The_Open_Road by Trey Ratcliff Tips for how to achieve your goals and dreams successfully If you want the best chance of successfully achieving your goals
3 fresh, contemporary All About Me Activities that your students enjoy. These all about me activities are approved by teachers and students!
How do you individualize instruction in your classroom and allow students to pursue their interests? Middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed the types of individualized learning they use in their classroom: project based learning, Genius Hour, and 20% time, and how they got started and introduced it to students. Teachers also shared past PBL units, final products, successes and obstacles. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom.
Good Afternoon, from Vestal's 21st Century Classroom! I’m Meghan Vestal and I am excited to have the privilege of being one of the newest bloggers for Virginia is for Teachers! I have about six years of experience as an educator in Virginia. I have taught 4th and 5th grades in Charlottesville and Lynchburg. I also spent two years as the Education Director for Amazement Square Children’s Museum (if you took a field trip there between 2012-2014, we may have met!). With a minor in social studies and a master’s degree in Public Policy, I am passionate about creating social studies activities that get students excited about history. For my first post, I would like to share just a few ways I have made social studies a favorite subject for almost every student I have taught. As a classroom teacher, I have sat in on a lot of IEP meetings. I can’t recall the details of most of these meetings, but there is one from about a year ago that I cannot get out of my head. As I listened to the special education teacher explain the student’s grades, it was difficult for me to not say anything when she told the parents the student was failing Virginia Studies because it was not possible to make social studies hands-on or fun. This is a comment I frequently hear teachers make and, as a lover of all things history and government, I find this statement to be appalling. People love to watch action, drama, and romance on the big screen. So, how can the Revolutionary War, the Constitutional conventions, or the affairs of multiple U.S. presidents be boring!? A few years ago, I received the most meaningful letter I have ever received from a student. In it, the student said he always thought social studies was boring but, after being in my class, it had become his favorite subject because he learned it could be fun. I want to hear more students saying those words and here are a few ways I have made it happen in my class. 1. Experience New Places Without Leaving Your Classroom I don’t think there is anything more fun or hands-on to teach than geography! To start, throw out the traditional construction paper and markers and get creative with map making! Most teachers have play dough somewhere in their classroom and I have found this to be one of the best geography tools. When my students are studying the regions of Virginia, they use play dough to construct 3D maps. After the playdough dries, the students add major rivers with glitter glue and label major cities with markers. Many students have told me this is one of their favorite activities from the entire school year. Another fun geography activity, that incorporates career readiness skills, is having the students become tourism directors for whatever location they are learning about. When studying the products and industries of Virginia, I put my students in groups and they must develop a marketing campaign for Virginia that incorporates information about all 5 regions. Students must create a slogan, a brochure, and film a commercial showcasing the 5 regions. In addition to hands-on activities, there are free digital resources available that make it easy for students to learn about new places, even if they cannot actually visit those places. Google Earth is one of my student’s favorite resources. This is a free download that works great on an iPad or computer. When we are studying historical sites, such as Monticello or Appomattox Court House, my students actually get to visit these places by finding the location on a digital map and then zooming in to examine actual street views of site. e have also been able to travel across the entire state of Virginia, with an eye level view, to see how the terrain changes from east to west. 2. Throw Out the Textbook and Make Everything Project Based I hear a lot of students say social studies is their least favorite subject because it is boring. I think that is because they have come to associate social studies with reading a textbook and then filling out a worksheet. Granted, there is a certain degree of reading and comprehension needed to ensure students are getting all the information, but it is possible to do something creative with those facts! In my classroom, social studies is always taught using project-based learning and students are expected to complete a project before each unit test. Above, I shared the tourism project students create during the unit on Virginia’s regions. Another popular project my students have completed is creating board games with an objective to get the settlers safely from England to Jamestown. We then keep these games in the classroom throughout the year for students to play during indoor recess. Project based learning also leaves LOTS of room for critical thinking. For example, when learning about the Civil War, I put the students into groups and have them pull from a hat whether they will represent the north or the south. The groups then have to research the reasons why their side wanted to go to war and use this information to create a poster that might have been used during the time period, convincing others to join their cause. Initially, this was a challenging concept for the students who selected the south. But, I made sure to remind them that part of history is understanding the mindset of various individuals, even individuals who have done horrible things. As the famous saying goes, “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” I have included some links to some of my project based units at the conclusion of this post. Social studies review can also be hands-on using escape rooms. Escape rooms require students to solve a series of challenges and puzzles to reveal hidden information and unlock secret codes. Creating a classroom escape room does not have to be complicated or expensive. You can learn more about creating easy, inexpensive social studies escape rooms by reading my blog post "Create the Perfect Classroom Escape Room." 3. Make Memorizing Facts Fun Teachers frequently use sayings and songs to help students remember a lot of information at once but there are a few things to keep in mind if it is truly going to be successful. First, when it comes to sayings, students are more likely to remember sayings that are silly or random. My students use sayings like “James York Reads Poorly” to remember important rivers in Virginia and the popular phrase “Never Taste Ketchup With Mustard” to remember the states surrounding Virginia. These sayings don’t necessarily have anything to do with what is being taught but the kids think these are funny so the information sticks. Next, music is one of the best ways to help students remember information but it must be done properly for the students to really buy into it. Most importantly, make sure it is music the students enjoy! A few years ago, I had a class of 4th graders who loved Maroon 5. So, I wrote a song about the products and industries of Virginia to the tune of Maroon 5’s song "Misery." The students couldn’t get enough of it! We sang it all the time and I even had to ask some students to hum softer when they were taking the unit test. A colleague saw how successful this was and tried to replicate it in her 3rd grade class. She wrote a song comparing Greece and Rome to the tune of "Good Riddance" by Green Day. A few days later, she came to me and asked why the kids weren’t getting into it. I like Green Day as much as the next girl who grew up in the 90s, but 3rd graders today don’t have a clue what Green Day is. My colleague rewrote her song to the tune of a Selena Gomez song and it was a success! The students just needed something they could relate to. I hope I’ve sparked a few ideas to spice up your social studies class! If you are looking for some pre-made, hands-on social studies units, be sure to check these out that appear in my store. Click on each of the images to learn more about the resource. And if you are looking for more resources and information about social studies, make sure to sign up for my newsletter! I often feature information about making social studies hands-on and fun. When you sign up, you will also be able to download by Ultimate Guide on How to Effectively Use Technology to Teach for FREE! Next month, find out how to take students on a field trip to a local museum or historical site even if you have a tight budget (or no budget at all). I will be sharing a post with places throughout Virginia that offer free and discounted field trips and/or classroom outreach programs at a significantly discounted price.
Therapeutic art activities are an excellent tool for school counselors to integrate into group counseling and individual counseling. It allows students to express thoughts and feelings in a different way that is less intimidating and more engaging. How can you integrate art therapy?
I created this culture jars art lesson for an Art and World Cultures class, and continue to use it in art classes because it is so well received. The word
Art projects that are fun for kids and bring in big bucks for your school auction!
I know the title grabbed you...didn't it? I'm linkin' up with my buddy Holly from Fourth Grade Flipper for Tried It Tuesday. Some of you may have noticed I have been missin'....never fear..I'm back. Last week was filled with a whole lot of awesomeness, but I'll save that for the end. Lots and lots of pictures ahead! Tried It #1 Awesomeness: Book in a Box by Rachel Lynette My kids LOVED this activity. I sent this home and gave the kids two weeks time to complete their book in a box about the book they were currently readin' independently. This was a great way for me to stick with my plan of gettin' rid of nightly readin' folders, but still checkin' on them to see if they are actually readin' at home like they tell me they are. We made a deal earlier in the year and so far, they are stickin' to it. What I love about the Book in a Box...1)It's FREE 2)It had very specific instructions 3)It had a rubric Examples...They were all so awesome and very diverse, but I couldn't put them all up: Love all the materials that were added for this Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling box More of the Harry Potter box includin' wand Another Harry Potter in an Invisibility Cloak and a Golden (chocolate) Snitch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Swindle by Gordon Korman Inside the Swindle box The Help by Kathryn Stockett decorated with Duck Tape Inside the box with a Poo Pie and Toilet Paper Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (not to be confused with the movie Alice in Wonderland) The hole that Alice falls into next to a mini Alice's Adventures in Wonderland illustrated book Inside the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland box. Up close in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland box. Love the "Drink Me" bottle Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton Look at the tiny little Bible! 12 Finally by Wendy Mass Love that the cards are numbered for each item and have their own little pocket. The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle. My student said this book is "LOL". I agree. I always love readin' this one aloud because the kids laugh uncontrollably. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Tried It #2 Awesomeness: Twerkin' I know what you're thinkin'....SERIOUSLY, ALISON? It's okay...I wasn't very good at it. Two weeks ago I told you that I tried Zumba(insert evil laugh). I didn't have an opportunity to go last week(keep readin' to find out why), but I went again today. Are you proud of me for goin' back? I'm sure my co-workers were thrilled(insert eye roll and another evil laugh). I got to freestyle and I chose "twerkin". Twerkin' has been all the hype lately, so today we(the Zumba goers) watched the Stevie TV-Twerkin' Intervention(VH1) video before we started Zumba. If you have ever watched A & E's real show...Intervention AND you have a sense of humor, you need to find this video on YouTube. I could not stop laughin'...beware...not appropriate for children. So...twerkin' I tried. Of course I didn't add pictures to this again...nope, nope, nope! One of my wonderful teammates and my awesome instructor, Ashley, makes me tired just watchin' her dance all around. She does it more than once a week; once is enough for me. Ashley was the one who suggested I should do twerkin' as my Tried It Tuesday. She's so funny and I couldn't let her down. Weekend Awesomeness: Murder Mystery Dinner, Afternoon Weddin', & Goin' Away Party Thursday: Jerm's little brother got married this past weekend. We had a 1920's Murder Mystery Rehearsal Dinner...so much FUN! The bride ordered the script online and we all got our parts ahead of time, in order to know how to dress for the occasion. My character was Rosie Marie, the owner of the Juice Joint. I got to introduce everyone to the party and be my bossy self...love! My(Rosie Marie's) "nephew", Cy Ramsey. Rosie Marie(me) with one of the gangsters, Mugsy Malone aka Jerm. The whole gang. Couldn't have picked a better crew of people to experience this night with! Friday: The bride and groom had a lovely outdoor weddin' at one of our local State Parks. I had the honor of settin' up the reception and coordinatin' the order of events durin' the ceremony. This was a TOUGH job for sure, but worth every single minute. I thought teachin' was hard...tryin' to round up guys in tuxedos and girls in heels in Florida, on a sunny afternoon, while keepin' them all quiet...well, it was a little like herdin' cats. I wouldn't trade this experience for any in the world. All the gorgeous bridesmaids and handsome groomsmen with the beautiful bride and groom! Jerm & I at the reception. Saturday: On the third day of special occasions and me bein' in a dress and make-up, I attended a goin' away party for some dear friends. By this time, I was absolutely wiped out. I THOUGHT we were supposed to dress up for a California theme, so I went with Khloe Kardashian...she's tall, I'm tall(that's about where the similarities end). The other two girls were supposed to be Kim and Kourtney. They say they were...just blonde Kardashians. The jury is still out on this one. Kourtney(my buddy Jen), Khloe(me), and Kim(my roomie Sharon) I've got lots of laundry and blogs to catch up on. P.S. I've been tryin' to make some changes...I haven't had a Diet Coke in THREE days, but I did have to take a THREE hour nap yesterday before watchin' the Saints beat the Dolphins. I earned it after such a busy weekend...don't ya think? Have a great week! Be sure to check out Holly's blog for everyone else's Tuesday posts!
Created by Shangai Lily http://shangailily.deviantart.com/ Symbolic Self-Portrait Project Summary Students are to fill in a silhouette portrait of their bust using a color scheme, doodles and symbols. The style being created is a mesh between vintage silhouette portraiture and modern bold graphics with a ornate recycled gold frame. Unit Objectives students will be able to… • Illustrate using symbolism, abstraction and doodles. • Select, use and communicate aesthetically pleasing color schemes • Students will be able to identify and communicate the elements and principles of art and design. Requirements Answers self-portrait questionnaire (70 points) Planning your composition - 10 points Rough drawing on 12 x 18 newsprint ( 20 points) Inked final drawing (10 points) Choose color scheme and add shading / coloring (10 points) Cut, construct and detail ornate cardboard frame. (20 points) Communicate the meaning behind the illustration pertaining to their choice of imagery and symbols in a written artist statement. (50 points) Total = 200 points Project Procedures Questionnaire (70 points) Assignment background knowledge questions: 10 points each Explain various reasons why artist make self-portraits. Explain how symbolism works. Explain how an artist abstracts. Personal background questions: 5 points each What is your story from birth until now? What are you plans for the future? What are your talents? What are you goals? What are you scared of? What are your weaknesses? What are your favorite things? What colors reflect your personality? Planning you composition - 10 points Draw a rough side profile of your face on copy paper and begin sketching in rough ideas of where somethings might go. Your trying to control how the viewers eye will travel through the composition of the artwork. Self-portrait rough drawing - 20 points Using half of a sheet of newsprint you will trace a profile of your silhouette using pencil. This silhouette is where you will begin to fill the inside with abstraction, doodles and symbols that reflect your personality and story. Inking final - 10 points You will transfer your newsprint drawing onto a final piece of paper and then proceed to ink your illustration. This is the piece you will be turning in, so take your time and take pride in the craftsmanship of your work. Color scheme - 10 points At this stage you will need to determine your color scheme and the medium you want to color your image in. You may use watercolors, colored pencils, ink stippling or graphite to shade your piece. Go to the website http://colorschemedesigner.com/ and choose which color scheme best reflects your personality. At this time you will also be playing around with these mediums to see which one you might prefer. Cardboard Frame - 20 points At this stage you will need to cut a piece of cardboard to fit around your illustration in the form of an oval or rectangle. Once the frame is cut you will determine and execute the decorative motif and color of your choice. After this is complete you will frame your and mount your artwork to finish the product. Artist statement - 50 points The last stage of this assignment you will write a formal essay that describes your decisions regarding the construction and chosen imagery, colors and style of the work. You will also be identifying where you used the elements and principles of art and design within the artwork.
Images of the incredible individuals behind the Manhattan Project and their lives at Los Alamos.
At the end of this properties of water lesson plan, students will be able to identify physical and chemical properties of water and describe how
Explore Zyeta's portfolio of innovative and future-ready corporate office interior designs in Bengaluru and top cities across India.
What’s black and white and read all over? Book-inspired home decor, of course! All jokes aside, we’re total bookworms here at Brit HQ and we love seeing projects and products that bring the bookish aesthetic out of the library and into the home. While we don’t support destroying perfectly good books in the name of DIY, we do think that old and outdated books (think old encyclopedias and dictionaries) deserve opportunities to find new life as beautiful decor. These 35 products-to-buy and projects-to-DIY will have you dying to crack open a book in your newly decorated space.
A former kindergarten turned SAHM's blog about teaching and playing with her children while grieving the loss of their sister.
Make a pen balance on its point and spin – using the power of magnetism! This is a fun science experiment for kids. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Magnets are just so fascinating! Playing and exploring with some fairly strong magnets is fun in itself. The middle two boys and I are studying magnetism […]
Here’s a fun STEM challenge: Build working gears out of plastic caps, popsicle sticks, and a cardboard box! This project demonstrates mechanical concepts using materials you probably already have. Kids will be able to explore how gears mesh together to create motion. We started our project with a sturdy Amazon prime box, an assortment of […]
How to plan collaborative project-based learning activities in the math classroom. Check out these engaging PBL ideas for 3rd grade students!
Ethical consumerism is well and truly on the rise. But is buying green always the sustainable solution some claim it to be or could it be the perfect distraction? Only if we let it, says Lowimpact.org’s Sophie Paterson.
This simple project with help teach kids geography and increase their global awareness as they begin to grasp their city, state, country, and continent.
A fun, processed based Fibonacci art project for kids. Great for S.T.E.A.M. learning at home or at school.
This painting project can be used equally well with a group and an individual, as a piece of artwork or used as a jig-saw.
Eco-Column: By: Kelsie Fronheiser, Gene Edwards, Jenny Kraus, Justin Lange Introduction: These instructions will help you create your very own eco-column in your home or classroom. An eco-column is a self-sustaining ecosystem on a small scale, made of plastic s…
I love spending the final weeks of school working on projects with my students! While we complete a variety of projects throughout the year, my students become project-making machines after testing!! And we love every minute of it!! At this point in the year, the stress of fitting in curriculum has vanished, students have…
Try this super fun, and simple science project today! Students learn about landforms and animal habitats as they make this landform diorama project. This is a perfect simple science project.
Are you looking for kids crafts projects to do this weekend? Here are some amazing, easy-to-make crafts your kids will love. A balancing game, a cardboard monster or a Russian doll…You and your kids will enjoy making these DIY toys and projects, and later playing with them. DIY Cereal Box Monster Jaws. To make […]
STEM Activities for Elementary Making a balloon car is fun and has lots of science and engineering in it. This was a terrific project. My students were given
Math art projects will get kids creative while also teaching them mathematical concepts. Fun ideas for children of all ages and skill levels.
Bots are the perfect STEM activity and STEAM project! Inspire your kids to create and build with this brand new book all about bots! It includes 19 fun bots and bot activities perfect for builders of all experience levels. Plus extras that make working with electricity easy and educational.
The Agati POD Study Carrels are a revolutionary design that has completely re-imagined what study carrels can be. With curved upholstered panel and side entrance, the POD addresses instinctual human behaviors that create a perfect space for single user, heads down, focused work.
Use newsprint as a building material for kids and teens to create some awesome crafts & DIY engineering projects!
Students can travel across the globe without leaving the classroom. Check out these fun geography lessons for any grade and curriculum.
This Picasso inspired art project is a wonderful introduction to Cubism for the kids. This is great for an individual or a collaborative project.
Download this Free Vector about Business decisions concept illustration, and discover more than 169 Million Professional Graphic Resources on Freepik. #freepik #vector #choice #decision #businessthinking
Kids will LOVE these engineering challenges with craft sticks, cups, and wood cubes. Engaging, open-ended, and creative!
Learn how to make both a basic homopolar motor and a tiny dancing motor! Great science fair project for older kids!
Hey, friends! Today I'm sharing what my students, all of 'em, kindergarten through fourth grade, are working on to kick off the school year. I am calling them our Getting to Know You Sculptures! If yo
thumbprint self portrait- cool art project for kids
A functional, purpose-built office-space for Panasonic that included a clever design with bespoke elements
These all about me, back to school art activities for kids are engaging icebreakers. Encourage creativity and build community during the first week back
prompts for art projects for therapy groups
