Decorating the classroom is an essential part of any educator’s back-to-school routine. For elementary school teachers in particular, classroom decorations can be an essential part of students’ school experience. Keeping important information in a large, colorful, easy-to-notice area will keep it fresh in students’ minds. Weekly and Monthly Calendar A good calendar is the […]
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Fall Art Lesson Plans & Activities
Jump into fall with fun art lesson plans and activities for the classroom! This is a great time to design colorful and creative activities around the changing of leaves and Halloween themes. Throw in some pumpkins and turkeys and craft your way to Christmas! Halloween Characters Activity Between all the sweets and treats, add […]
Art Lesson Plan: Watercolor Landscapes
Watercolor is a wonderful medium for capturing and depicting the nuances of each season. From dusky winter darkness to summertime sunshine and everything in between. Masters like John Singer Sargent, Auguste Rodin, and Camille Pissarro were geniuses of the seasonal watercolor landscape. Art lovers everywhere still marvel at their techniques. Your students can explore […]
Classroom Bulletin Board Tips & Tricks
Bulletin boards are powerful tools in K-8 classrooms. They pair personality with functionality, and when featuring student creations, provide incentive for students to do their best work. Read on for tips and tricks to make the most of your time, space and resources. Creative Block? We all get creative block from time to time. When that […]
4 Fun Outdoor Art Projects
Take advantage of a gorgeous day to conduct your art lessons outside! The fresh air is invigorating, nature is inspiring, and your students will love the change of scenery. Check out these four fun art project ideas, perfect for getting creative in the great outdoors. Outdoor Art Projects for Younger Students 1. Butcher Paper […]
Building Your Child’s Character
Introduction Good character traits, such as respect, cooperation, and honesty, are arguably the most important things that children need to learn. These traits and others help students make good choices, develop self-esteem, and become responsible citizens and caring individuals. While many schools are successfully implementing character education lessons into their curriculum, children are most […]
The Importance of Handwriting in Today’s Classrooms
In today’s world, it is not uncommon for children to simultaneously learn how to interact with tablets and smartphones while also learning how to grasp various forms of pencils and crayons. As a result, there have been some states and districts that have experimented with the phasing out of penmanship, arguing that it is […]
3 Ways to Improve Focus & Attention in the Classroom
Just in time for back-to-school check out these great tips on how using sensory strategies may help with attention and focus: 1. Allow opportunities for movement! Many students today do not get enough vestibular (movement) input in their daily life due to decreases in physical education, recess and free time play. Swings, trampolines, bicycles […]
Preparing Your Classroom: A Few Things Your Student with Special Needs Wishes You Knew!
1. Fluorescent lights bother me! It seems like they are blinking and/or buzzing and they make for extra glare on my paper. If you have a classroom with access to natural daylight (windows or skylights) please consider turning off the overhead lights at different intervals during the day. If this is not an option then […]
5 Collaborative Art Projects: The Ultimate Icebreaker!
The first day of school can be daunting for students, particularly younger students. Art is a wonderful way to calm the nerves, and collaborative art projects get kids working together. As with adults, the benefits of student collaboration are nearly endless. Collaborating takes the pressure off perfection while introducing students to each other’s unique […]
The Benefits of Structured Physical Activity for Early Childhood Programs
Structured physical activities are usually led by a qualified adult and include organized sports, guided play, and school PE programs. Structured activities are important throughout a person’s life, but they play an essential role in early childhood—from birth to about age five. These are very tender years for a child. What they learn at […]
Five Days Out: What You Need and What You Need to Get Done
There’s only a week left until school starts and it seems as if you’ll never get everything done. Here’s a helpful list to make sure you’ve crossed everything off your list, as well as some suggestions of tools or materials you can use to get them done. Five days out: Get your tech in […]