Learning With Buttons!

Button, button, who’s got the button? Buttons have been used for games and activities for years because they’re handy and inexpensive manipulatives. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty and shiny as well! Since today is National Button Day, I thought you would enjoy some super Mailbox button-themed activities. Have students count the total number…

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Three Ways to See 6 Feet

When we go back to school in the fall, there will no doubt be changes. I’m guessing that one of the changes we encounter will be an emphasis on social distancing. I can’t even wrap my brain around how that’s going to be accomplished. But let’s say that the six foot social distance rule is…

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A Day for Mosquitoes

Tomorrow is World Mosquito Day! This makes me chuckle a bit because it sounds like we should be celebrating those blood-sucking little vampires. But after some digging, I found that this “holiday” celebrates the anniversary of the day (August 20, 1897) that Sir Ronald Ross, a British scientist, discovered that mosquitoes transmit the malaria parasite….

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The Power of Zero

I recently read this article about a teacher who was allegedly fired for giving a zero grade for no-show assignments. The school has a 50% policy—even when students don’t turn in any work they will still earn 50%. With 50% policies, are we creating children who expect to get something for nothing? There’s fear we’ll…

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Find the Better Flier!

The end of the school year is a good time to bring out activities that are BIG on both fun and learning. That’s why it’s a good time for paper airplanes!  These folded creations have come a long way. I recommend having students create three different options (geometry, spatial skills) and then flying them to…

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