Last month we talked about how awesome animals are and some very interesting facts about hamsters, cows, squirrels, and even giraffes. What is missing from this list? You guessed it! The groundhog. If you are like most people, you are sincerely hoping Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow on February 2. Good-bye winter, hello spring! According to legend, a …
Reunited (and it feels so good): Sing and Read
Now what? That’s the familiar question we were often asked after educators introduced the Quirkles® to their students. Not only did they learn robust science concepts but also literacy skills through phonemic awareness. We listened and followed up with the Fuddlebrook School® science series for older elementary students. But what about BEFORE the Quirkles? It’s Sing and Read™ of course! …
We Are Thankful For… A Good Night’s Sleep
On Nov. 6 we, in the United States, moved to daylight savings time. That means it gets darker earlier as we transition into fall and winter. (Read the Fuddlebrook story, A Change of Season). Shorter days and cool, crisp night air should make for great sleeping weather. But unfortunately for many, sleep is elusive. The science of sleep may be …
Halloween Plus Science Equal One Fun Party
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 …
Red, White & Boom: The Science Behind Fireworks
This year promises to offer spectacular July 4 celebrations. As you enjoy the show, think how much science is behind that spectacle. People everywhere enjoy the fantastic explosions and the brilliant light displays of fireworks, but there’s a lot happening to make that celebration entertaining. Each firework launched into the sky is a precisely formed assembly of chemicals and fuel, …
Sweat -and Other Yucky Science!
It’s time to get outside in the warm sun and participate in outdoor fun. In many areas, the extremely warm temperatures and higher humidity can result in a whole lot of sweating! Sweat sometimes is embarrassing and might be smelly, but very necessary! Why is this? What is Sweat? Sweat is a clear, salty liquid produced by glands in the …
Try a Quirkles or Fuddlebrook Book for Free!
Why not add some awesome science to your day with the Quirkles or Fuddlebrook School Science series, two 26-book series and related materials? A great way to integrate literacy and science, the Quirkles introduce ways to excite young children with hands-on science activities, fun alliteration, and whimsical illustrations. Fuddlebrook steps in where the Quirkles leave off—appealing to slightly older children. …
In Honor of Our Fur Babies… Cat Science Facts
You love them or you hate them. (We happen to be on the love side.) And despite holding court on social media and the internet, that furry creature, the cat, remains elusive. This month we take the attention off our lovable Fuddlebrook Herman Tweed and turn to another of our favorite mammals (read A Family Visit). In honor of our own …
We’ll Bring Training to You!
Would you like to get more out of your Quirkles/Fuddlebrook curriculum? Do you need quick, effective training on how best to use these materials? Now, thanks to Zoom, the Quirkles developers can easily come to you! We’ll show you how our four premises work together. Tell your story, reinforce with hands on activities, do it early and often, and keep …
November is the Time for Kindness
Much time is often spent in November studying Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and Native Americans. While all of these things are important, it is essential to remember and give some attention to World Kindness Day celebrated on November 13. Now more than ever teaching kindness is critical in every classroom. What is World Kindness Day? World Kindness Day is an international …