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Showing posts from November, 2024

Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM): St. Patrick's Day

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Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM) Instructions: Build a trap to catch a leprechaun using everyday materials. Follow the design process below! Objective: Encourage creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving by designing a functional trap that could catch a mischievous leprechaun. Planning Sheet: Materials List: What will you use? (e.g., paper, string, tape, cardboard, LEGOs, pipe cleaners, cups, paper towel rolls, craft sticks, aluminum foil, etc.) Sketch Your Design: Draw how your trap will work, labeling key parts and mechanisms. Trap Mechanism: How will your trap trigger when the leprechaun enters? Will it use a pulley, lever, or hidden entrance? Will you include bait like gold coins, glitter, or candy? Building Phase: Work on assembling your trap using the selected materials. Testing & Improvements: Try triggering the trap multiple times. Identify any weaknesses and refine the design. Reflection Questions: What was the most challenging part of building the trap? What ...
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A Craft for Students that makes a Great Gift

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A great craft for students in a classroom that doubles as a thoughtful gift for parents is a Personalized Photo Frame. It’s simple, creative, and can be treasured for years.  Here's how to create it:  Materials: - Plain wooden or cardboard photo frames (can be purchased or made from sturdy cardboard) - Acrylic paint or markers - Glue sticks - Decorative items like stickers, beads, sequins, buttons, or small gems - Craft paper or construction paper - A printed photo of the student or a hand-drawn picture - Clear varnish or Mod Podge (optional, for a polished look)   Instructions : 1. Decorate the Frame:      Have the students paint or color the photo frame. They can use patterns, favorite colors, or themes like hearts, stars, or flowers. 2. Add Decorations:      Once the paint dries, let them glue on decorative items to personalize their frame. Encourage creativity! 3. Insert the Photo or Artwork:      Place a ph...
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Every Kid Outdoors: 4th Grade Free National Park Pass

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The Every Kid Outdoors program offers all U.S. fourth graders a free annual pass granting access to over 2,000 federal lands and waters, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.  Eligibility and Coverage - Who Qualifies All fourth-grade students, whether in public, private, or homeschool settings, are eligible.  - What's Included The pass provides free entry for the fourth grader, all children under 16 in the group, and up to three accompanying adults. In drive-in parks, it covers the entire vehicle.  How to Obtain the Pass 1. Visit the Website Go to the Every Kid Outdoors website :    https://everykidoutdoors.gov 2. Complete the Activity Have your fourth grader complete a brief online activity. 3. Print the Pass After completion, a voucher will be generated. Print this voucher; electronic copies aren't accepted.  4. Use the Pass Present the printed pass at federal lands and waters to gain free entry. Validity Period The pass is valid from S...
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Writing a Personal Statement for Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

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  When crafting a personal statement for an Early Career Teacher (ECT) role in primary education, you’ll want to create a strong impression of your dedication to teaching, your understanding of the primary curriculum, and your commitment to supporting young learners’ development. Here are some tips to help you shape a well-rounded and engaging statement.  Key Elements to Include Passion for Primary Education    - Share why you’re drawn to primary teaching specifically. Mention experiences or insights that deepened your passion for helping young learners grow, learn, and discover.    - Highlight what you enjoy about working with children of primary age, focusing on their enthusiasm, curiosity, and rapid development at this stage. Understanding of the Curriculum    - Show that you understand the primary curriculum by discussing subjects you enjoy teaching or excel at, along with creative ways you’ve engaged students.    - Mention any speci...
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Engaging and Fun Thanksgiving Activities for All Grade Grade Levels that are Educational

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  Thanksgiving activities for school can be fun and educational, fostering gratitude, creativity, and teamwork among students. Here are some ideas for different age groups:  1. Thankful Tree    - Grades: K-5    - Activity: Create a "Thankful Tree" in the classroom where students write what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and attach them to the branches. This can be a daily or one-time activity, and students can take turns adding to it.    - Skills: Encourages gratitude, writing, and creativity.  2. Thanksgiving Recipe Book    - Grades: 2-8    - Activity: Ask students to bring in family recipes or write down their favorite Thanksgiving dish. Collect them to make a class recipe book, which they can decorate and take home.    - Skills: Writing, family involvement, cultural appreciation.  3. Gratitude Journal or Reflection Writing    - Grades: 3-12    - Activity: Have students keep a dai...
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