Author: Sharon Hall

Sharon Hall is a dedicated education consultant with over two decades of experience in the field. A recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and a National Board Certified Elementary Educator, Sharon brings a wealth of classroom knowledge to her current role. She creates and moderates virtual webinars, writes educational blogs, and develops resources that help teachers integrate technology and innovative teaching strategies into their classrooms. With a Master's degree in Teaching from Miami University and extensive experience in elementary education, Sharon is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement. Her expertise spans from curriculum development to supporting English Language Learners, making her a valuable voice in the education community.

New Season, New Possibilities: Teaching with Sesame Street

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Did you sing along with the lyrics above or simply smile as you read them? Since Sesame Street first aired on November 10, 1969, those iconic lines have welcomed generations of children into a world of joyful learning. Through music, storytelling, and beloved characters—alongside memorable guests like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amanda Gorman, and Simone Biles—the show … read more »

Day of the Dead: Building Family Connections Through Cultural Celebration

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Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that honors and celebrates deceased loved ones. Observed on November 1 and 2, this holiday blends Indigenous customs with Catholic influences, building a rich tapestry of rituals and symbolism. For educators, it’s an opportunity to explore themes of memory, family, and … read more »

World Food Day: Building Empathy Through Food Stories

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World Food Day, observed on October 16, offers educators a meaningful opportunity to help students explore the connections between food, culture, and empathy. While food is a shared experience across all cultures, access, traditions, and meaning vary widely around the world. Bringing stories about food into the classroom helps students learn to see beyond their … read more »

AI-Powered Interactive Activity Creation with Canva Code

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You probably already know that Canva (reviewed here) can create stunning visuals in minutes, but what if it could also generate interactive activities without you having to learn how to code? It’s now possible with their AI code generator, Canva Code.  Canva Code makes it easy to transform your content into custom games, activities, and … read more »

The Energy Detective Approach: How to Integrate SDG #7 into Any Classroom

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What if your students could become real-world problem solvers while mastering essential academic skills? By transforming your classroom into an energy detective headquarters, you can seamlessly integrate UN Sustainable Development Goal #7—ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all—into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The energy detective approach converts abstract global challenges into … read more »

Dreaming with Depth: Using Thinking Routines to Explore MLK’s Speech Across Grade Levels

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On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before thousands and painted a dream of justice, dignity, and equality. His words still echo across classrooms today—but how do we help students truly hear them? On this anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, we invite educators to move beyond passive listening and … read more »

What’s New (and Awesome) in AI for the Classroom

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Educators using digital resources for classroom needs know that AI continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways. As we’ve passed the halfway point of 2025, it’s time to examine some of the latest and updated AI resources available. Interestingly, some longtime favorites have steadily and quietly transformed⁠–⁠adding powerful new features that deserve a fresh … read more »

Nature Photography Day: Picture-Perfect Ideas for K–12 Classrooms

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June 15 was Nature Photography Day, a perfect opportunity to combine creativity with curriculum while helping students develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. While the official day has passed, now is the ideal time to build on its excitement and momentum! Whether students captured stunning images yesterday or you’re looking to integrate photography … read more »

Experience the Magic: Canva AI for Educators

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Are you ready to transform your teaching materials? Canva’s Magic AI can help you create, transform, and edit documents, images, and presentations that magically save you time and engage your students.  Many of Canva’s AI Magic tools are only available in pro accounts, but you can access them for free by creating an educator account. … read more »

Enhancing Communication Skills with Emojis

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June is Effective Communication Month, dedicated to highlighting the importance of effective communication in our personal and professional lives. Although civilizations throughout history have found ways to communicate, the introduction of Morse code in 1844 marked the first use of technology to share messages instantaneously. We’ve come a long way since then, but effective communication—both … read more »