Science concepts can seem easy to teach and to learn, especially with the many videos, simulations, and resources at our fingertips these days. But all of us can voice facts but not truly understand them. Students can read and discuss scientific phenomenon but not...

​ Curiosity. Some may say “it killed the cat,” but curiosity drives innovation, problem solving, discovery, and success. Though we certainly want to teach students important skills and knowledge, curiosity is what keeps them learning and growing long after they leave...

As we eased into autumn and October, our 5th grade routines and structures continued. Students spent time each day keyboarding to build typing speed and accuracy, and they practiced their cursive handwriting too. Reading workshop brought opportunities to examine...

​ Science is often a favorite subject for students: it is, after all, the study of how our world works. Some of the earth science standards in grade 5 ask students to form answers to questions such as: "How much water can be found in different places on Earth? How...

​ The primary focus of our social studies work this school year will be U.S. history. We will explore and learn about our country’s beginnings; come to understand foundational documents like the US Constitution; consider how our founding citizens' values and vision...

I am a reader, a precious gift I received from my mom. Reading by her side from my earliest days, I learned from her that books transport you instantly across the world and time and space. I learned that I could have hundreds of friends who taught me all about life...

​ As we gratefully enjoyed some much-needed rain during this Labor Day week, our fifth grade scientists began to consider our watery planet. Our first science unit of this year will focus on interactions within Earth’s various systems, and in particular, Earth’s...

It’s great to be a teacher in the fall. A new school year brings a fresh start with fresh faces and all the promise that new beginnings are famous for. New supplies, a spruced up classroom, great ideas gathered from a  summer of reflection… all these things make this...

It's the end the of the year, and we frantically wrapping up loose ends and projects from the year. The three main projects that we are working on are our Choose Your Own Adventure Story, our novel writing project, and our mold experiments. Choose Your Own Adventure...

Electives are an important way for students to explore interests outside of the traditional curriculum. One of the electives that I just finished up with the students was photography. This elective was open to students in 1st through 5th grade. Each class had a...