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Kids are full of questions. Why is the sky blue? What are you doing? How does that work? It can be exhausting sometimes to keep answering them, but it is exciting to see the wonder and awe when they see new things.  Science activities are a great way to capture that wonder and seek answers. Doing experiments is fun and can answer many of those questions. Creating experiments using the scientific method helps students to think through the necessary steps for controlling the parts of an experiment so that they can repeat when necessary to test out different hypotheses. It is important to have a question to answer before starting an experiment. Once you get your question, you can then make an educated guess or hypothesis about the outcome. This will help you to decide on the procedure and the materials needed to try to test out what you think might happen.  Here are some fun questions to ponder and maybe create experiments for. • Is there a way to drop an egg from the roof without breaking it? • How does a string telephone work? • How do large boats keep from sinking? • How can you make an egg bouncy? • How do airplanes stay in the sky? • How is electricity made? • How do magnets work?  Let's take a look at an experiment or activity that can be done to learn more about magnets. The objective of this experiment is to introduce primary children to the concept of magnets and their ability to attract certain materials. This hands-on activity combines learning with a fun scavenger hunt to engage and excite young learners.  Question and HypothesesQuestion: Why do magnets pick up or stick to some materials, but not others? Ask students this question and get them to give you their hypotheses (These are their best guesses.) Materials NeededMaterials needed: - Small magnets (bar magnets or magnetic wands - Various objects made of different materials (paperclips, plastic toys, coins, aluminum foil, wooden blocks, corks, toy cars, etc. - Small containers or bags - Labels or cards with pictures of objects to find - Object checklist - Recording sheet - Pencil for recording  Material PreparationPrepare small containers or bags with labels or cards featuring pictures of the objects to find. Attach the object checklist to the containers. Scatter a variety of objects made of different materials around the room or outdoor areas. Hide some of the objects if possible. ProcedureGive each child a recording sheet, a magnet and a container or bag with labels or pictures of the objects. Attach a list to each container. Explain that their mission is to use the magnet to find objects around the room and record whether or not they are attracted to the magnet.  ObservationsEncourage the children to use their magnets to explore and observe which objects are attracted to the magnets. Have them record their observations on the recording sheet and check off the objects they find on their list. Results And DiscussionGather the children together to discuss their findings. Ask questions such as: - What objects did you find? - Were there any objects that the magnet didn't attract? - Were some objects easier to find than others? Check out the recording sheet and how the children classified the objects they found into the two categories: attracted to the magnet and not attracted to the magnet.  ConclusionConclude the experiment by reinforcing the idea that magnets have special powers and can attract certain materials. Introduce the concept that magnets attract objects made of certain materials, such as iron and steel. Check the hypotheses and see if they were correct or not and discuss why or why not based on what they discovered. Extension Or Follow Up ExperimentExplain that magnets have special powers to attract certain materials and that they have a north pole and a south pole. Create an experiment and opportunity for children to test out magnets and their poles to see how they can attract or repel based on which poles are facing each other.  This is just one example of how to capture wonder and excitement using the scientific method and experiments. There are so many different experiments to try. Enjoy exploring the world around with your students as they discover new and amazing things.   Related Posts
Teaching science to primary kids is a magical journey of discovery, curiosity, and boundless enthusiasm. By tapping into the innate sense of wonder that children possess, teachers can transform science education into a fun and exciting adventure. Let's explore creative ways to make science come alive for young minds, focusing on the wonders of nature and the marvels of scientific exploration.  Embrace Hands On Learning And ExperiencesYoung children are natural explorers who learn best through hands-on experiences. Incorporating experiments and interactive activities not only makes science real but also creates a sense of excitement and discovery. Whether it's observing the growth of plants, creating simple chemical reactions, or exploring the properties of magnets, hands-on learning engages students and leaves a lasting impact.  Explore NatureNature is the ultimate classroom for budding scientists. Take your students outside to explore the wonders of the natural world. From observing insects and birds to examining different types of rocks, the outdoors provide a rich learning environment that stimulates curiosity and develops a love for science. Nature walks, scavenger hunts, and outdoor experiments can turn a science lesson into an unforgettable adventure.  Create A Curiosity Driven ClassroomEncourage questions and nurture the natural curiosity of your students. A curiosity-driven classroom is one where students feel empowered to ask "why" and "how." This not only enhances their critical thinking skills but also opens the door to exciting scientific discoveries. Create a safe and supportive environment where curiosity is celebrated, and students feel comfortable exploring the unknown.  Include StorytellingWeave captivating stories into your science lessons to make abstract concepts more relatable. Whether it's the life cycle of a butterfly or the water cycle, storytelling adds a narrative element that captures the imagination of children. Consider incorporating picture books, interactive storytelling sessions, or even creating class stories that connect science concepts to real-world scenarios.  Use Everyday Objects In TeachingScience is all around us, and everyday objects can serve as fantastic teaching tools. Turn household items into science experiments or use them to demonstrate scientific principles. For example, a simple baking soda and vinegar volcano can illustrate the power of chemical reactions, while a magnifying glass can turn an ordinary leaf into a fascinating study of plant structures.  Celebrate Curiosity And Learning From MistakesIn the world of science, curiosity often leads to unexpected discoveries. Encourage students to embrace their curiosities and not fear making mistakes. Create an atmosphere where "failed" experiments are seen as opportunities to learn and refine hypotheses. Celebrate the journey of exploration, and help kids develop resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges.  Teaching science to young children can be a joyful and rewarding experience when approached with creativity and a sense of wonder. By integrating hands-on activities, exploring the outdoors, fostering curiosity, using storytelling, and celebrating everyday objects, teachers can create an environment where science becomes a thrilling adventure.  Have fun with these tips and help instill a lifelong love for learning and discovery in the hearts of our youngest scientists. Related Posts Changing weather, cooler temperatures, and color changes are all signs of the arrival of fall. There's something magical about the colors, sounds, and smells of fall. Students often find themselves more engaged in learning when they are surrounded by the beauty of nature. Whether it's studying the changing colors of leaves, identifying different animals, or learning about the life cycle of a pumpkin, outdoor lessons are inherently captivating.  Fresh air and natural surroundings can help improve students' focus and stimulate their creativity. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can boost cognitive function and problem-solving skills, making outdoor classrooms an ideal setting for critical thinking activities. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mental health and reduced stress levels. Fall's cool, crisp air and the calming influence of nature can help students feel more relaxed and connected to the world around them. The hands on experiences and fresh air also invigorate students and engage them in their learning.  Fall is the perfect time to encourage physical activity among students. Hiking, nature walks, and outdoor games not only promote exercise but also foster teamwork and social interaction. Getting students moving in a natural setting can help overcome the hours of sitting in classrooms and keep them engaged.  There are many different subjects that can be taught outdoors. Each of these add a real world element to the students' learning and experience. Integrating social studies and science activities into your fall outdoor learning adventures can provide a well-rounded educational experience. To further enrich your fall outdoor learning adventures, try incorporating some math and language activities into the mix. Here are some suggestions for social studies, science, math, and language arts that might be of interest. Social Studies• visiting local historical landmarks * learning about fall harvest and traditions • using maps and doing a geography scavenger hunt Science• leaf identification activities • studying the pumpkin life cycle • weather monitoring • learning about weathering and erosion * keeping a nature journal • stream study • learning about seed dispersements Math• nature math scavenger hunt • using measurement skills outdoors • fall data collection Language Arts• outdoor poetry writing • nature journaling with descriptive writing • vocabulary scavenger hunt (looking for examples in nature) • reading fall themed books  Preparation tipsHere are some preparation tips that will help make your outdoor sessions successful. Select an outdoor location that suits your curriculum and learning objectives. Local parks, forested areas, the seashore, or even your school's own outdoor spaces can be transformed into effective learning environments. Make sure students are dressed appropriately for the fall weather. Layers, hats, and gloves are essential to keep everyone comfortable during outdoor lessons. Tailor your lessons to incorporate the unique features of fall. Explore topics like the changing colors of leaves, the science behind falling leaves, the life cycle of pumpkins, or even Halloween-themed literature. Bring technology outdoors by using tablets or smartphones for nature observation apps or taking pictures to document findings. This can enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for digital storytelling.  Make sure that your plans are flexible and adaptable as the weather can be unpredictable and you may need to make changes quickly. With preparation ahead of time and some back up ideas in case of change, getting outside to learn is worth the effort and will benefit your students.  Embracing the great outdoors during the fall season is a fantastic way to enhance your students' learning experience. The benefits of outdoor education are numerous, from improved engagement and focus to enhanced physical and mental well-being. By incorporating nature into your curriculum, you can create unforgettable learning moments and inspire a lifelong love for the natural world in your students. So, this fall, take your class outside and let the wonders of the season become your classroom.  Happy outdoor learning! Related Posts
It's that time of year again. Summer break is ending for some and nearing the halfway mark for others. Teachers are starting to gear up again and think about the new school year. School supplies are everywhere, back to school ads are appearing on the television and the teacher brain is going into overdrive. As hard as it is, it's important to try and keep relaxing and recharging so that you don't burn out before the year even gets going.  Does this sound like you?• can't turn off teacher brain • wondering how you are going to do assessments • not finding enough time for planning • juggling setting up routines while keeping kids engaged • differentiating for range of ability levels • trying to make lessons fresh and engaging  So many questions and worriesHow can I go on when I am so exhausted? How will I manage to assess everyone while keeping others engaged? What if the range in my class is too wide?  I've been there. It is exhausting and at times overwhelming. That's why I have collected some of the different resources and activities that have been successful with my students and I've created The Ultimate Primary Teachers Ready To Go Kit. These resources and activities can make the beginning of the year enjoyable and less stressful for both you and your students.  Returning to school after summer break isn't always fun for kids. They've been free to do different things without the structure of the classroom routines. Now they have to fit into set schedules, rules, and routines of a new grade and a new teacher. Engage your students from the very first day with dynamic activities and icebreakers. This kit features interactive games, team-building exercises, and activities that foster a positive classroom community. With the colorful posters and educational activities, you can set up an inspiring learning space that encourages curiosity and exploration.  This comprehensive kit is designed specifically for primary teachers. Packed with a wide range of resources and activities, this kit is your go-to solution for start-of-the-year preparation, emergency sub plans, and engaging substitute teacher activities. From day one to those unexpected absences, it's got you covered!  Check out what it includesClassroom management resources and ice breakers and some active games Posters and task cards as well as ice breaker tools and active games that will help you with your classroom routines and management to create a positive classroom environment. Back To School resources full of activities for the first weeks back These resources will give your students many different activities to do while you are trying to do assessments or trying to get to know your kids. Literacy activities for reading, writing, language development Reading for evidence, working with vocabulary and sounds, task cards for parts of speech and idioms, writing prompts are just a few of the activities here. Math review for basic operations, graphing, and measurement Basic math operations review, working with glyphs, and measurement games to get kids ready for more skills as they move on to more abstract concepts. Science posters, graphic organizers, and experiments to get the year started off right Positive self esteem activities and resources to create positive mindsets  Get ready to kick off the school year with confidence and ease and ensure a successful academic year for both you and your students. Get The Ultimate Primary Teachers Ready To Go Kit today and experience the peace of mind that comes with being well-prepared!  Not sure if you need the full kit? There are individual kits available as well. There is even a sampler kit for those who want to try just a few of the activities from each area. Check out my TPT store to find out more about the individual kits. If you are ready for a less stressful start to the year grab your ultimate kit now. Summer is the perfect time to have fun and explore the wonders of science! With the sun shining and plenty of free time, it's an opportunity for kids to engage in hands-on experiments that spark curiosity and ignite a love for learning.  Science doesn't have to be boring or complicated. In fact, it can be a thrilling adventure that sparks curiosity and fuels the imagination. Here are some exciting and easy science experiments that can be done at home or in the great outdoors. Get ready to have fun while discovering the amazing world of science!  Experiment 1: Bubbling Magic - Dancing RaisinsDo you know that even raisins can dance? Gather some carbonated water, a clear glass, and some raisins. Pour the carbonated water into the glass and drop a few raisins in. Watch in amazement as the raisins bob up and down like magic! This experiment demonstrates the concept of buoyancy and gas release.  Experiment 2: Density Delight - Floating EggEver wondered if an egg can float? Find out by conducting this experiment. Fill a tall glass with water and carefully place an egg in it. Observe whether the egg floats or sinks. Now add salt to the water, stir until it dissolves, and repeat the process. Witness the surprising change in the egg's behavior! This experiment explores density and its impact on buoyancy.  Experiment 3: Colorful Creations - Milk And Dish SoapPrepare for a dazzling display of colors! Pour some milk into a dish and add a few drops of different food coloring. Dip a cotton swab with dish soap into the milk and watch as vibrant swirls and patterns emerge before your eyes. This experiment showcases a chemical reaction and the concept of surface tension.  Testing Out Gravity - The Clink-Clunk TestHere is another experiment that you might like to try. It is always surprising for kids to see the results. This was a favorite for my students.  Summer is the perfect time to engage in exciting science experiments that combine fun and learning. These four experiments are just a taste of the countless possibilities that await you. From watching raisins dance, to seeing if eggs float or sink, to swirling patterns in milk, there is so much to explore and learn. So, gather your materials, invite your friends and family, and let the summer science fun begin!  Get ready for an extraordinary summer filled with science, exploration, and endless possibilities. Let your imagination soar as you dive into these fascinating experiments. Have a blast and enjoy the wonder of scientific discovery! Related Posts
Spring is here and so are the baby chicks, butterflies, and salmon fry. It is always so much fun to see these little animals as they appear in primary classrooms. The kids get so excited when they arrive and they want to check on them constantly. Many other baby animals are born or hatched in the spring as well. This is a great time to do research on animals.  Life cycles of animalsUnderstanding animal life cycles is an important part of the broader study of life science. Many animals have fascinating stories in their transformation from egg to adulthood. Their journeys from egg-stage to adulthood have different processes depending on the kind of animal. Not only is the actual life cycle interesting to study, but also the habits and behaviors of the animals and the habitats in which they live.  What are habitats?Habitats are the homes and natural environments where animals live and thrive. They range from deserts to forests, oceans to grasslands. They are special places where animals live, eat, and sleep. Every habitat has its own unique features, like temperature, terrain, and resources.  Why are habitats important?Habitats provide food, shelter, and safety to animals. Plus, they play a crucial role in the balance of our ecosystem. Each species comes with its own set of needs and requirements that must be met in order for it to grow into a healthy adult. Different habitats and environments play an important role in this.  As we explore the life cycles of animals, we can see how their habitats impact their lives. Some animals, like birds, build intricate nests to protect their eggs, while others, like kangaroos, carry their babies in a pouch. It's fascinating to see how different animals give birth, whether it's by laying eggs, hatching from an egg, or live births. In life science, we learn about the different stages of an animal's life, from birth to adulthood, and how they use their habitats to thrive.  If you are looking for some resources about life cycles of different animals that can be studied at school, check out the resources below. Life Cycle Of A Chicken Life Cycle Of A Salmon Life Cycle Of A Frog Life Cycle Of A Honey Bee Life Cycle Of A Butterfly Poster And Activities Animals need specific things like food, water, and shelter to survive and thrive. Whether an animal lives in the ocean, the forest, or even in your own backyard, its habitat plays a crucial role in its life cycle. Plants also rely on the environment for survival. They thrive in different kinds of habitats just like animals do. Animals rely on the plants for food. Studying the life cycles of plants as well as animals help us to see how they depend on each other.  Grab a free copy of this life cycle template that can be used for animals or plants.  If you are looking for templates to do research on animals, check out these templates. I used these templates as graphic organizers when my students did powerpoints about their animals.  Whether they are studying animals or plants, kids will find out fascinating information and hopefully they will have a better understanding of how important it is to protect the environment and the habitats of these living things.  Related Posts
Spring time is here with it's changing weather and new life everywhere you look. This year the saying April showers bring May flowers is very true. We are still waiting for the warmer weather and more sunny days, but we do get hints of this every so often. This is the perfect time for planting seeds inside and watching them grow. Kids are always amazed to see the first sprouts and watch the little seed turn into a plant. These plants can also be taken and placed in the garden when the weather warms up. I still hear from former students about the beans or tomatoes they harvested from their little seed that they planted in class.  Different ways to plant seedsIf you are looking to do more with your seed, there are various ways to plant it so that the kids can observe it's transformation. Here are some methods we used successfully in my classroom. One method that was fun to do with my students was the CD case method. We took empty CD cases and added some soil and the seed into the case and then made sure that the soil was moist. We placed the cases in a dish rack in a sunny place. Periodically we added a little more water to keep them moist. The clear cases made it easy to see the seeds sprout. Once the leaves started to form, we transplanted the seedlings into pots so they could continue to grow.  Another method we used was peat pucks in a tray. We moistened the peat pucks so that they expanded, and then we placed the seeds in the center of the pucks. We kept them in a tray and watered them regularly so they didn't dry out. When they sprouted and started developing leaves we placed the puck in a pot with soil in it so they had more room to grow.  Planting seeds in eggshell pots is another great idea. They can be transplanted with the eggshells right into the garden when they are ready.  Of course, there is always the more traditional method of adding soil to a small pot or cup and placing the seed in the soil. This is easy to do and it saves transplanting the seedling multiple times. It also works well as a gift for mothers on Mother's Day.  What do plants need for growing?There is more to planting the seed and just letting it grow if you want your students to understand what plants need and how plants grow. Sometimes this can be demonstrated by having a seed that doesn't get what it needs as a visual reminder. Perhaps it can be placed in a spot where it doesn't get sunlight, or maybe it can be left to dry out. Another option is to overwater it so that the seed rots and doesn't grow.  Here is a resource that helps kids to learn about plants and their needs. It uses pictures and a small written exercise to help kids understand. This will help them take steps to make sure their plants needs are met and that they grow into healthy plants.  To make growing plants more interesting, it helps to keep a journal of what is happening. I created this little observation journal for our bean plant and it was a great reminder of all that happened as the seed grew into a bean plant. I also created a more generic journal that can be used with other plants. You can get a copy here.  There are so many different types of plants that kids can grow and study. Learning about the different life cycles and how the different types of plants grow is surprising for some kids. You can check out several different plant life cycles and resources here.  I hope your students enjoy learning about plants as much as mine did. Happy planting! Related Posts
Animals are fascinating creatures and kids love to learn about them and their life cycles. They are in awe from the moment of their births and they marvel at the ways they grow and change.  What is a life cycle?Every animal on Earth has a life cycle - this is the process they go through from when they're born until they die. All animals have different life cycles, and the length of time it takes them to go through each stage varies hugely too. Let's take a look at some examples. A frog's life cycle has four stages: egg, tadpole, juvenile, and adult. Frogs start their lives as eggs, which are laid in water. Once they hatch, they grow into tadpoles, which have tails and live in water. As they mature, they develop legs and lose their tails, becoming juveniles. Eventually, they turn into adults and leave the water for good. Honey bees have a very different life cycle to frogs. They have three stages: larva, pupa, and adult. Honey bee larvae hatch from eggs and are fed by the worker bees. After a few weeks, they enter the pupa stage. During this stage, their bodies change and they develop into adults. Once they emerge they take on their roles of worker bees, drones, or queen bees.  Mammals life cycleThe animal life cycle that is probably the most familiar to us is the one we see in mammals. Mammals generally go through four distinct stages in their lives-embryo, neonate, juvenile, and adult. As human mammals, we can relate to these. When a woman is pregnant, the baby is in the embryo stage. This is the time from when the egg is fertilized by the male until the baby is born. When the baby is born, it needs to be cared for by the parents because it is not able to care for itself yet. This is the neonate stage. As the child becomes more independent and able to care for itself, we refer to this as adolescence or the juvenile stage. When the child has reached full maturity and can mate and have offspring of its own we refer to this as the adult stage.  Life cycles in the classroomIn many primary classrooms, at some time during the year you will find a life cycle of some animal being studied. At my school, this was usually butterflies, chickens, or salmon. Not only were the students in the class excited to see the changes from eggs through the stages as they became these different animals, other students around the school would often stop by to check out the changes too. There is no better way to learn than to experience it in person. Learning from videos, books, or shared experiences of others is okay, but seeing that butterfly emerge from its chrysalis, watching that baby chick peck it way out of the egg or releasing fry into the river will imprint that memory for years to come.  If you are interested in studying the life cycles of animals with your class, here are some resources that I have created that might help. Life cycle of a salmon Life cycle of a frog Life cycle of a chicken Life cycle of a honey bee Life cycle of a butterfly  Here is a set of templates that may be helpful for gathering information about animal life cycles. It is part of a set of 4 animal research templates. Grab your free copy by subscribing to my newsletter.   Related Posts
Watching A Seed GrowThere's nothing quite like watching a plant grow. It's a miracle of life that never gets old, no matter how many times you see it. And there's no better place to see it than in the classroom, with a bunch of curious kids who are just as excited as you are. Seeing the wonder in their eyes as they observe the tiny seedlings sprouting up and then getting to watch them monitor the plant's progress day after day is truly a magical experience.  Seasons And SeedsSpring is a great time to get seeds started for planting outside and growing fruits and vegetables throughout the summer. Watching that little seed that started its life in the classroom grow to maturity and produce food to eat is incredulous. Imagine one little seed producing an entire tree full of apples or a garden full of beans or other produce.  Fall can also be a good time to plant some seeds in the classroom. For example, if you plant a pumpkin seed at the beginning of the new school year, depending on the variety, it might produce a pumpkin in time for Halloween. Imagine growing your own Jack-o-lantern! Potatoes are another plant that would be great to watch in the fall. It can start producing tubers and then stay dormant through the winter and continue growing in the spring. This would be a terrific way to see how some plants are fast growing and others are slow growing. It would also help kids to see that some plants produce underground.  Activities For Learning About PlantsHere are some different activities that you might like to try during your study of the plant life cycle. 1. Take an empty dvd case and put a bit of soil in it. Place a bean seed in the soil and moisten the seed and soil. Close up the case and place it near a window. Watch as the seed begins to sprout and produce roots. When it is about to produce leaves, remove it from the dvd case and plant it in a pot of soil. Continue to add water and watch it as it grows into a plant. Transplant it into the garden and continue to watch as the beans appear. 2. Put a potato that has sprouts (eyes) growing out of it into a large pot with some soil. Water it and watch it as it begins to produce leaves. Take note of the tubers when you transplant it into a garden area or larger pot. The kids will be amazed to see small potatoes growing underground. 3. Gather seeds from different fruits and vegetables and dry them. Plant them in the spring and watch to see which ones grow into new plants. Do experiments to see what happens when you add too much water, not enough water, not enough sunlight, etc. 4. Do art activities to show how the life cycle works and the various stages a seed goes through before it becomes a mature plant. For example: Cut out shapes from construction paper to represent each of the stages of the life cycle and make a life cycle mobile. Write on each shape which stage of the plant life cycle it represents. With these plant life cycle activities, your students are sure to have a blast while learning about plants! Plant Life Cycle ResourcesHere are some resources that I created to help with studying various plant life cycles. They include worksheets about plant needs, the life cycle of the plant, and types of plants. Each resource also includes an observation journal for that plant. You can check them out by clicking the images below.
Teaching plant life cycle activities are not only fun, but they're also educational. They help kids learn about the different stages of plant growth and development. They also learn about where our food comes from, how different animals rely on plants for survival, and the important role that plants play in our ecosystem. By incorporating plant life cycle activities into your lesson plans, you can help your students learn about these important concepts in a fun and engaging way. Plus, they'll always remember the time when they got to watch their very own plants grow!  Have fun watching the wonder in your students' eyes as they observe their tiny seeds sprout and become plants.  Related Post Round Up Of Tips, Ideas, And ActivitiesDuring the summer, there are lots of opportunities to do activities that blend academics and fun. This helps kids to practice and maintain concepts and skills already covered and also gives them chances to see how these concepts matter in real life. Here is a round up of different tips, ideas and activities that I have shared in the past that I feel are still relevant and worth revisiting.  Math is often thought of as lots of calculations, worksheets, equations and critical thinking activities, but in fact, math is used in almost every decision and action that we make on a daily basis. Math is everywhere around you. We use math for most activities without even realizing it. In my blog post Tips For School And Home:How To Help Primary Kids With Math, I suggested a few different activities for sorting and classifying, measurement, estimation, time, geometry, fractions, and basic operations. In Math Real Life Activities For Children I talk about math in the kitchen, math in the workshop, shopping and math, and working with money. These are only a few ways that math can be connected to real life situations at home as well as at school.  Language Arts - Reading and writing are only a couple of the components of language arts. In my blog post Tips For School And Home: How To Help Kids With Language Arts, I share several different suggestions and activities for the various aspects of language arts. It is important to note that language development starts at home and then is refined at school. There are many different ways to promote language development with reading, writing, and oral communication activities. I shared ideas and resources for phonics and vocabulary development, reading, writing, and oral communication in the above mentioned post. If you are looking for more ideas that will help with reading and writing for students that struggle in these areas, check out the following posts: Motivatiing Reluctant Readers Tips For Helping Struggling Writers In The Classroom  Just take a look around you and think about the various things you see and the things you do and if you start to analyze them, you will be amazed at how they involve science. Science is involved in every aspect of our lives. At school, kids are introduced to some of the basics, and various experiments and investigations are done. At home, more of these types of activities can happen and deeper learning can be accomplished. In my blog post, Tips For School And Home: How To Help Kids With Science, I break science down into different categories to help with providing a broad glimpse into the world of science. Hopefully, this will inspire kids to look further and continue to learn about the marvels around them. You will find some tips and ideas for chemistry, biology and life sciences, earth science, and several different areas of physics. Science Ideas For School And Home also gives some more ideas and possible activities that might be fun to try.  Social Studies is the study of people and their relationships to other people and the world. For young children, it starts with family and then spreads out to community, regions, provinces, states, or territories, and from there, to countries and the world. It can be broken up into 5 different categories: geography, history, culture and society, civics and government, and economics. I wrote 2 posts last year because there was so much to cover. Tips For School And Home: How To Help Primary Kids With Social Studies talks about geography, history, and culture, heritage and traditions and gives some ideas and possible resources that might work. Tips For School And Home: How To Help Primary Kids With Social Studies Part 2 This blog post focuses on the rights and responsibilities of people and regional leaders, relationships between people and the environment, multicultural awareness and diversity, and the interactions of First Nations people and early settlers. Social Studies Ideas And Activities For Outdoors also provides some tips and activities for learning more about the area where we live and the surrounding environment.  In my final instalment, Tips For Summer Support: How To Help Primary Kids, I focus on finding creative ways to do academic activities to make learning fun during the summer break. Well there you have a selection of tips and activities for the various academic areas that can be used to help kids keep learning throughout the summer while they are enjoying their holiday break.  I hope that these tips and ideas have given you some inspiration for ways to keep the learning going while having fun during the summer break.  |
About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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