Hi Reader,

I wanted to share a little teaching moment with you that reminded me how powerful simple ideas can be in the classroom.

Recently, our social studies lesson took us all the way to Brisbane, Australia without ever leaving the room. Three of my students brought in their own stuffed koalas, and suddenly, our classroom wasn’t just four walls… it was a koala sanctuary.

I recently discovered that more and more koala sanctuaries are moving away from allowing guests to hold koalas. Guests are still permitted to pet koalas and take photos with them. As a result, I no longer do koala holds with my students.

I thought this class was going to be disappointed when they heard the news. Several of their older siblings got to do koala holds with me in the past. But you know what? NO ONE complained!

The kids were buzzing with excitement from the very start. They learned real koala facts, took turns “petting” the koalas, and even practiced patience while waiting for their turn. More than that, they practiced empathy by treating the stuffed animals gently, just like they would if they were real.

It reminded me again how something as simple as a stuffed animal can transport students to a faraway destination and make learning stick in ways a worksheet never could.

Here are a few stuffed animal travel lesson ideas you can try:

• 🐧 Penguin → Pretend you’re in Antarctica learning about icebergs.
• 🐪 Camel → Take a “trip” to Egypt and learn about pyramids.
• 🦒 Giraffe → Explore African safaris and talk about habitats.
• 🐻 Polar Bear → Visit the Arctic and discuss climate change.
• 🐒 Monkey → Head to the Amazon to learn about unique wildlife.

Simple, memorable, and so much fun. 🌍

I’d love to hear: have you ever used something simple like this to make your lessons come alive?

Passport Adventures: Machu Picchu

In just a couple weeks, my students will "hike" the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our school security guard has the date on his calendar and can't wait to participate with us. Want to join in on the fun? Click below for the lesson. It's jam-packed with all kinds of information for a lesson that will make a lasting impact!

I'm curious, and would love your input below:

Have a wonderful week!

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