Math Storytelling Day

Not all elementary teachers love teaching math, but I do. I love encouraging classroom discussions about different ways to solve problems and think about math concepts. I love seeing students frustrated by a new skill and building confidence as they gain knowledge. I love it when I meet incoming students who say their favorite subject … read more »

Every Suitcase Tells a Story: Teaching Immigration, Identity, and Belonging

If you’ve ever held a well-worn suitcase—one with scuffs, scratches, maybe even a frayed handle—you know it carries more than just belongings. Suitcases hold stories. Memories. Hope. And for millions of immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island after it opened on January 1, 1892, that suitcase represented the bridge between the lives they left behind … read more »

Fairy Tales, Fables, and Myths, Oh My!

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”—Albert Einstein February is full of love, pride, historical connection, celebration, and the annual observation of a precognitive weather-forecasting rodent—but it’s also the birth month of a storytelling legend. Whilem Carl … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Adobe Podcast – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Adobe Podcast and discussed how to use the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework with Adobe Podcast in your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions for using this resource and shares classroom ideas that support all student learners.  Adobe Podcast’s free version offers a … read more »

Open-Ended Questions: A Powerful Tool for Language and Vocabulary Development

When teaching children, especially young learners, questions are more than just a way to check for understanding. They’re a gateway to deeper thinking, richer conversations, and meaningful learning. But not all questions are created equal. Open-ended questions, which invite more than a simple “yes” or “no,” encourage children to reflect, express themselves, and explore ideas. … read more »

New Season, New Possibilities: Teaching with Sesame Street

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 »

Tech Tool of the Month: The Achievery – Part 2

Welcome back! In Part 1, we explored how The Achievery aligns with the SAMR Model and Triple E Framework to support meaningful technology integration. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the practical side—how to get started, navigate the platform, and bring its engaging content into your classroom. Whether you’re planning whole-group instruction, … read more »

Day of the Dead: Building Family Connections Through Cultural Celebration

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 »