It's never a good idea to step into a classroom without clear, ready lessons. But, one day last fall it happened. I knew we were going to build a treasure box, but I really needed a way to set this up. I immediately thought of a pirate book! The book I was thinking about is a Mem Fox book and I ... READ the POST
A Breakthrough That Will Help You Plan for STEM
I promise your planning is going to be so much easier with this revelation I found with planning and my youngest engineers! It's almost like peanut butter and jelly! Books and STEM just go together! It's the greatest discovery ever. Let me share some ways that you can try today! ... READ the POST
The Enormous Crocodile and a Slippery Slide
"I like to eat nice juicy children," says the Enormous Crocodile. Nothing like that line to get some kids to raise their eyebrows, or laugh. Mostly they laugh. It's one of those moments in a read aloud book where the kids are hanging onto your words and soaking them up like little sponges-- until ... READ the POST
When I was Five and More STEM Ideas!
"It was like herding cats!" That was my answer to my husband the other day when he asked how my day had gone. Seriously, the days I have first and second graders are just hard - fun, but exhausting. That is until I found the SECRET to STEM and the littles! Are you ready for the secret to ... READ the POST
Worst Mistakes (and 1 Good Thing) with 1st and 2nd Graders
What a journey these last few months has been! I have always taught upper elementary, but this year first and second grade STEM was added to my schedule. I had no clue what to expect and how to get going with these age groups, but we tackled some STEM challenges anyway. I thought it might be fun ... READ the POST
Spotlight on Building Towers in First Grade
What an adventure with first graders! We have tackled a few building events and worked on team dynamics. So, after a few short weeks, it was time to tackle something bigger! I decided to try a tower event! My big kids love building towers, so I thought this might also work with the ... READ the POST
