Chubby babies get lots of attention — they’re so cute! But rapid weight gain in infants can be a health concern. What is rapid weight gain? At your baby’s check up, a health professional will check your baby’s weight and compare it to the amount the baby weighed at the… Continue reading
A Western theme makes for a fun classroom at any grade level. I’m adding some state history to the cowgirl and cowboy classroom theme ideas, and you might be able to do the same, depending which state you teach in. There are few ready-made decoratives for this theme at the… Continue reading
Ladybugs make a cheerful theme for a summer classroom. Once you establish the theme, it’s easy to carry through, just by using red and black. You can make a bulletin board with red background paper and black paper spots and you’re set. There are ready-made ladybugs for bulletin boards: Borders,… Continue reading
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd and has become an international event to promote environmental protection and awareness. The event began in the United States but quickly spread to countries around the world. Earth Day is now celebrated in over 190 countries worldwide, making it the largest environmental… Continue reading
Hans Christian Andersen’s story of Thumbelina is the tale of a tiny girl, no bigger than her mother’s thumb, who grows in a flower from a magic seed. Her mother is delighted with her and she has a happy life until a toad comes and steals her away to serve… Continue reading
A country study can begin with location. Find Spain on a world map. What continent includes Spain? Can students identify any of Spain’s neighboring countries? Note how close Spain is to Africa — this has been important in the history of Spain. While you’re thinking about Spain’s location, you… Continue reading
Music is a uniquely human experience, and the music of different cultures provides a special way to get to know that culture. Grade Level: Middle School (6th-8th) Duration: 50 minutes Objective: Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of Spanish music. Students will be able to identify and describe different… Continue reading
Never Say a Mean Word Again is an award-winning picture book by Jacqueline Jules. We love picture books for all ages. Use them as read-aloud or read-together books for younger grades and as a jumping off point for multiple subject areas with older students. Find lesson plans below for elementary,… Continue reading
When we visited Germany, we went to an ostrich farm. There are roughly 200 ostrich farms in Germany, about the same number as in the United States, even though the U.S. is much bigger than Germany. South Africa has the largest ostrich farming industry in the world — but there… Continue reading
We visited Baden-Württemberg, the state in the south of Germany bordering France and Switzerland. This part of the country is known for its charm and beauty. Here you see Lake Konstanz, or Lake Constance in English. Germany is famous for its breads and cake. Here you see plum cake with… Continue reading
