Why we include motion breaks and other non-science elements.As educators we are tasked with teaching young children to learn many things. We're asked to set learning goals and sometimes even chart progress on DATA WALLS. (Don't get me started!) We're expected to have all students reading, writing, and doing math "on grade level." With all the external pressure it is easy to get tunnel vision and focus on a narrow band of student learning outcomes. But just for a moment...STOP. BREATHE. REFLECT. First and foremost remember that we teach children. We merely deliver curriculum. Children are not just brains or empty vessels. They are whole people with all sorts of needs and talents. As educators, it is our job to nurture children to be the best version of themselves they can be. We can build a child up by celebrating all sorts of successes and we know success tends to multiply. We can be responsive to their physical needs too. I recall a transformational moment for me in the classroom. It was about 20 years ago, so I was experienced but not THAT experienced. My friend (and awesome educator) Kit was our French teacher. She'd planned an amazing lesson. She had puppets and all sorts of fabulous props and had clearly done her homework! But the kids were just not into it that day. Some rolled on the floor and even the usually super attentive ones drifted off. The way Kit responded really impressed me. She calmly put her things away simply stating this was not the right lesson for right now and got all the kids up on their feet for a French song and dance. The music organized the chaotic sound and the movement gave kids a way to productively manage their energy in that moment. I love that she was willing to respond to student needs and let go of all her careful plans. I love that she understood their need to move! We do motion breaks to try to address that need. We can't see into your classrooms, but I've seen enough children over the years to know that 20 minutes of "sit and get" is a tall order for many 4-8 year old students. Taking time to move helps them learn self-regulation skills and supercharge their thinking. (It works well for adults too. Some of my most productive team meetings happened during a brisk walk!) The types of movements we choose are not by accident! We try to present a variety of motions for a variety of reasons. Explosive motions like jumping or running in place can help with energy regulation. Crossing the midline can help with visual tracking and penmanship. Working on balance poses can improve core stability which can help kids have an easier time sitting up on the rug. Inversions can increase blood flow to the brain and improve mood. Here are a few strategies that worked for me in the classroom:
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Here's how this week's lessons can help you address DCIs. Day 3: Find the Groundwater This game-based lesson is a bit like Battleship. We've included several variations so you can play this game to suit both your available materials and student needs! You can also use it to address the following DCIs:
Day 4: Build a Tower This lesson is one of five engineering challenges for this mission! You can use it to help address the following DCIs.
Livestream Fun!
Shhh! Save this info until after your students see Day 3's video!
Materials to Support Vocabulary DevelopmentHave you ever met THAT preschooler? The one who knows ALL the dinosaur names or Pokemon characters or My Little Pony names or can read like a second grader. Many children are eager to gobble up new words while others may be reluctant for a variety of reasons.
We often say that the scientific process (or method) is the most powerful tool ever invented, but without communicating findings our collective knowledge can not grow. That's why we support educators in bolstering student language development. Here are six ways we help students delight in language learning this mission:
Tips for reading instruction using our comic!Are you looking for a way to spice up literacy instruction? Comics can help at every reading level!
Grades 1 and 2: Focus on a fresh look!
Mix it up: Curiosity Cat and Data Dog are trading places this week! Curiosity Cat usually does all the reading and Data Dog usually does all the running. How do students think it will go for each character? Try mixing it up in your own classroom. Try moving your regular reading time or reading seats to give students a fresh perspective. Of course, it's best to give advance notice to students who struggle with change. Sometimes reading in a new setting or at an alternate time can make a big difference for early readers. It can also break up the monotony of the winter months! Direct our mission!
Here's how this week's lessons can help you address DCIs.
Day 1: To Kenya This lesson focuses on location and transportation. It could be integrated into existing transportation units or for addressing the following second grade DCIs.
Which lessons will help me address which of the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) with my students?
Refine observation skills and HAVE FUN!
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Meet Beth and Curtis!Presidential Award-Winning teacher and hula hoop fanatic, Beth loves bringing real world science to kids! Beth is fascinated by engineering challenges, technology, and outdoor learning spaces. After 25 years teaching kindergarten, she’s excited to share her passion and experience on-line with classrooms from around the world! Archives
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