As we observe National Endangered Species Day, it's a reminder of the critical importance of wildlife conservation—not just today, but every day. In both school and life, understanding the significance of endangered species is essential for fostering empathy and preserving biodiversity. 

Finding innovative ways to engage students in meaningful, hands-on activities can make all the difference in the classroom. Let’s explore the immense potential of incorporating planting activities into classroom lessons, particularly for STEM education. As an educator who stumbled upon the joy of gardening during the pandemic, I can attest to the transformative power of cultivating plant life. There are numerous benefits of bringing gardening into the classroom, especially how it can foster a deep understanding of environmental care and its impact on our future. 

What methods inspire your students to write? Discover inventive strategies and unconventional approaches within Writers Workshop to cultivate resilient writers, empowering students for creative and expressive self-expression. 

When I embarked on my teaching career as a 4th-grade teacher in Verrado, Arizona, the vast desert landscape was a far cry from the familiar surroundings of my hometown in Detroit, Michigan. Transitioning from a state surrounded by lakes to the sparse desert evoked a deep appreciation for the resilience of the land and the communities flourishing in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. 

Today is Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day (December 8, 2023). Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day whimsically celebrates the allure of time travel, sparking curiosity and reflection on the mysteries of temporal exploration in popular culture. Seeing this day on my calendar takes me back to a special memory from my early teaching days. It was a time when I, like my students, became a time traveler of sorts. We delved into a fascinating project to celebrate our town's 100-year anniversary, a project that left an indelible mark on my teaching philosophy. 

The concept was simple yet powerful - students could choose any time frame, past or future, and create a time capsule representing that era. This not only celebrated our community's rich history but also allowed students to explore the spirit of change over time. Today I see Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on my calendar —a day that may not seem very important—it brings back memories of the happiness and positive impact such projects had on students and teachers. 

 

Application for Teachers 
For fellow educators, consider channeling the spirit of time travel in your classrooms. Encourage students to take pride in their local history by assigning a time capsule project. Share the process of the project on digital displays throughout the school campus to involve everyone in the school community. Connecting with the community's past not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the present but also creates lasting memories that stand the test of time. 

Teachers, are you ready for winter break? Your students are, too, so bring some excitement to your classrooms as winter break approaches using your interactive displays. They are excellent tools that can turn any lesson into an engaging adventure. Whether you're teaching language arts, any STEM class, art, history, or any other subject, these activities will “spark” some enjoyment and engage both you and your students in the weeks leading up to winter break. 

On this International Day of Women in Engineering, let's honor the achievements and contributions of women in the field of engineering. Let’s use this day to inspire and empower the next generation of female engineers. We can cultivate interest and curiosity in our students through interactive learning activities that incorporate technology and the engineering design process. 

Today is World Rainforest Day, a global celebration that takes place annually on June 22nd. World Rainforest Day is a reminder of the important role rainforests play in our planet's health and biodiversity. Take the opportunity to inspire your students and foster their love for nature through interactive learning activities that spark their interest and motivation to protect these valuable ecosystems. Let's explore some fun ideas to engage your students and deepen their understanding of rainforests, their importance, and the need for conservation.   

Walk into an early education classroom and you might see children exploring sensory-focused items (blocks, sand, water), hear singing with repetitive words and lines, and you will feel the joy and wonder that these young ones experience as they discover something new. You might also see technology playing a larger role in their learning environment. From tablets and robotics to interactive displays and 3D printers, educational technology is transforming how our youngest students learn new skills.  

The mission to implement educational technology in classrooms has grown substantially over the last few years. Districts are driven to invest in ed tech solutions that are comprehensive, integrate with current learning management systems (LMS), and are turnkey. While having the technology is wonderful, not using them properly or to their full potential is still a struggle. This is where the SAMR model can help teachers maximize what they can do to enhance teaching and learning.