It’s that time of the year! Time to think about summer reading and helping our students stave off the summer slide. Students that don’t read during the summer stand to lose between 25–30% of their school-year learning. Reading over the summer encourages lifelong reading, helps children improve and maintain reading skills, increases children’s knowledge base, … read more »
It’s May, so it’s time to Get Caught Reading! May is all about celebrating the excitement and delight of getting lost in a good book. Whether it’s a beloved classic or a brand-new adventure, reading should be a natural and enjoyable activity for students, and Get Caught Reading Month aims to promote this mindset. Reignite … read more »
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” Henry James. Ah, summertime and the reading is easy. Finally, time for teachers to read something just for fun. Nothing is more enjoyable than sitting under a tree with a cool drink and a good book written … read more »
Summer is the perfect time for students to explore their creativity through maker projects and design challenges! These activities give students the freedom to create, experiment, and engage in self-directed learning, using materials found at home or provided in kits sent from school. Whether short and simple or long-term and immersive, maker projects encourage problem-solving, … read more »
Get Caught Reading is a campaign that promotes reading for enjoyment. As teachers, we can help students by celebrating them when we find out that they have been reading for pleasure. An easy way to give recognition of their effort is to use a punch card. It can help build interest and encourage students to … read more »
Summer officially begins on June 21 at 12:24 AM EST. Or does it? Ask your local weatherman and he will probably say that meteorological summer began on June 1. Both explanations, based on data and science, offer interesting opportunities for exploring weather and seasons through a different perspective. To understand the difference between the two … read more »
“We shouldn’t teach great books, we should teach a love of reading.” B.F. Skinner May is Get Caught Reading Month, an annual activity first sponsored in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers. Their goal was to remind people of all ages that it is fun to read. As you approach the end of your … read more »
Most schools and teachers prepare summer reading lists for students, but have you considered creating a summer science list? Summer is the perfect opportunity for students to explore science concepts through online videos, hands-on projects, and digital learning courses. Now is the time to consider options to share with your students for interesting science activities … read more »
John Steinbeck is one of America’s greatest authors. His books expertly depict his time’s social and economic hardships and injustices, using compassionate writing to help readers develop empathy. Steinbeck is known for highlighting the fringes of society and forcing his readers to confront realities they would rather hide from. This is one reason he won … read more »
What can your public library do for you as a teacher or school librarian? Schools and public libraries working together is a winning combination! Public libraries offer a wide variety of services as well as learning, programming, and collaboration opportunities for teachers and school librarians. Finding your closest public library is a breeze with the … read more »