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How to Ramp Up Science Activities Using the Fair Test

August 9, 2018

elementary science, Fair Test, Scientific Method

For a full-blown experiment, kids use the fair test. They compare two (or more) things. All other variables are controlled. Asking students to measure and repeat seals the deal. (more…)

How to Use Scientific Inquiry in Your Classroom

August 2, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, Learn, Science

elementary science, scientific inquiry

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Scientific inquiry starts with a messy problem. Kids find the solution by trial and error. Give your science activities a little twist – and let kids figure stuff out themselves.…

How to Encourage Kids to Make Generalizations in Science

July 26, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, Learn, Science

elementary science, making generalizations

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Generalizations force kids to zero in on scientific concepts. For higher level thinking, give your science activities a twist. Begin with a conceptual question. Present a science activity. Then ask…

Remarkable STEM Picture Book That Will Make Kids Persevere

July 17, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, English Language Arts, Science

Biography, Design Process, Growth Model, Kathryn Lasky, STEAM, STEM, The Man Who Made Time Travel

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Are you looking for a great STEM picture book? Look no further! The Man Who Made Time Travel, written by Kathryn Lasky, tells the story of a simple man who persevered.…

12 Ways to Improve Narrative Writing [Third, Fourth & Fifth Grades]

June 22, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, English Language Arts, Learn

fifth grade, fourth grade, improving narrative writing, narrative writing, revising narrative writing, third grade

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Improve narrative writing in your classroom with a dozen handy hints! Focus on one or two each time kids write, and watch their writing shine! Read on for ideas and…

Teaching Kids to Write Stories [Fiction and Personal Narrative]

June 14, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, English Language Arts, Learn

fifth grade, fourth grade, narrative writing, personal narratives, teaching writing, third grade, writing fiction

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Teaching kids to write stories is a year-long process. To build strong structure, use these four steps. 1) Begin with a simple story line. 2) Help them focus on the…

Teaching the Two Sides of Writing [Fiction and Nonfiction]

June 9, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, English Language Arts, Learn

fiction, fifth grade, fourth grade, informational writing, informative writing, narrative writing, reading writing connection, third grade, two sides of writing, writing fiction, writing nonfiction

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Teaching the two sides of writing is the essential piece in your ELA instruction. First and foremost, kids must understand structures of fiction and nonfiction writing. Fiction writing uses a…

Five Fun Classroom Games [Intermediate Grades]

June 2, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Engage, Math

classroom games, classroom review, classroom review games, five games in one, motivational learning activities, review games

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Five fun classroom games motivate kids to learn! Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love them. Fortunately, it takes only a few minutes to convert your review sheets…

How to Improve Narrative Writing This Christmas

November 26, 2017

Brenda Kovich

Engage, English Language Arts

fifth grade, fourth grade, improving narrative writing, third grade

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Improve narrative writing this Christmas with just eight simple steps. It’s quick. It’s easy. And your kids will love it. (more…)

How to Make Back-to-School Math Fun

July 16, 2017

Brenda Kovich

Engage, Math

back to school math, beginning of year math, graphing

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Make back-to-school math fun! On the first day, engage students with a graphing icebreaker. First, challenge them to make a human graph – without talking. Then create a collaborative pictograph. Finally,…

Engage

How to Ramp Up Science Activities Using the Fair Test

How to Use Scientific Inquiry in Your Classroom

How to Encourage Kids to Make Generalizations in Science

Remarkable STEM Picture Book That Will Make Kids Persevere

12 Ways to Improve Narrative Writing [Third, Fourth & Fifth Grades]

Teaching Kids to Write Stories [Fiction and Personal Narrative]

Teaching the Two Sides of Writing [Fiction and Nonfiction]

Five Fun Classroom Games [Intermediate Grades]

How to Improve Narrative Writing This Christmas

How to Make Back-to-School Math Fun

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