Animal migration activities Fall animal migration is in full swing and is a natural phenomenon that your students will love to study! And guess what?! It’s a very dynamic concept that can actually apply to physics, life science, Earth science, and space science! In this episode, I introduce a Next Generation Science Standard for each […]
Podcast
Exploring Invertebrates: 10 Picture Books to Introduce Animal Characteristics [ep. 9]Invertebrates and animal characteristic picture books Invertebrates make up the majority of the animals on Earth, but students aren’t as familiar with them as they are vertebrates. Introducing a variety of animal groups in your science studies is important for your students’ overall understanding of the curriculum. Using picture books to introduce the characteristics of […]
Podcast
Animal Characteristic Breakdown: Reaching Your Curricular Goals By Teaching with Animals [ep. 7]Animal characteristic breakdown Children love animals and are interested in their unique traits. By embracing this interest and teaching with animal characteristic activities in your classroom, you can reach your curricular goals in a student-driven way. In this episode, I introduce a Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for each grade level K-5 that can be […]
Science
A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation ConversationIf you’ve thought about adding a raising butterflies kit to your list of activities this year, you’ll want to read this article first! While these kits have great reviews and many teachers praise their benefits in the classroom, there’s a bigger picture to consider. I had the opportunity to interview Jenn Kirts and Michelle Fournier […]
ELA
Picture Books
“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal AdaptationsStep into the enchanting world of Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, where winter unveils the secrets of animal survival. This article explores the fascinating narratives of creatures above and below the snow, unraveling the mysteries of their adaptations. Whether you’re a teacher looking to enhance your classroom with lessons on animal adaptations […]
Science
Amphibians Vs Reptiles: How to Teach the Difference in Your Elementary ClassroomAmphibians vs reptiles may be one of the hottest topics you cover this school year. Not only are these animals inherently interesting to children (and many adults!), they are also confusing to keep separate. Are reptiles and amphibians the same? What are the characteristics of amphibians? What is the difference between amphibians and reptiles? These […]