It may be observed that I tend to talk and write about plants often. I don't strike up random conversations at parties or steer to the subject during a picnic or anything. I guess I think that there are so many things on this planet that don't speak words which can teach us endless life lessons, and I really like plants. I like how efficiently they work, how they are symbiotic to breath...
Last fall when my son was participating in virtual learning, I hosted an in-person backyard kindergarten group for a few families in our neighborhood. I wanted to give my son and the other children an opportunity to experience some “kindergarten magic” that was inevitably missing with online learning. This article highlights some of our favorite learning activities that can be used...
Happy New Year! Chances are you are on the lookout for indoor-friendly ideas for your students/children. Included in this post are three fun, tested and approved activities and experiments to extend learning at home or in the classroom this winter.
1. Rube Goldberg Machines
The Summer Solstice
Welcome to summer! Although there have been many disappointing cancellations in 2020, one thing is for certain - the solstice will still be held on Saturday, June 20 for everyone here on Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, we will celebrate the start of summer-and the lon...
Part three of a three part series on The Community School, a PBL High School
Part 1: The Den & the Project
Part 2: The beautiful and fulfilling task of teaching project-based curriculum
Melissa Pettey is swirling in the rapids of a truly inspirational charter school project and I got to interview her about it yesterday. As usual my notes look like tornado fallout because excitement got the best of me and she could discuss it for days. I’ve said it more than once but I&rs...