Halloween Plus Science Equals One Fun Party

Halloween Plus Science Equal One Fun Party

Lauren Cook General

It’s time to plan the Halloween school party. Talk about a challenge! Many times, these parties can be stressful and nothing more than a chaotic afternoon with a classroom of kids pumped full of sugar. But there is good news. It doesn’t have to be this way. Halloween is a perfect time to incorporate science activities that have been put …

Do You Need a Brain Break?

Do You Need a Brain Break? Restore Focus in Your Classroom

Lauren Cook Teaching Tips

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 …

New Supplies for a New School Year

Time to Check Your Supplies for a New School Year!

Lauren Cook General

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 …

Transitional Kindergarten Lesson Plans Made Easy with the Quirkles

Transitional Kindergarten Lesson Plans Made Easy with the Quirkles

Lauren Cook Teaching Tips

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 …

Fostering Creativity

How to Foster Creativity

Lauren Cook Teaching Tips

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 …

Snots, Sniffles, and Sneezes

April Showers Brings More than May Flowers

Lauren Cook General

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 …

Attention Gifted Endorsed Teachers

Attention Gifted Endorsed Teachers!

Lauren Cook General

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 Candy Hearts

It’s Time for Valentines: Have Fun with Science

Lauren Cook Teaching Tips

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 …

Winter Blues... Not Happening! Creative Classroom Activities for Winter

Winter Blues…Not Happening! Creative Classroom Activities for Winter

Lauren Cook General

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 …