We’ve all experienced it. That time when you look at your students and realize they are not at all focused on what you are trying to teach them. The elbows are falling off tables and the heads bob as many are drifting off into the ever so needed nap. So what do you do? Part of a teacher’s repertoire should …
Maybe you need to replace some books or supplies that have “wandered off” over time. It’s also time to order your Quirkles or Fuddlebrook Science Journals. Students can reinforce what they’ve learned in each Quirkles or Fuddlebrook lesson through these reflective writing/drawing activities. This assessment tool will help solidify science concepts introduced in each Quirkles and Fuddlebrook book. But that’s …
For many of you Transitional Kindergarten is now included in your afterschool programs. While we know this can be challenging to an already full schedule and lesson planning, the Quirkles Science and Literacy Series can certainly help you with all of these demands. The Quirkles are a great way to integrate literacy and hands-on science. First, educators will read the …
Science is about problem-solving. At Fuddlebrook School Mrs. Wigglebum seems to know just when to step in or out to teach the children to be resourceful. What about the rest of us? We can be more creative. As the legend goes, a young Isaac Newton was sitting beneath an apple tree contemplating the mysterious universe when suddenly an apple hit …
It is springtime once again! The days are sunnier, the birds are singing louder, and the flowers are beginning to bloom. While this is happening, something else that’s not so good begins: allergies! Each spring, summer, and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollens that cause allergic reactions come …
The Creators of the Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Series have been on the road lately attending many conferences. It has been a great opportunity to engage with many excellent gifted educators. It is always a wonderful opportunity to hear how many of you are using the Quirkles and Fuddlebrook programs. We discovered recently that Freddie, one of the Fuddlebrook characters, is …
Valentine’s Day is upon us. And probably like most of us, you are ready for a little break from the hum-drums of winter. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for that, but have you ever wondered how this holiday of love came about? According to many sources, Valentine’s Day began with the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The …
One thing that can be overwhelming to educators is to have boxes and boxes of curriculum that is being unused or that staff simply does not know how to use. While we can’t help you with all of your unused curriculum issues, we can help you with training on the Quirkles and/or Fuddlebrook Science. You might not be aware that …
The Christmas decorations are put away and celebrating the arrival of 2024 is old news. What’s a teacher to do? The winter doldrums have truly set in. This is the time of year that separates the good educators from the great ones. Creative and effective teaching strategies are needed to engage students and keep the winter blues from attacking. While …
An elementary science teaching rock star? Not me! You can teach effectively, excite your students, and have fun yourself if you follow these four steps. First, tell a story the kids can relate to. Density seems abstract taken alone as a concept but floating on water, particularly salt water, is something many children have experienced. Tell a story (with conviction!) …