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    Start the Year by Building Relationships With Students

    Physical Education

    Starting A Successful Year by Building Positive Student Relationships

    By: Melanie Lynch, 2016 National Health Education SHAPE America® Teacher of the Year Valuing Students by Giving Them a Voice Summer, for me, has always been a time for relaxing and reflecting on my previous teaching year. With that reflection comes the pondering of how I was going to be a better teacher in the […]

    Tagged With: Teacher of the Year

    Spark Student Creativity with These Fun Writing Prompts

    Inspiration & Planning

    A young elementary student sits at her desk among her peers, as she works away independently. She is dressed casually and focused on her work.

    Finding ways to get students excited about writing can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s where the right creative writing prompts come in. A well-chosen prompt can unlock imagination, encourage self-expression, and build confidence in writing skills. To make it easier, we’ve gathered twelve fresh writing ideas for students, organized by grade level, so […]

    Art Lesson Plan: Metallic, Iridescent, and Fluorescent

    Arts & Crafts

    Students will create a vibrant and beautiful “seascape painting” that depicts a bird or other coastal animal in its natural habitat. Students will display vivid colors, shimmer, and brilliance with Liquitex® Iridescent, Metallic, and Fluorescent Acrylics. Instructors can also enable students to see the relationships and applications of art to the fields of science, […]

    Tagged With: Art Lesson Plans

    How to Survive Your First Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Back to School

    Teacher talking to parents at parent teacher conference

    Your first parent-teacher conferences can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of being a new teacher. You’re still getting to know your students, trying to find your rhythm in the classroom, and now you’re expected to talk to parents like a pro. Don’t worry. It is possible to confidently make it through your […]

    The Power of Compliments in the Classroom

    Classroom Management

    Happy teacher and schoolgirl giving high five during class at school.

    Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in creating a healthy classroom environment, and what better way to celebrate this than acknowledging Say Something Nice Day on June 1st? Compliments might seem like small gestures, but they make a huge impact. Why Compliments in the Classroom Matter Compliments do more than brighten a student’s day. […]

    Access for All in Science Instruction

    Science

    Diverse group of elementary school students in the classroom.

    In today’s diverse classrooms, ensuring access for all in science instruction is essential for fostering scientific literacy and success among all students. As educators, it’s our responsibility to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by students from various backgrounds and abilities. Thoughtful and inclusive strategies will support and assist every student in the […]

    Tagged With: FOSS

    Taking Science Instruction Outdoors with FOSS

    Science

    A teacher and group of students in a stream in the woods.

    Moving instruction outdoors is something that teachers and students both enjoy. Beyond just providing a welcome change of scenery and a break from the usual routine, research has shown that outdoor learning offers a number of benefits to learners. Benefits of Outdoor Instruction While educators may want to embrace outdoor lessons, the challenge of […]

    Tagged With: FOSS

    Del Mar Academy Case Study

    Learning Spaces

    A colorful lobby of a school with two brown chairs and a side table.

    Colorado district teams with School Specialty to furnish and equip a $60M facility from end to end. Jennifer Murtha, principal of Del Mar Academy in Aurora, Colorado, had a vision for what she wanted the new school’s learning environments to look like and how they would function. “I wanted a less institutional look and […]

    Tagged With: Case Studies, Classroom Transformations

    FOSS Modules Incorporate STEM in Science Lessons

    Science

    Elementary Students working on STEM Project at school

    STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These four interconnected disciplines drive innovation and understanding in our rapidly evolving world. Emphasizing STEM in education prepares students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are vital in almost every field today. By integrating STEM concepts into the classroom, teachers can spark curiosity and […]

    Diego Napoles on Managing Teaching, Social Media, and Family Life

    The Schoolyard Podcast

    In this seventh episode of Season 2, host Nancy Chung sits down with the inspiring Diego Napoles. Diego is a fourth-grade teacher from Southern California who has taken the education world by storm on social media as @mr_napoles. Known for his engaging content and innovative teaching strategies, Diego has become an inspirational figure among […]

    The Schoolyard Podcast S2, E4: Classroom Hacks

    The Schoolyard Podcast

    blog graphic banner for podcast episode

    Leveraging Student Strengths and Tech Tools for Success In the latest episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung sits down with educators Fletcher Nelson and Carolyn Kim to discuss practical strategies for working more efficiently in the classroom. As the new school year kicks off, these seasoned teachers share their insights on streamlining […]

    5 Key Educational Readiness Strategies

    Back to School

    teacher assisting two students at a table

    When we hear the term “educational readiness,” we typically think about whether students are ready to learn. In other words, do young children have the foundational skills to start school, learn with their peers, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally? Are older students ready to advance to the next grade level and take on […]

    Tagged With: Educational Readiness

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