Make Your School Go Green

In honor of Earth Day on April 22^nd, we wanted to do a special blog highlighting ways that you can make your school a greener place. Now this doesn’t mean you have to start installing solar panels on your roof! We’re going to list some simple ways you can do your part to protect the environment.

1.      Create a recycling center, whether this is school wide, classroom specific, or both. This should go beyond simply recycling paper. Have a section for cans, plastic, paper, and glass. It makes recycling easy, which means students are more likely to do it!

2.      Have each classroom have a scratch paper bin. For some projects, students do not need a full, nice sheet of paper. This will cut down on the waste of paper, which will do wonders for the environment.

3.      Form a Green student club. This club will give students a chance to brainstorm ideas to make the school greener, find volunteer opportunities, and more. They may hold environmental presentations or lobby the school board. It is a great way to get students involved in protecting the environment.

4.      Stop busses from idling at your school. Many busses will park in front of the school to pick up students with the engines running. This is a huge waste of gas and a huge increase in unnecessary pollution. Have busses park, turn off the engine, and only turn back on once it is time to depart.

5.      Plant a school garden. This is great for so many reasons. Students will get to learn about gardening, students spend more time outdoors, and you are able to grow fresh fruits and vegetables that students can consume!

6.      Use electronics less. Always turn off lights and fans when they aren’t in use. Don’t put computers to sleep, shut them down. These small things can save a ton of energy.

7.      Get your school involved with local environmental groups. Have speakers come in and present students with volunteer opportunities. Service learning isn’t uncommon in the classroom, so why not center it around the environment?

8.      Use the environment in the classroom instead of energy. Open up blinds and let sunlight light the rooms. Open the windows instead of using fans or air conditioning. As the weather warms students love to feel the breeze just like us. If appropriate you can even take classes outside.

9.      Go paperless, or as much as you can. So many forms used in a school can be just as effective if on a computer. You’ll save an amazing amount of paper this way.

10.   Use eco-friendly cleaners in your school. Many chemical cleaners are not only bad for the environment, they are bad for humans. There’s plenty of natural ways to keep a building clean. In fact it may even be cheaper.

      Try out these ten tips to making your school a greener place!

American History: Our History of Teaching it Incorrectly

American history is extremely important. Not only does it show us where we came from, it instills a sense of pride in the country. By studying American history students are able to learn about all we have accomplished as a nation.

Unfortunately, that is often all they learn. Censorship of American history has been a hot topic for a few years. Some believe that students should only be taught American history that fosters pride in the country, instead of also teaching about the poor decisions we have made. Students, however, are not ignorant enough to accept this. There have been protests from the students themselves to stop the censorship of American history.

Censorship involves many things. Some history is blatantly ignored, while some is taught in such a way that it makes America appear in a better light. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with emphasizing the good America has done in the world, it is important to show the bad America has done. It teaches students about learning from mistakes. Censoring American history makes our students more ignorant. Beyond that, we run the risk of them finding a more true history on their own, which will further impact their faith in the school system and even the government. The best way to combat this is to teach the correct balance of material, which highlights the good and the bad of American history.

Here are some common examples where history may be taught differently:

The way schools teach about Abraham Lincoln is a prime example. The Emancipation Proclamation is shown as a huge win for civil rights, which it was. It is also often taught that Abraham Lincoln was extremely opposed to slavery. He was not. His goal was simply to keep the Union together, whether that meant freeing the slaves or not. While this difference may seem small, it has a huge impact on the view of his presidency. Teach instead, about his military prowess. Teach about his dedication to keeping America unified. This is a beautiful message for students to hear. Focus instead on the Civil Rights Movement when discussing proper equality.

Thanksgiving is a great example of history that is taught completely incorrectly. We touched on the topic in a past blog post already. The current lessons surrounding Thanksgiving diminish the sufferings of Native Americans. In fact, teachings about Native Americans, their culture, and what Americans have done to erase them is something that could use further teaching in general. There is no national standard for teaching Native American history. It is important students understand who was here before us, and where they are today.

Japanese Internment Camps are another subject that is often glossed over. While concentration camps receive a lot of attention, many schools only mention America’s own camps in passing. This is not true of every state, but a survey would tell you that many Americans know very little, and sometimes nothing, about these camps. It was determined these internment camps were based on racism and war hysteria, rather than sound military expertise. Going into more history about this topic will show students that hate and fear should not be on the forefront of decision making.   

There are plenty more examples of important parts of American history that are glossed over or not taught in schools. It is important that students have a full understanding of where they have come from, to stop America from making the same mistakes in the future. Your ability to teach more extensively on these topics may be limited depending on your school, however the benefits of students getting a full understanding of the history of their nation is extremely important. If you are able to give them that better understanding, please do.

Valentine’s Day Around The World

Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly, but you can use this day to do more than just make heart-

themed crafts and have students exchange cards. Instead, you can use this opportunity to educate students about cultures from all around the world. Many countries outside of America celebrate some version of Valentine’s Day. We’ve compiled a list for you, so you can use this fun holiday to educate your students.

Japan

In Japan, it is the women who are doting on the men, but it’s not only for romantic purposes. On February 14^th women will give different types of chocolate to different types of men, depending on the relationship. Women give giri-choco, which is chocolate that is given out of obligation, to men they have no romantic interest in such as male friends, colleagues, and bosses. Honmei choco is gifted to men in the woman’s life that are boyfriends or husbands. One month later on March 14^th is White Day. On this day men return the favor. They present chocolate and other gifts to women who gifted them chocolate the month before.

South Korea

South Korea has similar traditions to Japan when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Like in Japan, on February 14^th women gift men they like romantically with chocolate and candy. On March 14^th, men reciprocate with chocolate and gifts. For those people who are single, they have their own holiday on April 14^th. It is known as Black Day, a day where singles mourn their solitary status by eating black bean paste noodles. South Korean’s are, in general, a very romantic bunch. Different months on the 14^th have different romantic themes, so couples can celebrate all year.

Wales

In Wales, the locals celebrate Saint Dwynwen on January 25^th. On this day, men gift women they love with a wooden spoon. These wooden spoons are carved with different patterns to represent different things. Some examples include keys, which represent a man’s heart, and horseshoes, representing good luck. They are also exchanged for events such as weddings and anniversaries.

France

Paris is considered to be one of the most romantic cities in the world and is a popular destination on Valentine’s Day. Romantic partners exchange cards and gifts, much like we do in America. The origin of Valentine’s Day is actually claimed by France. While the traditions in France are similar to American traditions now, some old traditions certainly were not. An old tradition called une loterie d’amour involved single men and women filing into a house. Men and women would take turns calling out to each other and pairing off, but if the men didn’t like their match they could leave for a different woman. Any women who remained unmatched gathered for a bonfire, during which they burned pictures of men who rejected them and screamed insults. This tradition became uncontrollable and the French government eventually banned it.

Denmark

Valentine’s Day in Denmark is a very new tradition, and has only been around since the 1990s. That hasn’t stopped them from coming up with their own fun traditions. In Denmark, romantic partners often exchange white flowers called snowdrops and cards. Men may also give women gaekkebrev, which is a note or poem written anonymously. It is signed with dots, and the woman must guess the sender. If correct she gets an Easter egg later on in the year.

This is only a small sampling of the many Valentine’s Day traditions around the world. Many countries have traditions similar to ours, so today we’ve highlighted some of the traditions that your students are less likely to know about. We hope you take this chance to highlight other cultures. You may even be able to find a way to work some of these traditions into class activities!

Have a great holiday!

Winter Bucket List

Winter is a wonderful time of year. It is easy for the cold, cloudy days to take a toll and make you feel depressed and lethargic. But winter isn’t going away anytime soon, so instead you should take the time to enjoy it, and to enjoy it with your students! The ideas we are going to present you with here work great for field trips or just as ideas to give your students to get them outside appreciating nature, instead of inside playing video games for the next several months.

1.      Go sledding. As long as this activity is done in a safe location, it is a great activity for students. This is the perfect opportunity to explain sledding safety to your students. The most important step they can take is to choose a safe hill. Hills should not be too steep and should have a good, flat surface for the sled to stop on, with no roads or sidewalks in the way. Hills should also be free of trees fences, and other dangers. Additionally, hills should be snow covered, not ice covered. Falling off a sled onto ice can cause serious damage. These tips will help your students have a great time sledding, and stay safe.

2.      Go ice skating. This is another activity that can end in injury, so it is important that you give your students plenty of safety tips so they don’t get hurt. Students should be sure to lace their skates up tightly. A loose skate means a better chance of falling. While many people don’t do this, a helmet is a great way to prevent serious head injury. And something to remember when it comes to ice skating is that you will always fall. The key is to fall correctly, protecting your head, wrists, and hands. This doesn’t stop a fall from hurting, but it does stop it from causing a severe injury. 

3.      Go skiing. While skiing may sound like a dangerous sport, it is actually quite safe when done correctly. I was taken on several skiing field trips in middle school, and I’d never skied before in my life. This is a great field trip opportunity, though a pricey one. Skiing is something you really want to leave to a professional. They can teach kids how to balance, move, fall correctly, and avoid any dangers associated with the sport. When done correctly, skiing is an exhilarating and fun school trip and family activity for the winter months.

4.      Take a winter hike. Winter hikes are a great way to show natural terrain in a whole new way. Hiking in winter does present a series of challenges. Obstacles may be concealed by the snow, so students must take caution while walking. Winter hikes keep students outdoors. They’ll see animal tracks, snow-covered trees, frozen streams, and other wonders that can only be seen during a winter hike.

5.      Create a winter scavenger hunt. You can find plenty of examples online with a simple Google search. It may seem that in winter there’s not much to look for, but that’s not true. This scavenger hunt can be both to collect items, and simply spot items. Animal tracks, pine cones, icicles, berries, and frozen puddles are all great examples of scavenger hunt items.

6.      Organize a classroom-wide snowball fight. You will of course want to establish a few rules to keep the activity fun and safe. The biggest rule by far is that snowballs can only be made with snow. Threaten that any ice, twigs, or other items placed in snowballs will end the game and bring about severe consequences. There should also be boundaries, such as no aiming for the head or direct physical contact. From there pick the teams, let them make a base, and watch the battle!

7.      Go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rides like this are sometimes offered in the city, but the best place to do an activity like this is in the countryside. Students can experience sitting in a sled or wagon and being pulled through the fields and woods by a team of horses. It’s a great opportunity to teach about the past, get students closer to nature, and learn more about animals.

8.      Make ice cream out of snow! This is a fun, cheap activity that your students will love. Do some searching online to find the recipe that is perfect for your classroom. You’ll find there are many different recipes and methods for this tasty concoction.

9.      Attend a winter festival. This is of course an activity you will likely not do with your students, but it’s a great activity to share with them. Many cities have some form of a winter festival. These winter festivals often have activities to offer that students won’t find anywhere else. Examples include snowshoeing, dog sled races, ice sculpture contests, and more. Winter festivals can make the bleakness of winter more exciting with unique activities.

10.   Make snow art! There’s tons of great ways to use snow to create art. And we mean beyond creating snowmen and snow angels. You can do crafting with snow, and even add other materials. A great example is snow painting. Using food coloring with water in spray bottles gives students the tools they need to make art outside. You may also choose to include paintbrushes and bowls of “paint” but this can get complicated and a bit messier. Either way, making art with snow is a great way to nurture creativity.

Winter Writing Prompts

Are you looking for a way to boost creative writing juices during this cold, somewhat dreary time of year? Well we’re here to help you out. This list of prompts is meant to help your students create fun short stories. Assign these prompts in class or as a homework assignment, to give students more time to work on their stories.

1.      Tell the story of a person who lives in Antarctica. Are they alone? How do they survive in such a cold climate? Have they ever left Antarctica?

2.      Explain the life of a snowman. When were they born? What do they do every day? Do they have dreams, and can they fulfill these dreams?

3.      Describe a couple looking for their first igloo together. What are they looking for in their new home? Tell us all about their igloo and daily life inside it.

4.      A huge snowstorm arrived, dropping two feet of snow on the city. Describe the best snow day ever.

5.      Tell the story of the life of a penguin. What do they do every day? Do they like cold weather?

6.      Pretend a new ice age has arrived. It’s very cold and there’s tons of snow and ice everywhere. How do humans and animals adapt?

7.      You’ve just made a snowman, and it starts to move and talk! What does the snowman say? What adventures do the two of you have together?

8.      A huge, dangerous snowstorm has arrived, trapping you and your family inside for days. What do you do with your free time? Do you leave the house? Are there any problems due to the storm?

9.      You find a penguin outside your house that needs a good home. How do you take care of it? Do penguins make good pets?

10.   Imagine you live during the pioneer days, when there was no TV, computers, or working heat. What do you do to entertain yourself during the long, cold winters? What challenges do you face that modern society does not?

This collection of writing prompts is sure to help out in your classroom. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!

A Successful Food Drive

It’s the holiday season, which is the most common time of year for there to be food drives in the community. Is your school hosting one? Maybe just your classroom? We have some tips to help make your food drive go over better than you could have hoped.

·        Find out what food pantries actually need. Some food banks, for example, may have recently received many donations of canned vegetables and pasta, but be very low on canned protein. This way you can provide a list of items that are the most needed to your students.

·        Ask students to donate healthy food items. Food banks and food pantries are usually looking for non-perishable, nutritious foods that are low in sodium and sugar. While they will take a donation of chips or candy, it is not what people down on their luck really need.

·        Challenge your students to think like a person or family going to a food pantry. What if that person is homeless? What if their electricity is turned off? It is important to donate many types of food. A box of pasta can feed an entire family, but what about people who cannot cook? Make sure to ask for items that don’t require a stove such as peanut butter, instant oatmeal, and granola bars. Canned goods that have a pop top are great as well.

·        Consider collecting cash as well as food items. Food banks often have connections with wholesale establishments, enabling them to get food at a much cheaper price than us. Money goes a long way when it comes to food drives.

·        Set a goal. Your students will be more motivated if there’s a goal they’re supposed to reach. You may choose to reward them if they meet the goal, such as by giving a pizza party.

·        Worried about your students understanding the importance of a food drive? Work it into your lessons. Use a holiday themed story such as “A Christmas Carol” to show how important it is for us to help those in need.

·        Don’t rule out collecting other items that are needed besides food. You can collect toys for local toy drives, or toiletry items. Another great item to collect, especially for those of you living in colder climates, are items for cold weather (hats, mittens, scarves, coats, etc).

We hope these tips will help your food drive to be a huge success. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to take some time to help those who are not as fortunate as yourself. 

Halloween Writing Prompts

October is nearly over, which means Halloween is nearly here. This makes it the perfect time to give your students some Halloween themed writing prompts. We’ve put together this list of prompts that you can use in the classroom for students of all ages.

1.      The pumpkin grows up watching the other pumpkins around it get picked. Describe how the pumpkin feels.

2.      People have been telling stories about a haunted house in your neighborhood. Write about a kid who decides to investigate. What kinds of rooms do they find? Is the house really haunted?

3.      A kid wants to go trick-or-treating, but doesn’t have the money for a costume from the store. Write about how they create a costume from items they already have at home.

4.      Do you love Halloween? Do you dislike it? Write about the thing you like most about Halloween, and the thing you like least.

5.      The friendly ghost can’t understand why everyone seems to be so afraid of it. Write a short story about how the ghost makes friends.

6.      Create a monster. How many eyes does it have? Does it have teeth? What color is it? Tell me all about what makes your monster unique.

7.      Halloween is not celebrated across the entire world. Write a letter describing what Halloween is, including Halloween traditions.

8.      The lonely vampire never wanted to have to attack humans. Write a story about the vampire keeps humans safe instead of hurting them.

9.      The zombies are attacking! Write about your daring escape to safety.

10.   The mayor has decided to cancel Halloween. Write a letter to the mayor explaining why they should reconsider their decision.

These creative writing prompts are great for many grade levels. Use some of them with your students to see what spooky tales they come up with!