list of OT activities supports development of OT goals.
Here's an awesome and extremely easy Kid's Science Experiment - You shouls have everything you need at home!!
How the stomach breaks down food: a hands-on demonstration to understand the two ways in which the stomach breaks down food during digestion.
With divergent thinking, the possibilities are endless! For some students, thinking creatively and out-of-the-box comes naturally. For others, modeling is needed in the beginning. With practice, all your students can train their brains to think creatively and see things in a different way. If you follow my blog, you have read about my V-8 moments in teaching. Do you remember the old commercials where the actor is drinking something and then sees V-8 and bangs his/her head and says, "I should have had a V-8" because it is a better (more nutritious) drink. In teaching, I have been doing teaching something one way, and then read about or think of a better way and then feel like I want to bang my head, too. Divergent thinking is one of my V-8 moments. A few years ago, I had a student that struggled with letter identification when I was teaching kindergarten. None of the traditional methods were effective with him. One rainy day, I made a die cut letter for each of my students of the letter we were studying that week. I told them to arrange the letter on their paper however they wanted and then make it into something. They could flip it, turn it in any directions, and move it so that it could turn into something new. They would then complete the sentence, “This used to be the letter__ , but now it is ____.” We were studying the letter J at the time. Some students made their letter into the runners of a sled; others made it into a cane that their Grandpa used. The boy who had trouble learning his letters created an elaborate picture showing the letter J holding up his trampoline. A light was switched on in his mind. He could make pictures in his mind of the letters and remember the name of the letters because of the pictures. After this experience, I made pictures with die-cut letters a standard center. Divergent thinking is often thought of as a skill that is incorporated in gifted and talented or art curriculum. I think this skill should be incorporated in our lessons and used with all students. My experience began with a simple rainy day activity and turned into a low prep, effective literacy center. This divergent thinking activity was able to reach my student when traditional methods weren’t. As you can tell from my example, these types of activities do not have to add to your already full schedule. It can be used as a fun inside recess activity, Friday Fun Day activity, or let it be a group or partner activity after your students know the format of the lessons included with this packet. I realize that you may not always have time or access to a die-cut machine. So, I made some winter themed activities that you can incorporate into your day, even if you have a jam-packed day. My new Brain Trainer: Winter Fun packet includes 15 "It used to be a (winter graphic), now it is a ___" activities. The sign in the picture above is included. There is a colorful and black and white version of the sign. Set this up as a morning check in. Hang one of these signs on white board or chart tablet paper. Students will write their answer when they arrive. You can also use it as a way to take attendance. You can also use the signs for partner or small group work. There are word cards and worksheets, too. Use the worksheets for seat work, homework, morning work, or set them up as a center. Does your class have a wide range of abilities this year? There are extension cards included so you can differentiate this activity. Click HERE if you'd like to check out the preview file. Sources to make my blog post graphics can be found HERE. Click HERE to read my blog's disclosure statement.
Learn how to create silhouette portraits in Adobe Illustrator. Design silhouettes of loved ones and friends—perfect for gifts and vintage momentos.
Need human body worksheets for kids? These worksheets are a great way to introduce the human body organs and their functions to your kids.
Need some fun Fall art project ideas that are beautiful and keep the kids busy? Our creative collection of amazing leaf art projects for kids is for all ages and makes a beautiful gift or keepsake.
Ideas for setting up a Post Office dramatic play area at home or in your classroom. Printables for early childhood play-based learning.
i can only explain it by saying i think i felt good from being AT church and fully experiencing church yesterday morning.i came home from church and instead of going inside, i stayed outside and watered my plants....meaning i was in the quiet yard for a few more minutes still holding on…
Truth is, finding virtual dissection and labs isn't as hard as it used to be. We have a list of the best Virtual Dissection and Labs for Homeschoolers!
Read how I carried out an experiment on weathering and erosion with my upper elementary class. Students get to use background knowledge to make predictions!
DIY Project! Learn how to make a silhouette of your child! Love this idea for all my kids!!
Crafts for kids can be fun AND educational. Here are some tips for creating art based on famous artists and ideas for inspiration!
Let’s talk handicrafts.We’ve been working on quality over quantity over here. I used to pull out every art supply we had so we could do craft projects. I threw so much stuff away. They were cute crafts but they didn't last. Sure, our children learned how to cut with scissors but I exhausted myself with the mess, not to mention I felt as though I was throwing our money out the window.Our children are learning life skills by spending time on handicrafts that can be enjoyed for years to come. A few
After way too many Christmas posts, I'm finally back to writing about homeschool stuff (although you shouldn't assume Christmas p...
How to make framed silhouette art
Take a look at these Paint Chip Ideas to make the perfect Paint Chip Crafts! Paint strips can make the most perfect and free craft for the kids.
Put a bar of Ivory soap into the microwave and observe what happens with this quick and fun STEM/STEAM activity for kids. Fun for all ages!
We have made a LOT of playdough over the years and this is our favorite no-cook playdough recipe consisting of cornstarch and conditioner. This simple 2
Help your students pray and connect home and school with Prayer Buddies. The free printables give kids ideas for how to pray to God while Prayer Buddy is visiting them at home. #catholic #prayer #catholickids
Two different methods to make a cloud in a jar, plus an explanation of the science behind each method.
You probably know the scratch off lottery tickets? Ever wondered how to make them? Well, they are very fun & easy to make. I used to make gr...
We have made a LOT of playdough over the years and this is our favorite no-cook playdough recipe consisting of cornstarch and conditioner. This simple 2
How the Body Works Unit Study I have spent a lot of time the last several months preparing for the next school
If you (or your preschooler) has ever asked the question, "what is blood made of?", you must check out this fun activity to learn about the parts of blood.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite picture books of all time. I'm sure I'm not the only adult who feels this way. My heart was captured by the Lorax
Are you raising curious, creative, gifted kids whose quest for knowledge never ends? Check out this list of 100 educational YouTube channels perfect for fueling that insatiable desire to learn.
If your kids like to make slime, they will enjoy learning how to make oobleck. You only need 2 ingredients for this fun science experiment.
Simple kitchen science experiment how to make a cloud in a jar. This is a great experiment to try with the preschool age group.
In this detailed tutorial, we're sharing how to make busy boards for your toddlers, both for in the house and in the car! No power tools needed!
STEM for First Grade! The post includes five ideas with books as the inspiration for STEM projects. Includes details and materials lists! #teachersareterrific #readingandstem
