Hawaiian Party Decorating Ideas

If your child or classroom is planning a Hawaiian themed birthday party keep a few of these important idea tips in mind. Integrate the food into the party plan, using fresh fruit when possible, adding cute little umbrellas to brightly colored drinks. Decorate the room with inflatable toys, surfboards and body boards and brightly colored prints.

Simple Machines & Mouse Traps

Simple machines have always interested me, for their SIMPLICITY (go figure). When I ran across a title asking about creating a Mouse Trap I was intrigued on how to make another mouse trap that didn't involve killing the little pests.

Check out the link to my eHow article on how to rid your home of a mouse using the ingenious SIMPLE MACHINES of ramps and levers.

(photo and idea for the article from HERE )

Storage Ideas for Playrooms and Storage Areas

Anytime kids are involved storage and organization is, in a word- NECESSARY! My article on eHow lists several ideas including containers, shelving, cabinets, trunks and pockets, all with kid storage needs in mind. Don't think that kid storage needs to be in bright primary colors or be covered in cartoon characters. Smart storage blends into the background and is beautiful and functional, more than anything else.

St. Patrick's Day Bulletin Board Ideas

Everyone loves St. Patrick Day! Even though preschoolers might not understand the history of the day, or be Irish themselves, help them celebrate the spirit with bulletin boards decorated for the day. Follow the link to my article with bulletin board ideas on traditions, colors of the rainbows, the color green, and hiding the gold in a pot.

Christmas Bulletin Board Ideas

Looking for some Christmas bulletin board ideas appropriate for elementary classrooms? Well look no further!

The article I wrote for eHow lists bulletin board themes about cookies, presents, 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas decorations. Help children get into the Holiday spirit.

Safety in the Science Classroom

Safety in the science classroom is a MUST! Especially when dealing with hazardous chemicals and materials. Keep safety in the forefront with THIS article reinforcing to students the importance of aprons, goggles, and gloves.

For more information on science safety visit the Connecticut State Department of Education for a Science Safety Checklist.

How to Create a California Mission

Building an authentic-looking California mission is the highlight of the year for many 4th graders. Students get to let their hands create something they've been learning about in class, and get to let their creative juices flow.

Although the task may be daunting to some students, making a mission can be as easily as purchasing a kit and looking at online photos of missions for inspiration.  Check out THIS article for tips and ideas of how your students can make their mission look fantastic.