A circus theme is perfect for summer, and festive for back to school, too. While this theme is most obviously suited to preschool and early elementary classrooms, older classes could look at Picasso’s circus paintings, learn some circus skills, or do research on the history of the circus. It’s easy… Continue reading
Even if it’s not an Olympics year, the Olympics can be a great classroom theme. Olympics theme bulletin boards can always say, “Go for the Gold!” Use international flag borders for showing off work and grab the opportunity to learn some geography. Visit the Olympics website. It stays updated… Continue reading
There are three obvious directions to go with the idea of rainbows: weather, colors, or the symbolism of rainbows as signs of good fortune. Rainbow colors classroom ideas Use rainbows to look at colors with a bright classroom theme: Rainbow of Possibilities Rainbow set with a growth mindset theme Woodlark’s… Continue reading
Weather folklore is the source of many cool sayings. This one tells us that, though March begins with rough weather, it will be mild and pleasant by the end of the month. This seems like an encouraging reminder that spring is on the way. Some reverse the saying, though, to mean that if March starts… Continue reading
Easter in the classroom is a lot like Christmas in the classroom: there is an unavoidable religious element, but it is also a holiday celebrated as a secular day of fun in the United States, and there are a lot of enjoyable things you can do in your classroom if… Continue reading
The Sneetches and Other Stories was published in 1961. It includes “The Sneetches” and three other stories. The story is simple, but the ideas are complex and far-reaching enough to make this a good Dr. Seuss choice for older readers. Now, the Star-Belly Sneetches had bellies with stars. The Plain-Belly… Continue reading
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. In 2012, 2017, 2020, and 2024, the people of Puerto Rico voted on whether to become the 51st state in the Union, and the majority of voters said yes. Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. News coverage made… Continue reading
Bring Mardi Gras fun into your classroom with three easy lesson plans combining art, social studies, critical thinking, and physical education. Mardi Gras is a largely secular celebration with a religious history . If you want to explain the background of the day, you’ll need to begin with Lent. Lent… Continue reading
Valentine’s Day is a great classroom holiday; it might have started as a religious observance of St. Valentine’s Day, but by now it really has no religious connotations and no controversies surrounding it that are relevant to the classroom. It is one of the best holidays for school observation,… Continue reading
Eve Bunting’s book The Valentine Bears is a fun readaloud for young students, with lots of good teaching points. In the story, Mr. and Mrs. Bear have never celebrated Valentines Day before, since they are always hibernating at this time of year. This year, though, Mrs. Bear has planned… Continue reading
