What is the ideal blended learning environment? I have had a lot of noneducators talk to me about technology in the classroom. Most don’t have informed opinions (so I’m happy to share mine with them). Many […]
Category: Primary
Circuit Playground meets Scratch—Physical Computing for Kindergartners
While most of my posts are about children and how I educate them through STEM-related projects, this post is mostly technical. It is behind the scenes of my work with the kids and how I make […]
9 Snakes and Ladders Varieties: Modern, Vintage, and Out of the Box
Snakes and Ladders has been a favorite at family game night for years. The basic addition and anticipation of whether your next roll will send you climbing up a ladder or sliding down a snake is simple […]
11 Fun STEM Activities to Nurture a Love of Learning
STEM activities are a fun way to get children interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and many schools around the world have introduced it into their curriculum. But what is it? STEM is a problem-based approach […]
The Carrot and The Stick: Are American Schools Actually Teaching Us?
When I was seven-years-old we moved from the United States to Switzerland because of my father’s job. I was born in Brazil, but having left it just two years old, I didn’t really know anything other […]
9 Rokenbok Toys for Super STEM Recreation
Rokenbok construction toy systems are an ideal way to introduce your child to STEM concepts and learning. Science, technology, engineering and math skills promoted by STEM toys are not only useful in school, they are important […]
9 Hot K’Nex Sets for Children of All Ages
Building toys have been a favorite for decades. The market has seen many different types of sets, materials and ideas but one that seems to have found its own little corner of the market is K’NEX. […]
7 Dinosaur Games for Passionate Young Paleontologists
Dinosaur games—there is nothing quite like the lure of Prehistoric creatures to get kids excited about science, and no better way to do it! From the roaring T-Rex to the soaring Pterodactyl, dinosaurs are the pet […]
7 Puzzle Mats for Kids’ Play Areas
A puzzle mat is a children’s play area accessory you will wonder how you ever lived without once you have one. These foam play areas provide hours of building and puzzle solving fun for young kids. […]
A Grammar Lesson They’ll Actually Love
English teachers have the unfortunate reputation of being monotone and boring. Most students dread the thought of session after session focused on grammar. Long papers facing the scrutiny of their instructor seem to be a daunting punishment. […]
9 Awesome Art Sets To Inspire Imagination And Creativity
Artistic activities like painting, drawing and coloring are wonderful activities for children and teens. Art positively affects children’s brains by encouraging neural connections. Artistic expression promotes creativity and problem-solving skills and helps children understand and process the […]
Solar System for Kids: 11 Out of this World Options
People have been looking up at the sky for thousands of years of human history wondering about what is up there. Children are naturally curious about the world, ours and the ones beyond. Studying the solar […]
Discipline Outdoes Talent—Here’s How
F. One simple letter. The grade we never want to have to give. Are some students simply doomed to low marks forever? Can their brains only struggle to deliver D-level work? Why do some students sail […]
9 Cool Math Games to Enchant Your Little Math Magicians (Maybe You Too?)
In the old days, learning math was often a hard slog. Memorizing tables, endless exercises, stressful school tests… Thankfully, the world has moved on since then and there are endless cool math games to be found! […]
3 Superpowers of the Principal: E.V.E
As a Principal you are plopped down into a building tasked with one of two scenarios: maintain the status quo or upset that status quo. In order to accomplish your own goals within one of those […]
3 Key Characteristics of Successful School Leaders
We are living in an age of educational cynicism. It is becoming increasingly difficult to lead in these times. In order to cultivate success as a Principal you must first acknowledge that it isn’t all about […]
Appreciating What, Where and How Boys Read
Recently, I asked a boy in seventh grade, a football player and video game fanatic, how many books he had read in the last 6 months. He responded, “two books for summer reading… maybe three if […]
3 Quick Tips to Build Staff and Teacher Trust
As a new principal managing your way through your first year, you should have one main goal: Building your credibility as the school leader. The quickest way to do this is not through regaling the staff with […]
Using Classroom Memes to Connect with Your Students
Overview A meme is formally defined as: an element of a culture or system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, especially imitation. While this definition (coined by evolutionary […]
Using a Tomato to Help Students Stay on Task
Overview In modern classrooms where work is often competing with mobile devices, popup notifications and all sorts of digital distractions, it can be very difficult for students to concentrate and stay on task. Whether your students are looking […]