Hi Reader, I want to start this week with something that really caught my attention. A news story that came out recently shared how some children are beginning to lose regional accents, and social media may be playing a role. Because kids are constantly hearing the same voices, phrases, and speech patterns online, linguists say language is starting to sound more uniform. It’s a fascinating shift, and also one that made me pause and reflect on what our students are absorbing every day. 📱It...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, this is a great time to bring fresh energy and curiosity into your classroom. Here is a powerful way to do that through a partial classroom transformation. My students traveled to Antarctica last week. No planes required, just imagination, curiosity, and a partial classroom transformation. They stepped into the role of wildlife researchers, exploring one of the most fascinating places on Earth while learning real geography and science along...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, As we come to the final days of the year, I just want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for the creativity, patience, and heart you bring into your classroom every single day. This work matters, and so do you. 💛 I hope this break gives you space to truly relax, breathe a little deeper, and spend time doing the things that fill you up, whether that’s resting, traveling, reading, creating, or simply being present with the people you love. You’ve earned it. ❄️✨ As we head into the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week we’re packing our (imaginary) bags and heading to Edinburgh, Scotland: a city filled with castles, cobblestone streets, legendary kings and queens, and a whole lot of book magic. Kids LOVE learning about this city! 📚 Edinburgh & the Magic of Stories Edinburgh is closely connected to Harry Potter and the life of J.K. Rowling. While living in the city, she spent time writing in local cafés, including the famous Elephant House Café, where she often worked at a small desk...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This week, we’re “traveling” to London, England, and it is one of my favorite places to bring into the classroom during December. The history, traditions, and festive feeling make it such a rich learning experience for students. One fun connection is nutcrackers. While many people associate them with Germany because of the ballet, nutcrackers became popular across Europe, including in England, as decorative Christmas figures. They open the door to conversations about European...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, December is the perfect time to travel north with your students, at least in spirit. This week, I am spotlighting Quebec, Canada, to introduce students to our neighbor to the north while celebrating culture, language, food, and winter traditions. 🌎 Teaching About Our U.S. Neighbor Canada is the second-largest country in the world and shares the longest international border with the United States. Many students do not realize just how closely connected our countries are through...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This week’s classroom journey takes us to one of the most breathtaking places on Earth: Santorini. Known for its white-washed buildings, iconic blue-domed churches, and sunsets that look straight out of a painting, Santorini is a magical destination to bring into your classroom. Welcome to Santorini 🏝️ Where Even the Land Tells a Story Santorini wasn’t always shaped like a crescent. Thousands of years ago, a massive volcanic eruption caused the center of the island to collapse,...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This week, let’s celebrate the power of exploring our own country with our students. We spend so much time dreaming of far-off places (which is wonderful!), but there is something truly special about helping kids discover the incredible landscapes, cultures, and stories right here at home. When we teach them about the places in their own country, we help them build curiosity, pride, and a deeper connection to the world around them. ⭐ Spotlight Destination: Bryce Canyon National...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This month, our classroom traveled (virtually!) to the heart of Australia: Uluru, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a deeply sacred site to the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. This is located in the Northern Territory. Uluru at sunset - no camera filter was used As soon as my students saw photos and videos of Uluru, they were mesmerized. The rich red color, the way it changes with the light, and the vast desert surrounding it left them in awe. But...
3 months ago • 2 min read