Category: Tools

5 New Ways I Learned this Summer Without Stepping Foot in a Classroom

Oh summertime. Basking in the sun, putting my toes in the sand, water lapping at my feet. Well, that was just a dream this summer, but I did get to learn in some creative ways. Let […]

Word of the Day — Akin

The following is adapted from Episode 32 of the Word of the Day Podcast. Akin, an adjective, means “like or similar to,” and is perfectly suited for making comparisons between things. The etymology is pretty interesting. […]

9 Lunch Boxes and Accessories for Kids

Ask almost any kid what their favorite part of the day was and they’re likely to tell you lunchtime and recess! Having a break in the middle of the school day helps students to socialize, spend […]

A Mom, Two Kids, and a Water-Testing Kit [Review]

This week, my kids and I were very excited to try out our new water-testing kit. The older two (ages seven and five) love science, AND they drink a great deal of water, so this was […]

Is The Next John Glenn or Neil Armstrong Sitting In Your Class? Encouraging The Next Generation Of Space Explorers

Within all of us, there lies a desire to explore. It can be as simple as trying a new cuisine or as complicated as diving into the depths of an ocean to see the vibrant colors […]

Developing A Conceptual Understanding of Maths with GeoGebra

Teaching for conceptual understanding is one of the strong themes running through many articles on this site. There is a world of difference between students being able to “do mathematics” and students understanding the mathematics they […]

The Word of the Day Podcast—A New Way to Inspire Language Learners

To expand on a popular saying: Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll pass a fishing test and then forget how because he wasn’t all […]

7 Gaming Computer Models for Toddlers through Teens

Gaming is for everyone. There is a gaming computer out there to suit everyone too. Whether you’re a toddler or an adult, studies suggest that gaming improves basic skills like problem solving, memory and decision making. […]

9 Stylish and State-of-the-Art School Supplies

When back-to-school season rolls around, every parent wants to make sure that they prepare their child for another successful year of learning. The list of “must-have” items seems to grow with each passing year—from one- to […]

Removing the Limitations in a Digital Environment

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 […]

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 […]

9 Learning Tower Options for Families

Involving young children in cooking and meal preparation is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. Measuring, stirring, and cooking are all tasks that present useful opportunities to teach simple math and science […]

11 Terrific Toys for Autistic Children

Children on the autism spectrum love toys just as much as any other kid. But because of their unique sensory needs and sensitivities choosing the right toys can be a little more complicated. When choosing toys […]

7 Science Kits for Kids—Putting the Fun back in Science!

We all remember how much fun it was in science class to create that erupting volcano or to come up with our own science fair project each year. If kids are given the opportunity, they would […]

15 Cool Lunch Box Sets to Keep Food Fresh and Tasty

Once a child starts kindergarten, he or she will need to take a packed lunch. Kids can be picky about eating away from home, but if you make lunchtime fun and interesting, they are more likely […]

Sasha Radwan: Changing the World of Autism and Special Needs

Sasha Radwan, a maverick entrepreneur with a mission very much in mind to change the world of autism and special needs. She intends transforming it from being hidden, perceived as a challenge, to one of positivity, […]

Makerspace Materials: Stock the Staples to Ignite Imaginations

The journey of building and maintaining a makerspace in our school is never-ending. Less than one year ago, we opened the doors of our Learning Lab Makerspace to our students, who have since experienced creating, tinkering […]

11 Incredible Cookie Cutters for Your Junior Masterchefs

On the subject of cookies, I think the great Cookie Monster said it best: “Om-Nom-Nom-Nom!” This is a phrase you’ll hear your kids quote often—if you get the right cookie cutters! Sure, cookies are delicious, but […]

Aftermath: 4 Visual Tools to Teach Any Class Using Statistics

We math teachers often feel like our subject is kept in a dungeon. The mere mention of which evokes headshakes from parents and furrowed brows from other teachers, to say nothing of the reaction from the […]

Elementary Adventures in 3D Printing

Makerspaces are taking shape around the country in many schools. The demand for these opportunities for our students to explore and create is greater than ever before. Anyone can start a Makerspace with minimal or low-tech […]