Life as a Leach

Many of you found the academic activities I shared to be helpful, so I have compiled some more.  I know doing the same thing can get boring and variety is key...especially if we are out of school for much longer than originally planned. 😒 *  This is a set of free printable maker station (STEM) activities.  You will want to scroll through and probably just print the ones that appeal to your kids.  I do like that there are QR codes for each activity with additional resources. * Check out this list of online field trips and even more online field trips ! Kids really enjoy these.  Just make sure there's a writing component involved so that they aren't just clicking and scrolling!  Have them write in a journal about what they learned.  For older kids, you will want to move them past the "fact listing" and have them write about how they can use the information they learned or how it applies to something else they already knew. * I share this one...

While being on an extended break with my kids and being responsible for their learning isn't that big a deal to me because I do this for a living, I recognize that not everyone is a teacher and isn't able to come up with educational things for their kids to do each day.  No one wants their kids to just play video games and watch TV all day!  I figured I would share some things I have found that would help others while their kids are at home. All of the websites I will share are free or just require a free registration!  Unless otherwise noted, I have checked these links for viability.  I hope you find these helpful.  Please let me know how you use the activities! * First, let me say that writing should be a part of just about everything you do.  If your child does a science experiment, have him/her write claims and evidence about the experiment.  If you explore an online museum together, have children share about three of the most interesting exhib...

"My" kids (the two classes I work with on a regular basis) will hopefully be enjoying some yummy gingerbread men--so that I don't have to bring them home and eat them all myself!  They are GOOD...a little too good! (I'm teaching a little lesson on German holiday traditions to go along with their social studies unit on world cultures, and the Gingerbread house is a German tradition.  Since I can't really bring in materials to make houses, I figured cookies would suffice.)  :)