Outdoor Carnival

Create an unforgettable last of school by transforming your schoolyard into an outdoor carnival. This event can be just for your class, the entire grade, or even the whole school. Invite parent volunteers to help set up and run carnival games such as ring toss, dress-up like a clown relay race, dunk a teacher in a dunk tank, or any other fun games you can think of. If you have a schoolwide event, consider inviting food trucks, a local magician, or a DJ to make this an enjoyable event that students will remember for years to come.

Talent Show

What’s a better way to show your students diverse talents than a talent show? Encourage students to show off their unique gifts by allowing them to showcase their skills of singing, dancing, playing an instrument, performing magic tricks, stand-up comedy, gymnastics, cheerleading, or any other skill they would like to perform for an audience of their peers.

Not only is this a great way to boost and create a sense of community, but it’s also a fun way to end the school year with a sense of belonging and school pride. Encourage any students who don’t want to perform to choose a different role such as decorating, being the MC, helping with technical support, or the lighting. This will ensure every student will contribute to the success of the show.

Advice from Graduates

A fun way to wrap up the school year is to have students write letters of advice to the new, incoming students who will be entering the classroom next school year. As a class, start a discussion to generate ideas on what kinds of topics new students would benefit from learning about. For example, subjects they’ll study, the daily schedule, or field trips they’ll go on.

Then have each student write a letter based on the topics you discussed, including any personal advice they would like to add. Following this, have students peer edit one another’s letters checking for any errors before they type up their final versions. Finally, either save the letters for next year, mail the letters to the new students, or distribute the letters during the next meet and greet event.

Classroom Yearbook

A classroom yearbook is a great end-of-year activity that adds a more personal touch than just the standard schoolwide yearbook. This project allows students to express their individuality and contribute to a book that is solely based on their classroom experiences rather than schoolwide experiences. For younger students assign each student one page to draw, write, or decorate anything they wish that is a memory for them of the school year.

Add their name and photograph and create colored copies of each page to attach to a book for each student. For older students, have them take on roles similar to a professional yearbook, such as editors, writers, photographers, etc. They can incorporate elements such as collages, QR codes, or quotes from classmates. On the last day of school, had out the compiled classroom yearbook for students to sign.

Positive Reflections

A heartwarming, last day of school activity is the positive words exercise. This activity involves students sharing kind words about one another. There are two ways you can do this activity. The first is to place a photograph of each student on a separate piece of paper. ��Then, pass around each photo sheet and have students anonymously write one kind thing about the student around the image. Encourage students to not repeat what someone has already written. Compliments should only be positive comments such as, “thoughtful, kind, funny, generous, etc.”

Another variation of this activity is to have students use a form to write complimentary words for each classmate. After they fill out the forms, you can either compile all the comments into a personalized message for each student or have the students themselves assemble the comments for their peers. This allows each student to receive a collection of positive feedback while feeling a sense of belonging and community within the classroom.

Reflective Circle

A fun way to foster a sense of closure on the last of school is to try this reflective circle activity. This activity involves gathering students together in a circle to reflect upon the school year. Students take turns recounting their memories, sharing any challenges they’ve overcome, discussing new friendships they’ve made, and reflecting on any positive or negative experiences they’ve had during the school year.

Students can also take this time to set new goals or discuss their plans for the future. Sharing these thoughts can inspire others, give students a sense of belonging, and help to foster a more empathetic classroom environment.

These hands-on last-day-of-school activities offer an engaging and enjoyable way to ring out the school year. Moreover, they provide students with a way to celebrate, create, and share classroom memories and keepsakes that they will cherish for many years to come.

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Drawing in the Air

An effective��and engaging way to enhance the development of a solid pencil grip is to have children practice air drawing. Encourage kids to draw shapes, letters, and numbers in the air using their fingers. This activity is not only fun for little ones, but it also helps to reinforce required for writing and drawing. To further their experience, incorporate lightweight objects the same way they would a pencil.��This��is a great way to strengthen their muscles and help coordination.

Tracing with Fingers and Thick Crayons��

Before giving kids a pencil, begin with tracing activities.��First��have them use their fingers to trace shapes, numbers, and letters. You can use sand, shaving cream, or flour on any smooth surface to help familiarize children with basic movements and patterns. Digital tablets are another fun way to��familiarize��children with these movements.

Once they’ve gotten comfortable tracing with their��fingers��they transition to thick crayons or markers. These objects are ideal for little hands because they make it easier to grip and control. As they build grip strength, they will develop the skills���ٳ󲹳���are���Ա�������for pencil grasp.

Sorting Objects��

Enhance fine motor skills through object sorting. Manipulating small objects takes control and will help develop the fine motor skills needed for an��effective��pencil grip. As children sort items, they use muscles in their hands that are critical for handwriting. This simple hands-on activity is an enjoyable task that will help cultivate the motor skills��that are��necessary for a��strong��pencil grip. Have children use tweezers, chopsticks, or clothespins to pick up small objects like beads or buttons. They can also use food items like Cheerios or Skittles��that they can��snack on later.

Use Playdough, Clay, or Puddy

Squeezing, pushing, poking, rolling, and molding soft objects like playdough is a lot of fun. It’s also a great way to strengthen the muscles on your fingers and hands. Whether a child is rolling the playdough into a snake, crafting it into balls, or flattening it like a pancake, they are improving their��dexterity, which is essential for holding a pencil��properly. This sensory-rich activity is not only stimulating and fun, but it’s also helping to lay the groundwork for��effective��handwriting skills.

Crafting Activities��

Engaging in crafting activities allows children to refine their motor skills through controlled movements. For example, cutting with scissors, threading beads, and squeezing glue onto paper shapes demands coordination and��dexterity. These skills are critical for the strength and control necessary for a proper pencil hold. These activities also require concentration and patience, which helps prepare children for the structure needed with writing.

Lacing

Lacing cards is an activity that has been around for a long time and��is still used��today. It’s an effective tool for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Threading a lace through small holes requires a pincer grip, a pinch between your thumb and forefinger. This type of grip is similar to what children need when holding a pencil. By incorporating lacing cards, you are aiding in developing fine motor control and enhancing��cognitive abilities that children will use in their everyday tasks.

Using Grippers

Pencil grips are wonderful tools for helping children master . They��provide a guide for��proper finger placement and help make the grip more comfortable. Since pencil grippers are available in various shapes and sizes, children can try��out��a grip that caters to their preferences.��This��ensures that every child can find a gripper �ٳ󲹳���is supportive of��their hand shape. These tools aim to enhance the writing experience for young learners, making it more enjoyable and helping them maintain the correct pencil grip.

Pencil Grip Relay

Create a fun pencil grip relay race to make learning how to hold a pencil fun. This interactive activity turns��a basic��exercise into a fun challenge, where children��have to��balance a pencil while maintaining a secure grip. The physical movement of this competitive race encourages kids to adjust their grip to find a comfortable hold that allows them to complete their task. Additionally, a relay race promotes concentration, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, social skills, and sportsmanship.

Using Games to Improve Pencil Grip

There are a variety of board games children can play that can help develop their fine motor skills and improve their pencil grip. Many��of these��games require a steady hand, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control. Here are a few ideas:

• Operation
• Bed Bugs
• Sneaky, Snacky, Squirrel Game
• Avalanche Fruit Salad
• Perfection
• Don’t Break the Ice
• Jenga
• Connect Four

Mastering pencil grip is��important��for every child’s writing development.��By integrating��these activities into your daily routine, you are supporting��fine motor development in a fun, enjoyable way.

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These executive function skills, the ability to focus, ignore distractions, hold pieces of information, and adapt to changing circumstances, are essential for learning, behavior, and development in children. However, not all children thrive in these areas at the same time, and some may need additional support to improve their development in executive function. Here are a few practical strategies can employ in the classroom to help enhance executive function skills among students.

Teach about Executive Function

Teaching students about executive function can help them understand and recognize the impact of managing their emotions. When students know that these skills are like a muscle that needs to be exercised, it may help them understand how to prioritize these skills to enhance them. Encourage students to discuss their experiences of putting off a task or poor planning.

Stop during lessons to have students reflect on what may have during the lesson or how they can refocus to get back on task. These strategies may help students recognize why they struggle and learn what they can do next time to improve their performance.

Create a Structured Environment

A predictable classroom can help students with executive dysfunction because it provides a stable learning environment that students can rely on. Clear rules, routines, and schedules create a sense of safety for students who may feel overwhelmed by their surroundings. Visuals can serve as reminders of their schedule or rules helping students focus more on learning than what they must do next.

The way the classroom is organized can also have an impact on the way students learn. Designing the classroom to help minimize distractions can aid in smoother transitions and less anxiety. Overall, a structured environment provides a valuable framework where students can thrive.

Use a Checklist or a Planner

Students who struggle with executive function skills may need to get more organized. Using a checklist can help students break down tasks into smaller steps while a planner can help remind them when assignments are due. Checklists can make tasks feel less overwhelming and more achievable because they minimize the mental strain of having to make decisions.

Students with executive function issues often have poor memory, so planners help them remember. However, if you forget to write it down, then you won’t know, so this is where tech tool planners come in handy where can post assignments to make it easier for students with executive dysfunction to remember when assignments are due.

Model Executive Function Skills

Modeling is an instructional strategy that can play a huge role in supporting and teaching executive function skills. Just serving as an example can have a big impact on your students. Something as simple as walking students through your thought process on how you planned your lesson, , or managed your emotions can be helpful because you are giving students a concrete, real-life example of how to apply these life skills.

Additionally, you can also model how you face an unexpected classroom interruption, how to calmly solve a problem, or adjust to change even when you are feeling overwhelmed. By seeing these skills in action students are learning how to navigate their way through life more effectively.

Utilize Technology

can help support executive function skills among students by offering them a way to manage their workload and organize their tasks. Students who have trouble with time management and organization can especially benefit because many tech tools can be tailored to various student needs. Students who struggle with deadlines or keeping track of assignments can benefit from reminder apps or digital calendars or utilize task management tools to help break down tasks into more manageable parts. By integrating these tech tools, students will be better able to manage their workload confidently.

Incorporate Physical Activity and Mindfulness

Students can improve their executive function skills by engaging in regular physical activity and mindfulness. One����found that children who engaged in aerobic fitness had greater white matter in their brain which was linked to enhanced executive function. Another����found that interventions that focused on mindfulness practices could improve executive functions like memory and impulse control, reducing anxiety and improving brain performance.

Personalize Interventions

Some students may not develop executive functions to the same extent as their classmates and may require more personalized intervention. can identify the specific areas that need development and develop a tailored approach to support the student. Through counseling, instructional strategies, coping mechanisms, software ��������Ƶ, and targeted skill-building activities, students who require additional support will learn to develop the essential skills they need to succeed.

Supporting executive function in the classroom takes a lot of forethought and requires implementing practical strategies. However, by creating a learning environment that supports the development of these functions you are fostering a classroom where students will thrive well beyond just the classroom.

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Embracing Video Games

Video games can be used as a powerful classroom tool as long as they are used to enhance your learning objectives. Be sure to select games that align with the subject matter you are teaching, and develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, etc. Use these interactive learning experiences to help students connect their virtual experiences and their real-life experiences. Utilizing video games in the classroom requires an open mind and a willingness to be innovative with strategies that are unlike your traditional teaching methods.

Video Games for Enhanced Learning��

Some games are designed with educational content in mind while other strategic or multi-player games help learners make decisions or develop social skills. Here are a few video games you can use in the classroom to engage students.

Minecraft Education��

��transforms the traditional block-based game into an interactive learning platform that engages students through building projects and challenges. This edition of Minecraft enables teachers to incorporate it into all subject areas of their curriculum (math, science, history). Throughout this game, students will apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they work collaboratively with others to navigate their way through the quests together.

Civilization VI

��is a strategy-based game where students build a civilization from scratch. It requires students to have a basic understanding of geography and money because they will need to spend their money for the greater good of society – think military, urban development, and public goods. Throughout the game, students will be engaged in historical, cultural, and geopolitical concepts while developing a variety of skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.����

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

��can be used in the classroom as a great teaching tool because it blends historical facts with engaging storytelling and challenging puzzles for students to complete. Set in World War I, students will navigate their way through this comic-book-style video game and gain a deeper understanding of historical and global conflicts. As an adventure game, it offers a unique way to develop student’s emotional intelligence and empathy by learning historical facts through an engaging and interactive learning experience.

DragonBox Series

�ճ����, developed by the educational company Kahoot, is a video game series that teaches and reinforces math concepts. This collection of games uses interactive puzzles and challenges to teach mathematical concepts ranging from basic arithmetic to multiplication, algebra, and geometric elements. By engaging students in this interactive learning experience, students gain a deep understanding of math concepts while developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Kerbal Space Program

��is a physics-based space simulation game that teaches students about aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics. As students design, manage, and launch their own space missions they are learning skills and concepts that encourage critical thinking and decision-making. Students must consider real-world challenges as they complete missions and apply mathematical concepts to calculate successful missions. Students also learn the importance of planning, adapting, and persevering while engaging in gameplay.

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Implementing Video Games��

Using video games as a teaching tool in the classroom requires some planning to ensure an optimal learning experience. Here are a few steps to ensure an enriching learning experience.

Identify Your Objectives

Planning starts by selecting games that align with your objectives. What do you want your students to get out of this video game? Once you have a clear purpose, it will help you narrow down which type of game you want your students to play.

Select Games

Games should be aligned with your objectives and should be age-appropriate. Research games suitable for all skill levels within your specific age range. First, look for games that have been developed with educational outcomes in mind. These games usually have resources for teachers that will help fit into your curriculum. If you can’t find any, then remember other games can still provide a valuable learning experience. Just look for games in a specific genre or subject area where skills of strategy or other skills can be applied.

Plan, Prepare, and Integrate Resources

Like any lesson plan, plan how your game will fit into the curriculum. Will it introduce a new concept or review an old one? Once you know this you can then prepare your resources such as gathering technology, installing software, creating user accounts, or familiarizing yourself with the game. Finally, you will introduce the game to students and discuss your objectives and expected outcomes, so students understand the purpose of playing as well as the expectations you have set.

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Integrating video games into the classroom is a forward-thinking approach that can appeal to student interests. By carefully selecting games and balancing them with traditional teaching methods, you can enhance your students’ learning experience and create a classroom environment where students are engaged and captivated by innovative teaching methods.

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Most experience students’ glazed eyes, heads down, whispering, texting under the table and disruptive classroom behavior. While frustrating to teachers, these behaviors indicate that students are overdue for a brain break.��Dr. Judy Willis, author of “” informs educators that the requests for water, bathroom, and behavior flare-ups may not be excuses to skip out on work. Granted, let’s be honest, sometimes they are! However, teachers who understand brain science know why these student behaviors happen. It’s natural for students to get fidgety, off-task, and drive us to our last nth of sanity by the end of the week!

Don’t flee the education field demoralized like a wounded soldier. Arm yourself every morning with brain science-backed strategies for effective teaching and energized students. Brain science explains how to fight off student disengagement before it occurs (Willis, 2020).

Learning begins at the (RAS) inside the brain. Our students’ RAS filters an enormous amount of sensory information created by the environment. Imagine the RAS as the sifter you use when sifting flour to bake a cake. Visualize one tiny grain of flour falling into the bowl from a five-pound bag. That is the power of the RAS. Luckily, students can manipulate the RAS intake as they get older (Willis, 2020).

The RAS alerts the brain to stimuli for protection from danger. Hence, any external stimuli more exciting than the teacher wins! While great for directing focus to emergencies, the RAS does not always serve our student population. If a student finds the curriculum or the teacher’s delivery mundane, the RAS blocks the information from entering the prefrontal cortex or “higher brain.” The results: Students are not learning. Likely, students did not even process the teacher’s words. Can you hear the echoes of, “What page is it on again?” Students can listen and retain a page number. Unfortunately, their RAS was busy letting in other sensory information instead of the teacher’s instruction (Willis, 2020).

Competing to make it through the RAS filter is the first step in better teaching practices and improving student achievement.��Our voices must be the sensory information launched into the prefrontal cortex where memory and critical thinking occur. Then, students connect previously learned information to the current lesson for the chance of the information going from short to long term memory (Willis, 2020). As educators, we must stare ourselves down to find the facets of content delivery which lose the RAS fight.

We reminisce over decades of “sit and get” teaching, but that methodology does not meet the 21st century students’ needs. Willis’s 2020 brain science and education research tells us that students learn through appealing entertainment. Essentially, today’s effective teacher is a “teachertainer.”

The Benefits of Brain Breaks for Classroom Management and Academic Achievement

Teachertainers��teach higher-order thinking strategically in brain breaks and lock freshly learned skills into the prefrontal cortex on the sly! Think with me for a second. A brain break, in its essence, is a time used to relieve cognitive stress, boredom, and frustration.��Teachertainers��purposefully use brain breaks to reset attention, focus, motivation, and the joy of learning with activities students perceive as a “break.” Don’t waste time letting your students sit and gossip! Willis (2020) details a myriad of strategies to tap into strengthening neural connections in the brain and boosting intrinsic motivation in, “Research-based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from Neuroscience and the Classroom.”

Teachertainers��frame the brain break as a “break” from complex thinking, but secretly, it’s where learning, memory storage, and classroom management overhauls can occur!

Here’s the kicker: Short brain breaks need to happen before boredom sets in. This allows the information to move to working memory (Willis, 2020). Especially for middle and high school students, hearing the word “break” increases dopamine levels refreshing the brain’s curiosity and receptiveness to learning.

Teachertainer��Strategies

Choosing activities that build a collaborative team spirit is a classroom climate booster. A simple student-led Simon Says game increases oxygen flow to the brain as students unwittingly practice focus and attention skills.��Teachertain��with encouragement and laughter, transforming any student awkwardness into positive energy.

Try handing students mini-whiteboards and markers. Ask them to draw a symbol representing happiness but restrict drawing the typical emoji or smiley face. Watch small grins circle the room as students’ imaginations spin the details of their personalized happy symbol. Have students close their eyes. No peeking! Quickly swap the whiteboards. Ask students to play a guessing game matching each student to the right symbol.��Teachertain��by celebrating students’ individualities. Act as if you hit the MegaMillions Jackpot with awe and enthusiasm for students’ creative connections. Don’t forget to lead snapping or clapping for each correct guess!

After a few days of brain “break” strategies like these, classroom management begins to take care of itself. Watch student leaders defend a classmate against an unkind jest. Students advocate for what they value. Now, they value each other’s contribution to the team.

With harmonious classroom management, the��Teachertainer��can seamlessly weave in and out of brain breaks, continually elevating students’ love for learning and each other.

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Call and Response Techniques

Call and response techniques are an age-old method to gain attention. However, teachers are getting creative and turning old, boring into new, unique responses that require students to participate in the classroom actively. Here are a few verbal attention-getters teachers have shared online that use humorous or fun phrases to engage their students. These attention-getters involve students because they require an immediate response. Feel free to be creative and change them up.

Teacher: “Macaroni and cheese.”
Students: “Everybody freeze.”

Teacher: “Hocus pocus.”
Students: “Everybody focus.”

Teacher: “Ready to rock.”
Students: “Ready to roll.”

Teacher: “One, two.”
Students: “Eyes on you.”

Teacher: “One, two, three, eyes on me.”
Students: “Three, two, one, talking is done.”

Using Music and Sound Effects

or any type of sound effect while transiting between activities or just when you need your students’ eyes on you is a great way to gain their attention without having to raise your voice or use your voice at all. At the beginning of the school year, select a specific song or sound that represents when students need to stop what they are doing immediately to focus on you. This can effectively allow students to quietly transition from their task to you without any loud disruptions. Enlist the help of your students when choosing a sound or song to enhance their engagement.

Ideas include:

• Bells
• Chimes
• Nature sounds
• Animal sounds
• Short clips of classical music
• Popular TV show theme songs
• Digital sound effects

Visual Aids

A powerful non-verbal cue to draw students’ attention back to you without having to use your voice is to use . Visual aids can be an effective method because they clearly understand what is expected of students. They also cater to visual learners who may find it easier to remember something that they’ve seen rather than heard. Additionally, they are a non-disruptive reminder to focus on you, the teacher, without disrupting the flow of what is currently going on in the classroom.

The following visual aids may cater to different learning styles.

• Countdown posters
• Red, yellow, and green signal light
• Hand signal chart
• Interactive whiteboard

Hand Gestures

Nonverbal attention-getters like are a great way to manage the classroom because they are nondisruptive ways to communicate with students. By establishing a hand gesture, you reduce the noise level and interruptions that other signals may cause. Before implementing any hand gestures, clearly define what they mean and routinely practice them. Additionally, adjust signals if you find they aren’t working or add more if you find they are working.

Try these non-verbal attention-getters:

Teacher: Lifts hand to signal “Give me five”
Students: Respond by raising their hands.

Teacher: Touches their ear to ensure students are listening.
Students: Respond by touching their ear.

Teacher: Holds five fingers up and puts one down at a time for a silent countdown to be quiet.

Lighting Cues

You may recall when you were a student the simple flicker of the light switch would signal it’s time to quiet down, get back to your seat, or face the teacher. This signal for quieting down or starting something new can draw attention in a matter of seconds. The reason teachers did it back then is the same reason teachers still do it today, it works. This non-verbal cue quickly captures the student’s attention without saying a word.

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What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in a position that is directly between the Earth and the sun. This alignment causes the Earth’s shadow to temporarily dim the sun’s brightness from us, turning the day into night.

Date and Visibility

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the total eclipse will move across North America, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. According to , if you live in the United States the path of the eclipse will travel through, “Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.” These states will experience a total eclipse and a partial eclipse before and after.

Here is an example from NASA’s website if you were viewing from Buffalo, New York:

Partial begins: 2:04 p.m. EDT

Totality begins: 3:18 p.m. EDT

Maximum: 3:20 p.m. EDT

Totality ends: 3:22 p.m. EDT

Partial ends: 4:32 p.m. EDT

Classroom Activities

The solar eclipse is an excellent teaching moment, not just in science class. To further enrich students’ knowledge about the upcoming solar eclipse, consider these classroom activities that cover a broad range of curriculum topics.

Astronomy

Go back to the basics and begin by explaining or having students research what a solar eclipse is. Discuss the positions of the Earth, sun, and moon and how they align to create a solar eclipse. Discuss the different types of eclipses such as the total, partial, and annual, and have students research if the eclipse is visible where you live.

If you are in the path of totality or partial totality, organize a viewing event for your school. Be sure to discuss safety measures such as eclipse viewing glasses. If you are not in the viewing path, you can have students view a from NASA on the day of the event.

Environmental Science

Solar eclipses affect the environment and animal behavior. The sudden shift of daylight to darkness can change temperature and animal behavior. For example, the temperature dropped 15 degrees Fahrenheit during the 2017 solar eclipse. Also, bats have been reported to be active during the day, and family pets have been seen displaying confusion or restlessness.

Ask students to observe these environmental and animal responses both before, during, and after the eclipse. After monitoring these shifts, have students explore the connections they’ve found. This will help deepen students’ understanding of the interconnectedness of the earth and its species and systems.

Mathematics

It takes mathematics to predict a solar eclipse. One of the concepts used to predict an eclipse is the . Challenge students to predict when and where the next solar eclipse will happen by using this method. Discuss the geometry that’s involved in eclipse path such as the angles and different types of eclipses, this will help students understand the geometric principles.

You can also use the solar eclipse to teach students about measuring time and shadows. Students can observe and measure the shadows before, during, and after the eclipse. Then, students can compare their findings and better understand proportional reasoning.

Geography

The path of totality will span across the United States from Texas to Maine. Have students examine a map of the United States and answer specific questions on how different locations within the United States will experience the solar eclipse. You can modify NASA’s for grades sixth through eighth for younger or older students. Or, you can have students map out the path of totality themselves and research which countries and regions will experience the solar eclipse. This lesson can then lead to a history lesson about how other cultures view the eclipse.

English

The 2024 solar eclipse offers an opportunity for students to have a deeper appreciation of the solar event through creative writing and literature. Inspired by the solar eclipse students can create a poem or create a story about themselves or a character witnessing the eclipse. They can write a , a journal entry, or even a persuasive essay about observing this celestial event. By integrating the solar eclipse into your English activities, you are encouraging creative and critical thinking skills and helping students make sense of this rare event.

Art

Unlock your students’ creativity and let the eclipse inspire young artists. Encourage students to explore their creative side by drawing, painting, creating digital art, or photographing the solar eclipse. If photographing, be sure to discuss the dangers of looking directly into an eclipse and how to capture the shot innovatively through the use of solar filters. Any artistic form of creative expression will only enhance students’ understanding of the solar eclipse and help to leave a lasting impact on this astonishing phenomenon.

The solar eclipse creates a unique learning opportunity where students can directly engage in their wonderment of the universe. The next solar eclipse won’t cross the United States again until 2044, so make this special event a focal point of learning and partake in these classroom activities because this experience is a rare phenomenon that will help to create a deeper understanding of the universe and beyond.

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What is a Makerspace?

A makerspace is an area in the classroom that is used for students to learn, explore, create, and collaborate. It’s also a place where students problem-solve, test, assemble, build, invent, and think outside of the box. These spaces are equipped with a variety of materials and tools that allow students to learn new skills and develop ideas.

Materials and tools may include arts and crafts, engineering supplies, and technology and robotics supplies. Emphasizing hands-on project-based learning, a makerspace is designed to appeal to all different learning styles and abilities. It’s a space to unite students to collaborate on projects, explore curiosities, and empower them to develop skills and solve problems.

Benefits of a Makerspace

Integrating a makerspace into your classroom can offer a multitude of benefits.����has demonstrated that makerspaces enhance students’ creativity, critical thinking, and design skills. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of setting up a makerspace in your classroom.

Enhances Engagement

A makerspace enhances student’s learning experience by involving them in hands-on, interactive activities. This active participation fosters a deeper connection to what students are learning, making the process more enjoyable. As students see their creations come to life, their internal motivation and self-confidence rise. This engagement can lead to a more fulfilling learning experience for students.

Nurtures Creative Thinking and Innovation

Makerspaces are a dedicated space that fosters creativity and exploration. Learners are challenged to push the boundaries and think outside of the box. As students experiment with their ideas and with the tools and materials provided, they are creatively risk-taking and embracing innovation. As creators, they are developing skills that are necessary for their future.

Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

While creating in a makerspace, students will encounter challenges. These experiences will develop their and problem-solving skills. They will learn how to navigate a variety of problems and how to assess and problem-solve to make an informed decision. This analytical process will equip students to tackle any future problems with confidence.

Encourages Collaboration and Communication Skills

Makerspaces are a collaborative environment where students use their interpersonal skills to work in a team to complete a project. This cooperative environment is a place where students share their ideas, listen to others, and share responsibilities. Through this interaction, students are exposed to different perspectives, which will not only help to broaden their understanding of others but also will equip them with the social skills they need to collaborate with others in the future.

How to Create a Makerspace in Your Classroom

Creating a makerspace doesn’t require a large budget or a lot of space in the classroom. Here are a few tips on how to get started.

Establish your Goal

What do you want your students to get out of the space? Whether it’s to foster creativity, encourage innovation, or enhance problem-solving skills, you need to come up with a clear objective. It may be all three of those things. If so, figure out what your goal is so you can then gather your materials and begin your setup of the space.

Gather your Materials

You will need a variety of materials and tools that will align with the specific age group and skill level of your students. Source basic craft supplies such as paper, glue, scissors, and markers, which are items that are most likely already in your classroom. For younger students, you can acquire engineering and technology items such as Legos, iPads, magnetic blocks, and other manipulatives. To acquire larger sources such as 3D printers or other high-tech equipment, you will need to talk to the administration to see if there are any potential technology or science or seek contributions from donors.

Design the Space

A makerspace can be a table in the classroom, a designated corner, or even a mobile cart that is stocked with materials and can be wheeled around wherever you need it to go. This specific zone should be organized with materials and tools readily available for students to create. Ideally, a well-thought-out makerspace should be adaptable, flexible, and accessible, and inspire students to think creatively and critically.

Guide and Instruct Students

It’s crucial to equip students on how to safely create and collaborate in the makerspace. Instruction and support should be ongoing to foster a safe and confident learning environment. The more you expand your skill set on how to make the most of a maker space, the more enriching you will make your students’ learning experiences. Start by explaining the purpose of a makerspace, then go over safety protocols and how to safely use tools and the space properly. Next, encourage students to explore and experiment by working on projects with others.

Creating a makerspace in the classroom will not only enhance your student’s learning experience but also prepare them for any challenges in the future. By fostering a space where students can be creative and innovative, as well as work within a team, you are equipping them with the skills that are necessary to succeed in the future.

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The Importance of Good Handwriting

suggests that writing by hand engages the brain more than if you were typing on a keyboard. It also improves your memory and understanding of what you are learning. Additionally, neat, legible handwriting can have a positive impact on student grades.

Understanding the Purpose

To foster neat handwriting skills, students need to understand the purpose behind their writing. To ensure great penmanship students must know who their audience is and why their message needs to be clear. Once they understand this, it will help pave the way for them to communicate more legibly.

Identifying Challenges

Before teaching any improvement strategies, you must understand any challenges students may have. For example, lack of fine motor skills, poor grip, lack of confidence, or lack of interest. You must first address these challenges before moving on to any new strategies.

Improvement Strategies

Here are a few effective strategies to improve handwriting skills.

Back to the Basics

Improving handwriting skills means focusing on the basics like pencil grip and correct posture, these two components play a huge role in enhancing the quality of a student’s writing. Try adjusting their grip to find what’s comfortable for them. Proper posture is another important component of neat handwriting. Sitting upright with feet on the floor and paper-angled can help students write better and prevent discomfort.

Daily Practice

Handwriting improves with practice. Therefore, students must practice their handwriting daily. Worksheets are great for practicing letter formation and proper spacing between letters and words. One way to incorporate daily handwriting exercises into your curriculum is to create a handwriting station. This designated area in the classroom should include paper, pencils, practice writing worksheets, markers, crayons, stickers, stencils, or any other material that would make handwriting practice fun.

Creating Incentives

Creating incentives to improve handwriting is a strategy that will motivate students to work harder and put forth their best effort. Whether it’s a tangible award like a prize from the prize box or simple praise from a teacher or peer, or a display of students’ work, students are more likely to try. ��Incentives can also help to build confidence and give students a sense of accomplishment.

Using Multi-Sensory Techniques

To ensure you’re meeting the needs of use multisensory techniques. Here are a few ideas. Tactile learners can trace letters in sand or shaving cream helping them feel the correct formations of the letters. Kinesthetic learners can form letters in the air with their arms, mimicking the shape of the letters. Auditory learners can step, clap, or sing the letter formation to help retention. While visual learners can use visual aids or charts as a model to emulate.

Incorporating Technology

Technology may sound counterintuitive when it comes to improving handwriting skills, but there are specific apps designed to complement traditional handwriting methods. For example, the app allows students to trace lines, shapes, and letters with the option to remove tracing lines. Students also have to trace the letter five times correctly before they can move on to the next letter making it an engaging and interactive way to practice letter formation.

Personalizing Student Experience

You must remember that each student is unique and what works for one student may not work for another. That is why it’s essential to identify any challenges a student may have first, then work with them to employ specific techniques that are tailored to how they learn best.

Using positive Reinforcement

Handwriting is a long process that takes a lot of patience, which is why it’s so important to offer plenty of positive reinforcement. The more supportive a student’s learning environment is, the more they will be motivated to practice. The more they practice, the better their handwriting will become.

Get Parents Involved

Involve parents in the process by sending home practice materials to reinforce what’s being learned in the classroom. For example, handwriting worksheets, names of apps to download for practice, as well as tips such as creating a comfortable writing space in the home and using a reward system to keep their child motivated.

Handwriting is an essential skill that cannot be overlooked even in this digital era. Not only does it enhance cognitive development and understanding but it also improves memory retention and comprehension. To foster neat handwriting in students, it’s important to highlight its purpose, implement effective strategies such as incentives, technology, and daily practice, as well as motivate students to take pride in their penmanship. By doing so you are equipping students for academic success that’s beyond digital tools.

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There’s no denying that technology is a powerful tool to have in the classroom, however, despite the numerous benefits, more people are realizing the importance of taking a step back and unplugging from technology. Taking a tech break offers relief to both teachers and students as well as promotes a classroom environment that engages interaction and supports various learning styles.

How a Tech Break Can Be Beneficial

Tech breaks can have a significant impact on both students and teachers. Here are a few of the benefits.

Increases Focus and Attention

��have examined the impact that screen time has had on a child’s attention and concentration and have found that excessive screen time is associated with attention problems such as distracted focus and reduced concentration. A tech break allows students to adjust their focus and become more engaged in learning with material that is not on a screen.

Promotes Social Skills

While tech tools offer ways to connect with others it doesn’t offer the face-to-face interaction that you get when you are in front of someone. These types of interactions are crucial for developing social skills like learning social cues that are needed to interact with other humans. By stepping away from technology and encouraging direct communication, students will learn the interpersonal skills that are essential for them to navigate through life.

Reduces Anxiety

��have shown that depression, anxiety, aggression, eye strain, and memory problems are just a few of the health concerns that technology is responsible for. Yet, we continue to pick up our smartphones and use our digital devices each day. By unplugging we can help calm our students’ minds. Tech breaks can help alleviate digital fatigue, stress levels, and our overall well-being.

Stimulates Creativity

When you’re unsure about something, it’s convenient to simply “Google” it for a quick answer. However, without technology, you’re compelled to engage in critical thinking. Unplugging from technology forces students to be creative and think outside of the box, encouraging them to come up with ideas without relying on technology. This not only boosts their imagination but also their problem-solving skills.

Helps with Present-Moment Awareness

Technology can be distracting, the constant notifications on your phone can force you to react immediately. Unplugging can help students live in the moment. One study from����found that when students went on a media fast they reported feeling present-moment awareness. They also used words such as mindfulness, presence, and sensory awareness to describe their experience without technology, indicating their ability to engage in the moment they are in without the distraction of technology.

Ways to Unplug From Classroom Tech

Implementing strategies to disconnect from digital tools offers an enriching educational experience. Here are three ideas on how to foster more human interaction.

Implement Tech-Free Zones

Create designated spaces throughout your school where technology is off-limits. For example, a specific place in the library where students can unplug and use traditional research methods with books. Specific classrooms such as the art room or music room where students are required to partake in hands-on learning.

During lunchtime, students will be forced to interact with one another instead of being on their smartphones. By implementing tech-free zones, you are supporting a variety of different learning experiences that will help contribute to a balanced educational experience that students will hopefully see the value of.

Take Learning Outdoors

Whenever feasible, take learning outside of the classroom. Outdoor education steps beyond traditional teaching methods and creates educational opportunities where students are in nature or other spaces that are not the classroom. Outdoor educational experiences take students away from their screens and give them real-world experiences where they can develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Nature walks, and field trips to museums or businesses offer engaging experiences where students can gain knowledge and skills that will enrich their education beyond using technology.

Integrate Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning (PBL) entails students actively exploring real-world issues and challenges through hands-on learning and experiments. This learning approach fosters an interactive, collaborative experience that doesn’t have to rely on technology. Through teamwork and experimentation, students learn from one another while developing essential skills that will prepare them for their future.

Utilize Creative Arts

Implementing the use of more creative arts is another way to unplug from technology. You are taking them away from screentime by having students engage in painting, drawing, theater, music, drama, or any art form that will help them express themselves. Allow students to explore their creative interests and get a break from the constant stimulation of technology. Not only will they benefit from creativity, but the break will also contribute to their personal well-being as well as promote a healthy balance between digital devices and hands-on learning experiences.

Finding a Balanced Approach

Unplugging from technology offers many benefits such as increased focus, present-moment awareness, more face-to-face interaction, and a calm mind. However, it’s also important to understand the value that it brings to education. The key is to find a balanced approach. To do this you may need to set tech guidelines for students to follow to ensure digital tools are being used to enhance learning and not distract students from learning. You may also create a classroom atmosphere where students understand the value of using tech tools and other traditional educational experiences.

Taking a tech break and unplugging from classroom technology does not dismiss the use of digital devices; it simply demonstrates the need for balance. By integrating tech breaks and showing students the value of digital and non-digital learning experiences, you are fostering an educational setting that equips students for any challenges in their lives.

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