Posts Tagged ‘Elementary Classroom’
Try 5 Free Mindfulness Activities in Your Elementary Classroom
Students are taught strategies for comprehending reading and solving math problems, but teaching them strategies for practicing mindfulness isn’t typical in most classrooms. It should be. Children are experiencing anxiety and stress like never before. Learning a variety of mindfulness strategies can help kids manage in the classroom and beyond. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness means…
Read MoreMartí’s Song for Freedom: Book Review and Activities
Learn about José Martí, often referred to as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence,” in this bilingual biography written by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. Written in verse, including excerpts from Martí’s own poetry, this picture book introduces children and adults to his inspiring life story and his important contributions toward winning Cuba’s freedom from…
Read MorePysanky: Ukrainian Easter Eggs
What are Pysanky? Pysanky are Easter eggs decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk art using a wax-resist method. Its name comes from the word “pysaty,” which means “to write.” Pysanka (PIH-san-kah) is the singular form, and pysanky (pih-san-KIH) is the plural form. The designs are created with a kistka, a special stylus that holds liquid wax. The wax is applied to the…
Read MoreTake a Musical Journey to Africa
The Land of Yangalele, a new children’s music CD by Congolese-American artist “Papa Siama” Matuzungidi and singer “Auntie Dallas” Johnson, introduces children to African culture, rhythms and music. Yangalele (Yawn-gah-LAY-lay) means “happiness” in Kikongo, one of the Bantu languages spoken by people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and Angola (and one…
Read MoreThe Cloud Artist: A Choctaw Tale Book Review & Activities
Gazing at the clouds – watching them move, shift, and create beautiful art in the sky. Many of us have experienced this, but what we haven’t experienced is being able to create the art. That special gift belongs to the Choctaw*, shared in the Native American tale The Cloud Artist. The Cloud Artist (Hoshonti Holbvttoba Inchunli) is a bilingual…
Read MoreThe Saint Nicholas Day Snow: Book Review & Free Printable
Award-winning author Charlotte Riggle and illustrator R.J. Hughes have teamed up for another holiday children’s book that is both touching and informative. The Saint Nicholas Day Snow is a story about family, friendship, and the St. Nicholas Day traditions of two friends – with interesting historical facts of the legendary figure woven in. Disclosure: We received a complimentary…
Read More¡Hola! Let’s Learn Spanish Review & Activities
Introduce kids to new cultures through language, literature, and fun activities with ¡Hola! Let’s Learn Spanish by Judy Martialay. This book is great for parents and educators teaching Spanish to young children, regardless of their own Spanish skills. Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes; however, all opinions are our own.…
Read MoreGlobal Learning Resources for Kids
It’s been a great week collaborating with other global educators for our Global Learning in the Elementary Classroom miniseries. We featured information, resources, and activities to teach our youngest learners about world geography and cultures. To conclude this series, we’re sharing a round-up of resources for kids to use as they explore and learn about the world. Global Learning Resources for Kids It…
Read MoreSharing Many Cultures in the Elementary Classroom
We’re excited to share a guest post written by Lisa Heintz from Little Songbird: Songs for Learning as part of our Global Learning in the Elementary Classroom miniseries. Lisa has lots of great suggestions for global activities, books, and songs. Sharing Many Cultures in the Elementary Classroom Make no mistake: True “multicultural” or “global” education takes creativity,…
Read MoreTooth Traditions Around the World
What in the world do YOU do with your tooth? A boy in Mexico leaves his tooth in a box on his bedside table. He hopes that the magic mouse, El Ratón, will take his tooth and leave some money. A girl in South Africa leaves her tooth in a slipper in her room. A mouse comes…
Read More