Thursday, March 31, 2011

Kindergarten School Activities

If you're a new teacher, or just a teacher struggling to energize your normal routine, try doing some fun activities with your kindergartners in each subject that lets them get up out of their seat, work with their hands or view things in a new way. Check out THIS ARTICLE for fun ideas for craft, science, math and PE.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Writing with Sparkle Words

I'm so jealous that Lauren got a chance to write about THIS ARTICLE, because I love it when someone uses a "good word" as I used to put it..... now I'm calling them "sparkle" words.

Sparkle words are words that "pop" and help enhance the story with good word choice. For example, instead of saying that the hostess was "nice" you could say she was "gracious."

Check out THIS ARTICLE for info on how to teach kids about sparkle words, and how to integrate the concept into your class.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Teach Kids About Plants

Toysmith Brainy Bean seed Pod Grow KitKindergarten isn't ALL about playing games and singing songs! Kindergartners CAN (and should) learn just as much as other grade schoolers. Help them better understand about the concepts of plants as living things with fun activities. Check out THIS ARTICLE for info on how to teach kindergartners about the parts of a flower, how to grow beans, how flowers soak up water and why plants need light to grow.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Solar System Science Projects for Middle Schoolers

Melissa & Doug Solar System 48 pcs Floor PuzzleJr. High science class teaches students more about the world around them than they ever knew before. In particular, eight grade teaches students about the wonder that is the solar system. Supplement the traditional class time with fun projects that are sure to get students participating and helping them learn more about the planets and stars. 

Our Solar System Poster (#03) [Toy]Check out THIS article for tips on how to integrate the projects into the classroom, and for fun projects such as a travel brochure,  models of the planets, labeling the constellation, and the life cycle of a star.

For cool models and gear to help you teach science the class, check out HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Learning Beginning Algebra

Algebra Workbook For DummiesDepending upon your age and grasp of mathematics, you might not be ready for algebra until you're in high school. (Take me for example, I freakishly passed the entrance exam for algebra while in the 6th grade, and was terrorized with confusing math homework for weeks in the 7th grade until I was taken back a knotch.) Don't worry, by 9th grade algebra was easier for me to grasp. Just keep in mind that everyone is at their own pace with some things, so don't worry if your child or student doesn't understand Algebra initially. 

If you need some extra help learning (or teaching) algebra, check out the tips in THIS article that break the concepts down. Sometimes practice, practice, practice is what helps the best,

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Creation Science Materials

The Evolution of a Creationist: A Layman's Guide to the Conflict Between the Bible and Evolutionary Theory
book by Jobe Martin
Many years ago I received a copy of the book "Evolution of a Creationist" by Jobe Martin when his family graciously gave me a ride to the airport. I read the book almost cover to cover on the LONG flight and have been a supporter ever since.

Recently while writing a currently unpublished article, I was visiting his website and ran across a free e-version of his book. While I'd certainly appreciate you purchasing a copy of the physical book to help his ministry of spreading the news of creation, the eBook is perfect for people on the go, or for those who enjoy using their latest e-reader gadget.

"Evolution of a Creationist" is a great book for science teachers, parents and homeschoolers and Christians who want ways to defend the position of Creation to unbelievers. Dr. Martin gives Scriptures, scientific facts, and examples of animals such as the gecko and giraffes that just couldn't naturally evolve.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Teaching the Parts of Speech

Parts of Speech (Cheap Charts)Students love to explore words and their meaning, but might not always be able to put them together in the correct way. That's why the parts of speech are so important-- without the use of the parts of speech stories would be bland and uninteresting.

Help students understand the parts of speech by using vivid visuals and giving them plenty of examples. Consider using the School House Rock series to help them better understand things such as conjunctions.... do you remember the fun "Conjunction Junction"  song?

Check out THIS ARTICLE for ways to better explain the Parts of Speech to your students.