The Joy of Teaching

Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn

April 21, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Emergency Substitute Lesson Plans

All teachers quickly learn that staying home sick is so much more work than just going to school! We’ve all gone into school on days when we know we should have stayed home. But what if it wasn’t so much … Continue reading

April 16, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Ideas for Seasonal Activities and Free Printables

My favorite part of school was always the festive decorations. As seasons changed, my classrooms’ décor did, too. When I began my work in after-school programs, I found that it was quite natural to structure themed activities around the seasons, … Continue reading

March 3, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Catching Leprechauns – Kindergarten Fun for St. Patrick’s Day

Trapping magical leprechauns appeals to the imagination of young children. My teenage children still remember the delight in finding their kindergarten classroom turned upside down by mischievous leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day. Their kindergarten teacher created memorable traditions around St. … Continue reading

June 4, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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Lesson Roundup: Activities for the End of the School Year and Summer Learning

Whether you’re looking for a quality lesson to fill a gap in your lesson plan or an educational activity to keep your child learning over the summer, use this “lesson roundup”!  This post features downloadable activities and resources from a … Continue reading

April 23, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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Creative Writing Ideas and Story Starters: Using Mystery for “Tell a Story Day”

Most students cannot resist a good mystery—it brings out their natural curiosity and inspires creativity. Mysteries can serve as great story starters for celebrating “Tell a Story Day” or a creative writing assignment. Story starters using The Mysteries of Harris … Continue reading

February 14, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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What Is It? A Fun Drawing and Writing Lesson Integrates Standards Across the Curriculum

When the school year ends, the “What Is It?” lesson may prove to have been your favorite for integrating standards across the ELA and SL curriculum. The “What Is It?” weekly lesson asks students to turn a doodle (such as … Continue reading