My 4th grade gifted class is learning about mathematical masterpieces, talking about the symbolism of the circle, and discussing immortality as we read Tuck Everlasting. I usually integrate a short project on mandalas as a culminating activity during this time of year, since their symbolism fits so well with the other facets of our study. … Read more
This post should be tagged, “yet more proof that I live under a rock.” Even though that’s kind of a long tag, and tags aren’t really supposed to be long. Plus, you might be disappointed if you go looking for other posts with that tag because I just thought it up. If I were going to … Read more
Our family just adopted a puppy who is part schnauzer and part jet engine. She officially belongs to my daughter, who is doing her best to be a responsible parent. Every morning, when my daughter gets up, I’ll hear a “wop” against our bedroom door, and open it to be assailed by the joyful bundle of … Read more
Fusion Yearbooks recently published a blog post of mine called, “21 Helpful Tips to Create a Classroom Culture of Laughter.” This may be particularly helpful to those of you about to embark on testing season, as many of us are in Texas! And don’t forget about eyebombing – a great way to break the tension…
I don’t really understand magnets. I thought I did. But now I know that what I thought I knew I really didn’t know. In fact, I’m kind of questioning all of my scientific knowledge at this moment. Polymagnets are impossible for me to explain even though I’ve watched this video from “Smarter Every Day” twice. I’m just … Read more
It’s impossible to ignore “March Madness,” and the education world has learned to embrace it by creating all kinds of academic bracket competition ideas like this one from the New York Times Learning Network for using with classroom debates. MindShift has a tourney for teachers, not students, though. They want teachers to choose their favorite tech tools. The great … Read more