I was doing potty patrol outside in the hallway in deference to my smoke allergy, when a kid came up to me and shoved into my hand a pair of those metal rings that magicians take apart and put back together. They sort of look like twisted polished nails. He bet me I couldn’t get […]
Elementary School
An elementary school is a primary school for children between the ages of 5-11 and between the grades prekindergarten and secondary education.
Posted inElementary School
Steady Hands, Open Hearts: Helping Early Childhood Families Thrive Through Change
In early childhood education, we often talk about the importance of creating stable, nurturing environments for young children. But what about the families who entrust us with their most precious ones? How do we, as educators, support families through the inevitable transitions that life brings? These transitions—whether moving to a new home, adjusting to a […]
Posted inElementary School
Creating Fourth Grade Changemakers: Learning to lead through service
A few years ago, we made a change to the curriculum that allowed for more experiential learning. We wanted to design a thematic unit that the students were in control of, from the topic studied to the final project. From conversations with colleagues, administrators, and community members, the class changemakers project was born. The fourth-grade […]
Posted inElementary School
Exploring New Horizons: How open-ended play-based learning enhances high quality learning and teaching
“But I can express myself only through writing. I don’t know any other way,” said my 10-year-old student. “Now, how do I respond to this?” I wondered. Still figuring out within myself, I was in for a surprise when the teacher within me immediately agreed with the student. “Yes, I agree. I have seen you […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Morning Choice: A soft start with a strong purpose
The bell rings. The hallways are bustling with children as they begin the new school day. Let’s stop for a minute. Re-wind. Zoom in on the child with their head down as they saunter towards their homeroom, thinking about the argument they just had 30 minutes ago with a parent about their outfit. Next, let’s […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Active Learning: Nothing Can Stop The Flow!
We’ve all been there. That moment when you’re completely absorbed in the experience. You’re in active learning- the zone. You’re somehow calm, focused, and intense all at the same time. You’re like Scrooge at the end of A Christmas Carol, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I […]
Posted inSocial Justice
Understanding Ramadan: A Classroom Teacher’s Guide
This year at the end of February, approximately 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will be observing the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which begins the morning after sighting the last sliver of a crescent moon before a new moon and lasts for 30 days. The observance of […]
Posted inElementary School
Review: Abbott Elementary season 3 episode 3: Gregory’s Garden Goofball
Who’s the coolest teacher you’ve ever had? Okay, you thought about it and probably smiled. For me, it was my AP Language teacher, Mrs. Padilla. She was maybe 4’5 and ruled her class like she was six feet tall. At Abbott Elementary, depending on the day, everyone’s favorite teacher may change, and this week it […]