Hi Reader, This week, our classroom “traveled” to Jamaica, and it turned into one of those days the students will remember for a long time. Several of our students are of Jamaican descent and they brought in souvenirs from their travels there. We hung Jamaican flags up and put their items on display. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was when our school security guard came in and shared stories about what it was like growing up in Jamaica. Hearing real stories directly from...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Imagine telling your students they’re about to visit one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, sits alone in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, nearly 5 hours from the nearest mainland by plane. The island is famous for its enormous stone statues called Moai, and the mystery surrounding how they were created and moved still fascinates people today. No one knows exactly how these enormous statues were carved with such precision or how they were...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week I want to share with you a learning experience your students will never forget. It begins with curiosity. Ask students to bring in recyclable items like plastic bottles, milk jugs, and soda cans. When they ask why, simply tell them they will find out soon. Let the anticipation build. Choose one morning to completely transform your classroom before students arrive. Spread the items everywhere. Cover desks, place items under chairs, scatter them across the floor. It does...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week is all about turning your classroom into a journey. Imagine setting sail to the Caribbean and exploring the island nations without ever leaving school. It is a powerful way to bring geography, culture, and connection to life for your students. Start by transforming your classroom into a cruise ship. Rearrange desks, play ocean sounds, and let students “board” for their trip. Small touches like handing out plastic cups as a pretend drink package can make the experience...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This week, we’re heading to one of the most unique places on Earth: Iceland. It’s a land of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal pools, which makes it an incredible destination to bring into your classroom. One of the best parts about teaching Iceland is how different it feels from anywhere else your students have learned about. It’s called the “Land of Fire and Ice” because it has both active volcanoes and massive glaciers. Even though it sounds extreme, people live...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who get it. This past week, I had the chance to attend the NSTA (National Science Teaching Association) Conference in Anaheim, and it was a reminder of why community matters so much in education. Being surrounded by passionate, curious, and innovative teachers sparks ideas you didn’t even know you needed. It pushes you to think differently, try something new, and come back to your classroom just a little more...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week is a great reminder that learning doesn’t always have to be so serious. Tuesday, April 14th is International Moment of Laughter Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to pause the lesson plan for a few minutes and invite some joy into your classroom. It’s also a fun opportunity to bring a global twist into your day. You could share how laughter is universal and even teach students how to say “laugh” or “joke” in a few different languages, or briefly highlight how humor looks in...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week is the perfect opportunity to bring a little bit of Japan into your classroom. Cherry blossoms are popping up all over the place, whether in your neighborhood and social media. These beautiful flowers are very important in Japan because they represent new beginnings and the start of spring. People celebrate them during a tradition called hanami, where families and friends gather to enjoy the flowers together. The blossoms only last a short time, which reminds people to...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week we brought Alaska into our classroom, and it ended up being one of those magical days that reminds you why hands-on learning matters so much. My goal was simple. I wanted my 5 and 6 year old students to be able to explain the aurora borealis and understand what winter life can be like in Alaska. For kids growing up here in south Florida, that lifestyle feels almost impossible to imagine: dark winter days, snow everywhere, people traveling by dogsled, and some homes...
2 months ago • 2 min read