One of my suggestions listed in “Telegenic Ways to Survive the Weeks Before Winter Break” is a lovely short video called, “The Bear and the Hare.” It is actually a John Lewis advertisement, but these annual holiday commercials have become traditional favorites due to their outstanding artwork and storytelling. I have a link in my … Read more
In July, I posted about a website, Empatico, which endeavors to match classrooms around the world. The site is now offering free registration for teachers of 8-10 year olds who would like to participate. There are four “Spark” activities to choose from. Empatico provides the lesson plan and downloadable resources for each one. When you … Read more
Engage is a two minute video from “Let it Ripple” Film Studio (also the producers of The Science of Character). It’s a good reminder that we only have a short time on this planet, so it’s important to make that time meaningful by helping others. Accompanied by the soundtrack of, “Give a Little Bit,” by … Read more
UPDATE 3/23/2025: I’ve added a new post with updated Faberge Egg Resources that you can access here. My 4th grade GT students study masterpieces each year. The story of the Faberge Eggs, annually created for the last Russian czar’s mother and wife, fascinates all of us – especially when considered in the context of the tragedy … Read more
In yesterday’s post, I wrote about an inspirational video about kindness that is featured in a series produced by StoryCorps and Upworthy called #WhoWeAre. Today I want to share another video from that series about the unusual way a man handled being robbed at knife-point. It may not be one that you should show younger students, … Read more
In this recent story that I heard on NPR, the host stated that a survey conducted by the group behind Sesame Street found that most parents would choose having children who are kind over having children who get good grades. Of course, teaching children to be kind does not work if it isn’t modeled for them. … Read more