sprinkletoppedteacher

Did any of you have a classroom butterfly when you were in school? Those beautiful little creatures are so much more than class pets. They teach classrooms all over about the butterfly life cycle in the most hands-on way possible! Unfortunately, not all of us have the resources or ability to bring an actual live butterfly habitat into our classrooms. Luckily, there is another way to teach students about a butterfly’s metamorphosis — and it is just as exciting the real thing! When I did this butt[...]

Ah, holidays! You either love them or you hate them, and as teachers, it seems like there’s always another holiday waiting around the corner that requires a special activity. Special activities typically require special planning, but thanks to the digital age, teachers can easily find inspiration for their next holiday’s plans online. After Mother’s Day, June is only too quick to send us another holiday — Father’s Day! When it comes to this holiday, there’s much less out there in terms[...]

Is there anything like the end of the school year excitement?! I love seeing students getting pumped up for the end of another amazing year. As soon as the days start to get warmer and longer, we know that summer is around the corner! Amidst all the excitement and anticipation of summer days to come, it can get difficult to keep students focused on their learning objectives. And who can blame them? Once students’ focus begins to drop, teachers all over try to make classroom activities as engaging[...]

Calling all first grade teachers! Do you regularly incorporate math warm ups into your classroom schedule? When it comes to math, it’s important to reinforce and review concepts as much as necessary in order to help students get those crucial skills down. Good math skills are one of the keys to success in school down the road. I love using math warm ups regularly to get my students’ math gears spinning and help prep them for the day’s lesson. With that being said, it can be difficult to find the[...]

Did you know that great handwriting skills are crucial to kids’ success throughout their years in school? Writing skills are part of the foundation to good learning. Many studies have shown that students with great handwriting skills perform better in reading and math assessments, suggesting that handwriting is linked to academic success in a wide variety of subjects. Plus, standardized tests often include writing assessments. Students who lack good handwriting skills aren’t able to demonstrate wha[...]

Science experiments in the elementary classroom are always a blast. It's so fun to see students’ curiosity come alive, and it’s a fantastic way to get them interested in STEM from a young age. However, these days teachers are having to transition their in-person lessons to digital formats. But even on distance learning days, it’s still possible for students to practice science experiments at home — with the right digital activities! I want to share with you some of my favorite digital science l[...]

Teachers aren’t joking when they say they’d prefer going to school when they’re feeling sick rather than whip up sub plans at the last minute! While it can be stressful to put together sub plans, having a great system in place will prevent you from neglecting your health on days when you really need a break. No teacher wants to be in a situation where they’re not sure if they prepared their substitute for the day ahead. These tips for writing substitute teacher plans will ensure that your subst[...]

Looking for an easy, inexpensive way to celebrate the amazing women in your students’ lives? It’s almost May, and you know what that means — Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day activities are always a hit in the classroom. Kids enjoy getting the chance to make something special for their moms and celebrate them. Moms do so much for us, and I know they appreciate a special gift from their little one when the month of May rolls around. Even the smallest token of appreciation lets them know that we’re[...]

Who can forget the classic volcano science experiment? It’s one of the staples of science classrooms and science fairs, and it’s just as fun to watch the volcano erupt as it is educational. Vinegar and baking soda create an unforgettable reaction that makes students squeal with delight every time. While exploding volcanoes are a great way for kids to experiment with science, they require a lot of materials and time to put together, which is why they’re so popular at science fairs. They are truly[...]

Who doesn’t love a good snow day?! Since I live in Minnesota, there is never a shortage of snow over here. Even though the snow starts to get a little old towards the end of winter, there is nothing like the first snow of the season and watching flakes start to fall out of the sky. It always awakens a kind of childlike glee in me — and I know for a fact that students adore snow too! During the winter season, It’s fun to include some festive, frosty activities in your curriculum. Snow activities are[...]