Put writers in flight with Storybird

Storybird is a unique website bringing artists and writers together. Artists submit collections of their art and authors can use it to create storybooks for themselves or to share with others.

Calling all literary detectives

Add some drama to the classroom with this activity from A Teacher’s Treasure. Before starting a new book, this clever teacher has the author “send” the class a package with items about the book. Students can take turns holding the mystery package and using their senses  (listen to the sounds it makes when you shake […]

Hunting for Hunger Games lessons?

Have you visited Surviving to Thriving? Created by three smart teacher educators, it is a blog that offers just tons of resources for educators who want to learn as much as they want to teach. They cover a wide range of topics from YA literature to professional development to classroom management. I have been reading […]

Sanborn maps

Next time you are discussing a specific time in United States history with your students, pull up a Sanborn map to supplement your lesson.  Sanborn maps were created from 1867 to 1970 and show detailed information on the towns and buildings of about 12,000 places in the U.S.  Read more about the history of Sanborn […]

Plot swap

In browsing some homeschooling websites, we found this charming post by Amy about a great creative writing exercise. To try it, have students brainstorm on their own for a few minutes about a favorite or recent book they have read. Ask them to write down some details about the characters, plot, setting, etc. Then pair […]

Leveled libraries

Teachers often have questions about setting up the classroom library: How do I organize the books? How can I create a system that students will understand? How do I create options for students with different reading levels?

FUN FRIDAY: Cereal box book reports

Looking for a novel way for students to share favorite reads with peers? How about trying this cereal box book report idea from 3rd-grade teacher Mrs. Snyder found on her blog, Snyder’s Scoop? This clever educator not only had learners create boxes as part of their report but let them shoot commercials to “advertise” key […]

TODD’S TECH TUESDAY: “Friending” Atticus, Boo & Scout

Todd is busy working on installing some new technology in the office so I (Paula) am taking over today. Isn’t it appropriate to put him to work on figuring out the new printer on Tech Tuesday? In any case, today’s idea is so clever, I was torn between using it today or saving it for […]

Station teaching: The Diary of Anne Frank

Switching over to something for the English teacher, today’s post from Lenzi Hart at Bright Hub involves a series of articles on creating stations for The Diary of Anne Frank. One post provides information on preparing students for the book and subsequent posts outline ideas for the stations. Part I introduces the first part of […]

FUN FRIDAY: Drama at your fingertips

Today we are breaking tradition and featuring an idea that requires a purchase: The Masterpuppet Theater. We typically like to offer ideas and plans you can use without getting a subscription or buying materials but this one was just way too clever to ignore.