Classroom subject areas
Shake Dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa with illustrations by Mike Reed is a terrific book for Halloween lessons. It works on a lot of levels. First, it’s a very fun rhythmic read aloud, with a refrain young kids can join in on: Come on, Li’l Red, won’t you dance… Continue reading
Ghost stories are fun at any time of year, and they’re perfect for Halloween. You need to tell or read ghost stories aloud. This can be an excellent way to introduce some classic literature, delve into folklore, or start a study of short stories. Read a few and then let… Continue reading
Let kids try out their deductive skills with these mystery games and puzzles, both online and hands-on: MindWare Bella’s Mystery Deck is a set of 50 puzzles, with answers kids can check using the enclosed mirror. Bella is a 13 year old sleuth with a clever dog. The set… Continue reading
Google Earth has obvious connections for social studies: visit the locations you’re studying and find out all kinds of things about their physical geography. Another very popular way to use Google Earth for social studies lesson is to create a “tour” — that is, a series of locations with… Continue reading
We don’t usually give beetles that much attention. Maybe we should: 20% of all known species living on the earth are beetles. The Ancient Egyptians greatly admired one particular type of beetle, the dung beetle, or scarab. Scarabs feature largely in Ancient Egyptian art. Dung beetles live on dung. They’re… Continue reading
Creepiness, sweets, and learning all in one — a great seasonal lesson! Continue reading
Some of our favorite books for Egypt units: Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile Muti’s Necklace: The Oldest Story in the World The Egyptian Cinderella The Egypt Game Mara, Daughter of the Nile The Golden Goblet The Egyptology Handbook: A Course in the Wonders of Egypt Pyramids: 50 Hands-On… Continue reading
Hansel and Gretel is a good, horrible fairy tale for when you want a creepy story. The University of Pittsburgh collection contains the basic Grimm’s version. The story is certainly among the most familiar of fairy tales. A poor woodcutter and his wife, faced with starvation, abandon their two children… Continue reading
