Archive for March, 2011

Classroom supplies for Earth Day 2011

Image via Wikipedia

Do you have classroom supplies ready to help celebrate Earth Day April 22?  We have been celebrating Earth Day for more than forty years.  Just some simple classroom supplies can help students understand the history of this holiday and become inspired to make small changes in their daily life that help the environment.  We have come a long way over the past forty years and students, their families and  community members are working together to address many environmental issues.  Here are some ways that you can celebrate this special day.

Science – Many different environmental units provide great lessons to help introduce Earth Day.  Take some time to let students discuss some of the different ideas they have about the environmental problems that we face.  This is a great time to talk about energy, climate change, pollution.

Math – Environmental issues impact our economy.  Older students can study energy costs and younger students can learn about the rewards of recycling.

Reading – There are many great children’s books that celebrate the environment.  After you read a great book, have kids write a response and share it with the class.  Kids love to share their ideas.

Writing – Have kids write a class book about the ways that they can help the environment.  Or, have them design a poster to display in the community promoting ways to take care of the Earth.  Kids could design a brochure to encourage friends and family recycle or cut down on their energy use.

Whatever you decide to do with your class, remember that people all around the world are thinking about ways that they can make small changes that will have a big impact on our environment.
Share ways that you are planning to celebrate Earth Day this year!

Spring Break for Teachers

Image via Wikipedia

Spring break is here.  It is a time to rest, refocus, and gear up for the remainder of the year.  You may take the time to rejuvenate and not do a single thing for your classroom, or you may spend some time planning.  Spring break is a great turning point in the year.  This year, I am spending my break going through my resources guides and materials.  When I began my teaching career, I felt the need to purchase many items for my classroom.  I still use many of these guides; however, I find that they are not grouped in the most organized way, and I tend to forget about them.  This year I am going to review my lesson plans and make note of which books I refer to most often.  I am going to write a summary of the book on a color-coded index card depending on the subject ares, and then tape it onto the book.  Since I use these books daily, this will go smoothly.  Next, I plan to skim the resources that I have not used for awhile.  When I am skimming, I will write how I can use the book in the next several months and what curriculum area or standards the activities meet.  After I organize the books according to subject area, I will make an inventory list.  I also plan to give the books that I no longer use to other teachers.  This will be the hardest part for me because I want to hold on to everything.

Hopefully, you will rest or find a project to work on over the break.  Pick something that you normally would not have time to do and get started.  However, if you just want to enjoy your break, do that.  You have worked hard all year and deserve a break!