July 30, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

10 Anytime Activities for Back-To-School: Ice Breakers, Writing, Critical Thinking

The most important thing to do those first few weeks back to school is to teach your students the rules and expectations for your classroom. Laying a strong foundation of classroom teamwork, respect, and understanding will pave the way for a productive and enjoyable year for everyone. See the reference articles at the end of this post for ideas and free printables.

Plan to incorporate simple activities such as ice breakers and creative writing opportunities into your classroom routines. Be explicit in your directions and model each expectation you have.

While you’re introducing your classroom routines, include some of these fun activities to get to know your students.

1. Who Am I Ice Breaker

Write down animal names on sticky notes. Each note should have one name on it. Tape one note to each student’s back without them seeing it. Have students work together to try and guess the animal they are wearing using yes or no questions. Other students will be able to read the card. (For non-readers, post an image with the word written underneath. This game shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes.)

2. First Week of School Team Building (for grades 1–6)

Choose from four different interactive games (primary and intermediate grades) that help your students practice classroom expectations while getting to know one another.

3. All About Me: Center Activity (for grades PreK–K)

Review the 5 senses with your students, then have them work with a partner on this matching center activity. (Possible read-aloud: I Hear a Pickle: and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too! by Rachel Isadora)

4. Pocket Book: One of a Kind (for grades 1–3)

Delight your parents on back-to-school night with a booklet about each student! This hands-on activity is a simple and fun way for students to introduce themselves to you and ease the stress on the first day of school.

5. Logical Thinking Activity (for grades 3–4)

This activity is perfect for those 10 minutes you have to fill after an assembly or before lunch break. Give students practice with this imaginative invention activity.

Combine and Create

6. Logical Thinking Activity (for grades 5–6)

Put students into groups and solve this fun bug trivia puzzle to exercise their critical and creative thinking.

Bug Trivia

7. Whale Writing Prompt and Whale Bulletin Board (for grades 1–3)

Match your writing paper to your bulletin board with this whale-themed writing paper and bulletin board. Have students write about what they did over the summer for your first writing sample.

8. Draw Then Write Whale Theme (for grades 1–3)

This quiet activity is the perfect way to get students writing again without stressing them out. The fun pictures make the activity entertaining while students practice their writing.

9. Beach Ball Ice Breaker

Using a blow-up beach ball and a permanent marker, write down questions for students to answer. Practice throwing the ball around and having students answer the question that their right thumb lands on. Possible questions could include:

What is my favorite food?
What is the best thing I did this summer?
What am I really good at?
Who is my hero?

10. Creative Writing Cartoons (for grades 2–4)

Get samples of your students’ writing with these fun cartoon characters!

Take the time to establish your classroom behavior expectations even if it comes at the expense of other learning activities. You will always be able to catch up on your pacing guide, but you can never get those first few weeks of training back. Be sure to include team-building activities that encourage students to get to know one another and work together to build a positive classroom environment.

For more back-to-school ideas check out these reference articles:

Under the Sea Classroom Theme and Activities for the First Day of School

Strategies for Teaching Social and Emotional Learning: Create a Classroom of Superheroes!

Survival Tips for the First Day of School

Check out our Back-to-School Pinterest Board for more lesson ideas!

Heather Foudy is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.

July 23, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

How to Solve Word Problems in 3 Simple Steps

Word problems can be intimidating and overwhelming for children and parents alike. They require children to read at grade level while solving a complex puzzle. Empower your child to tackle those tricky problems by teaching a systematic approach for solving them. Whether it’s a one-step or multi-step word problem, the simple strategies listed below will take the guesswork out of the equation.

3-Step System

1. Read: Read the problem and decide what the question is asking.

Read the problem 2 times or more.
Underline or circle key words, phrases, and numbers. Draw a line through irrelevant information.

2. Plan: Think about what the story is asking you to do. What information are you given, and what do you need to find out?

Draw a picture.
Circle or underline key words. (Use highlighters or crayons to color-code key numbers and phrases.)
Write out the question in your own words.

3. Solve: What strategy could you use to find the missing information: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division?

Write a number sentence and solve.
Use counters.
Create charts.

Check your work by explaining your reasoning. Does your answer make sense?

Download this free strategy checklist from Math Fundamentals to help your child solve word problems.

Different Strategies to Solve Word Problems

Everyone learns in a different way. What makes sense to one individual often isn’t the easiest option for another. Incorporating different strategies to solve word problems can help your child discover what strategy works best for him or her. A few tips to use are:

1. Circle numbers in a story and underline key phrases.

Color coding is a fun method to incorporate to help children decide what operation the question is asking for. Assign a color to each operation and highlight the phrase that identifies it. For example, red links to addition and blue links to subtraction.

2. Incorporate a key word list.

Key word lists are best used for teaching younger children how to solve word problems. As math curriculum advances, children should not be dependent on a key word list to solve a problem. The questions get trickier.

Addition
In all
Together
Total
Altogether
Combine
Sum
Join

Subtraction
Difference
Fewer
How many more
How much more
Left
Remain
Less

3. Visuals

If your child is a visual learner, drawing a picture or using counters can help him or her understand what the problem is asking. Use number lines, charts, or counters or draw a picture.

4. Write your own word problem.
Knowing what is needed to write a word problem is the first step in identifying key words to solve a story. Take turns writing your own word problems with your child and exchange them to solve.

5. Stay organized.

It is important to write clearly and keep work space neat so children can read and follow their own computations. Many children need a separate piece of paper to allow them enough space to solve and understand their answer. Graphing paper is a great option to help students record neat work.

Download this free sample word problem from Math Fundamentals, grade 1.

How to solve a two-step word problem

In a two-step word problem children are being asking to solve two related equations. These can get tricky for children to understand when they transition from one-step to two-step problems. Help your child understand his or her relationships within two-step word problems with these strategies:

1. Circle important information.

Circle numbers and important phrases that ask questions. The number sentences needed to solve these equations are hidden in those asking questions. Identify the first and second questions needed to solve.

2. Distinguish the two parts of the problem.

First identify the first step of the first part of the word problem. Write a number sentence and solve.

3. Use the answer from the first-step solution to the whole problem.

Use the answer from the first question to help you solve the next equation. What operation does the second question require?

Check your work by explaining your reasoning. What was the question answered? Is the answer reasonable for the question being asked?

Download this free sample two-strategy word problem from Math Fundamentals, grade 2

Download this free sample multi-strategy word problem from Math Fundamentals, grade 4

Evan-Moor’s Math Fundamentals is a great resource for training students how to solve word problems in 3 simple steps. It provides step-by-step directions for solving questions and guides children with helpful visuals and key phrases.

Check out Daily Word Problems for consistent practice solving word problems.

For more fun math tips and strategies check out our Math- Ideas, Activities and Lessons Pinterest Board.

Save these tips and Pin It now!

Earn money with Evan-Moor affiliate program on your website

July 20, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Join Evan-Moor’s Affiliate Program

Calling all fans of Evan-Moor products…

If you have used Evan-Moor products, you know that we deliver high-quality educational materials that kids, teachers, and parents love.

Did you know that Evan-Moor’s Affiliate Program allows you to earn commission from referrals on your website?

About Evan-Moor’s Affiliate Program

The Evan-Moor Affiliate Program is designed for bloggers and website owners that have audiences of classroom teachers, homeschoolers, and parents.

If you are approved, you can earn 7% commission on referrals from your website or blog.

Evan-Moor’s Affiliate Program is simple to join, and it’s free!

Learn more about the Evan-Moor Affiliate Program.

Not a blogger? Make sure you are part of Evan-Moor’s Rewards Program.

Support for Evan-Moor’s Affiliates

Once approved, Evan-Moor is ready to support you as an affiliate.

In our exclusive Evan-Moor Affiliate Marketing Facebook group, you can access:

Product graphics for your site
Features and benefits of Evan-Moor’s products to share with your readers
Upcoming sales, promotions, and coupons
Invitations for product reviews
Ideas for promotions and SEO
and MORE!

Be sure and join the Evan-Moor Affiliate Marketing Facebook group to stay up to date with Evan-Moor’s latest products and offers.

Ready to join the Evan-Moor’s Affiliate Program?

Come partner with us to earn commissions on the Evan-Moor resources you know and love!

To get started, click here to apply to the Evan-Moor Affiliate program.

Amy Michaels is a certified teacher with 11 years of elementary classroom experience who is actively homeschooling her own children. Her mission is share the best teaching methods and resources with all homeschoolers. Amy supports parents through her podcasts, webinars, and online training for homeschoolers on her website www.thrivehomeschooling.com

July 10, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Teaching with the Fundamentals: Math, Reading, Language and Vocabulary Lessons

As a teacher, do you look for reading, math, language, and vocabulary lessons that save you time while providing comprehensive curriculum instruction? Spend less time searching for lessons and more time teaching with the Fundamentals series.

We have all been there—you have just finished up a week focusing on core content, and your students bombed the test. They need to review those concepts an extra week before moving on. Now you sigh and start looking for materials to re-teach those same lessons.

When my students are struggling with a concept I always ask myself the question, “Are they having difficulty with the concept or the delivery of the concept?” With the Fundamentals series, I don’t have to spend time explaining how to navigate a new lesson format. The systematic, straightforward instruction and practice makes it easy to incorporate into your daily lessons.

Whether you are re-teaching or introducing a new concept, Evan-Moor’s Fundamentals series is a must-have on your shelves. Listed below are reasons the Fundamentals series works so seamlessly within my instruction.

Why I Love the Fundamentals

Layout

The easy-to-understand design helps students focus on the skills being learned rather than how to complete the assignment. This benefit is especially helpful when you are working with language learners who need consistent delivery and practice. (So often they get muddled on how to do the lesson rather than the skills being taught.)

Teaching Support

The table of contents is easy to follow, and topics can be taught as stand-alone. (This is just perfect for those pesky skills that take a little longer to grasp and need more practice than your curriculum provides.)

Comprehensive Coverage

The Fundamentals series is aligned to standards and offers teaching strategies for the major concepts taught within a subject area. Lessons provide:

Teaching models
Support pages for teachers
Clear teaching strategies for students
Reproducible practice pages

Why This Series Works So Well

This series works well for elementary students because it doesn’t waste your time. The comprehensive curriculum-based instruction within this series is perfect for introducing new skills, re-teaching, and practicing concepts. Each book:

Offers lessons on grade-appropriate concepts
Is aligned to standards
Easy to incorporate into any curriculum

What Is in the Fundamentals Series?

Listed below are the titles of each book in the Fundamentals series, or click here to view all of the titles on Evan-Moor’s website.

Reading Comprehension Fundamentals provides tools to target the reading skills and strategies with which students need the most help. The 33 skill-based units include fiction and nonfiction texts and incorporate a variety of reading comprehension activities. Access your free sample.

Math Fundamentals offers plenty of skill practice, math models, and real-world problems that guide students in thinking through and solving math problems. Access your free sample.

Language Fundamentals provides a comprehensive curriculum to teach the conventions of Standard English and boost vocabulary acquisition. Access your free sample.

Vocabulary Fundamentals provides scaffolded vocabulary activities that target skills that support comprehension and improve spelling.

For more ideas on incorporating the Fundamentals series in your lessons, see these posts:

Reading Comprehension Fundamentals: 3 Reading Comprehension Strategies to Teach Author’s Purpose
Math Fundamentals: 3 Math Hacks Every Teacher Will Love
Language Fundamentals: A Lesson a Day Keeps Grammar Groans Away
Vocabulary Fundamentals: Teaching Prefixes: Worksheets, Anchor Charts, and Hands-on Activities and Fixing the Most Common Grammar Errors

June 26, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

5 Ways You Can Support STEM Skills at Home

Children are natural scientists. They are constantly observing the world around them, experimenting with anything they can get their hands on, and asking A LOT of questions. These are attributes that can help with higher education and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related careers later in life. Because you are your child’s first teacher, it is important to inspire, nurture, and support your child’s learning. Here are 5 ways you can support STEM skills at home.

1. Encourage Observation

Observation is one of the most important steps in the scientific process.
Have your child notice things in his or her environment and share your observations, too.
- Example: the way raindrops make waves in a puddle, how the wind makes a tree sway, new flowers blooming, etc

2. Encourage STEM Language

Try to integrate STEM language into everyday life.
- When watching a movie, ask your child, “What do you predict will happen next?”
Ask your child to describe what he or she sees, feels, or hears.
- When a child sees a rock or leaf outside, ask him to describe the color, shape, size, or texture.
Ask your child to describe what she is doing or what she did.
- Example: When your child is building with blocks, ask her to describe what she is building, what materials she is using, and how she is using the materials.

3. Encourage Questions and Model Curiosity

Children are naturally curious. Support their curiosity by asking them “what” questions instead of “why” questions.
- “Why” questions suggest there is a right answer, which can make young children hesitant because they don’t know the answer.
- “What” questions help build confidence and communication skills as you give them questions they can answer.
- Example: If you ask, “Why does the paper clip stick to the magnet?” the child may not know the answer. Instead, ask, “What happens to the paper clip when it is near the magnet?” This is a question a child can answer with confidence.
When a child asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, show him that it is okay to not know all the answers. Model ways to research and find the answers.

4. Encourage Your Child to Build Computational Thinking Skills

Computational thinking skills might sound intimidating, but it’s really just a way to solve problems. These STEM-related skills are essential to the fast-growing field of computer programming.
Computational thinking includes recognizing patterns and sequences, creating and using a series of steps (algorithms), and finding ways to deal with complex problems. Incorporate these skills with familiar activities.
- Example: Have your child explain the steps to drawing a picture, telling a story, or making a bowl of cereal.

5. Show Interest in STEM

Studies show that when parents are involved in their children’s education, children feel more confident and engaged in their learning.
Adults’ attitudes about STEM education influence children’s own views and beliefs about STEM.
Connect STEM to other interests and hobbies your child has.

Example: If your child likes cars, explore how toy cars travel down different ramp heights. Find ways to make toy cars go fast or slow down the ramp.

Fostering STEM skills at home will not only help your child succeed in education, but also help him or her face everyday problems with confidence.

If you are interested in more STEM activities for kids check out Smart Start STEM for grades Prek-1!

For more STEM ideas read STEM In the Kitchen—Cooking Up Science with the Kids

Tiffany Rivera graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Family and Human Development and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She has over 10 years experience as a preschool teacher and has also taught elementary-high school English in South Korea. Tiffany is currently working for Evan-Moor’s editorial team, where she writes fun and engaging books for young children and classrooms.

June 5, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Homeschool Curriculum Ideas for Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science

Homeschoolers can get worn out by trying to “teach it all.” With these homeschool curriculum ideas and homeschool planning and organizing tips, you can rest easy knowing that you are covering your child’s core content while saving yourself precious planning time. (View the homeschool curriculum guides below for reading, phonics, language, math, writing, spelling, vocabulary, social studies, and science.) Homeschooling with an Easy 3-Step Method Homeschooling multiple children and managing a family requires planning, commitment, and organization. Organize your homeschool lessons around this easy 3-step method and stay on track throughout the homeschooling year. Step1. Warm up: Lesson warm-ups are a great strategy to transition children into “learning time” while reviewing skills throughout the year. Reviewing skills is important to help both kids and parents see what skills have been mastered and which skills still need more practice. Step2. Teach: Introduce each new skill by demonstrating and modeling the process. Begin with simple examples and scaffold your instruction according to your child’s understanding. Step3. Practice and Extend: Provide time for meaningful practice. Incorporate different learning methods such as oral, written, and hands-on activities to strengthen your child’s understanding. Create workboxes to organize your children’s practice activities and provide independent practice. Homeschool Curriculum Planner and Guides Build your homeschool curriculum in just a few steps with these curriculum and planning guides that follow the 3-step approach. The Evan-Moor resources provide you with easy-to-follow lessons to save you precious prep time. The pacing guides give you a quick overview and suggested pacing for your homeschool schedule. View these homeschool curriculum guides: Homeschool Reading Curriculum Homeschool Language Curriculum Homeschool Math Curriculum Homeschool Writing Curriculum Homeschool Spelling Curriculum Homeschool Vocabulary Curriculum Homeschool Social Studies Curriculum Homeschool Science Curriculum More Homeschool Curriculum Ideas and Tips

Learn more about Evan-Moor’s complete homeschool curriculum bundles and homeschool subject area bundles for grades 1-6.
Learn about Evan-Moor’s online lesson library (a time and money saver for your homeschool): 7 Fabulous Ways That TeacherFileBox Can Elevate Your Homeschooling
If you are new to homeschooling, check out this post for: How to Plan Your Homeschool Curriculum in 5 Easy Steps

June 4, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Summer reading suggestions for read alouds and silent reading

Ages 4–6

Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault: Introduce young children to alphabet letters and sounds or give them practice saying and identifying each letter/sound combination with this beginning reading book.

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw and Margot Apple: This funny, rhyming picture book tells the story of a flock of sheep who get stuck in the country.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff: This is a cute picture book with fun and colorful illustrations about a mouse.

Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell and Lillian Hoban: Frances is an imaginative badger who refuses to eat anything but bread and jam. She learns a valuable lesson about food choices in this heartwarming story.

Franklin and the Tooth Fairy by Paulette Bourgeois: Franklin is a popular children’s character who faces relatable issues for young children. In this story, he is frustrated because his friends are losing teeth and he is not.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey: A children’s classic tale about ducks in a Boston park with great illustrations and a sweet storyline.

Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak: This classic learn-to-read book is great to read to your child—or the perfect beginner book for an emergent reader.

I Can Read Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean: This is a favorite character for young readers, and depending on your children’s reading ability, this can be read to them or by them.

My First Bob Books: Pre-Reading Skills by Lynn Maslen Kertell: Get young children interested in reading with this beginner reading series. No reading skills are necessary to start with these beginner books.

Ages 6–8

The Cookie-Store Cat by Cynthia Rylant: Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant tells the sweet story of a young kitten adopted by a bakery owner. (Read with a plate of cookies.)

Amelia Bedelia Makes a Friend by Herman Parish: Amelia Bedelia discovers how make a new friend. This is a great book for emergent readers.

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel: Frog and Toad is a classic beginning reader about two funny and special friends.

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! by Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss creates a cute and rhyming book that encourages young readers to take pride in their reading abilities.

Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann: Pinkalicious is an adorable character who loves pink and learns the valuable lesson that being yourself is very important.

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann: Get your child laughing with the funny antics of Gloria, Officer Buckle’s police dog.

Bob Books Set 1: Beginning Readers by Bobby Lynn Maslen and John R. Maslen: These Bob Books are perfect for building the confidence of your young readers with beginning sight words and word families.

Magic Tree House: #1 Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne: Jack and Annie’s very first adventure into prehistoric Earth will get you hooked on this entertaining series. Perfect as a read-aloud or first chapter book.

Franklin’s Big Book of Stories: A Collection of 6 First Readers by Sharon Jennings: A collection of stories in which Franklin the turtle faces a unique problem. Perfect for beginning readers or as a read aloud.

Ages 8–12

The BFG by Roald Dahl: This classic Roald Dahl story tells the imaginative tale of a giant who carries off a young girl in the night and the friendship that blossoms.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary: Enter the world of third grader Ramona Quimby and watch her navigate comical scenarios of daily life within her family.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: Discover the realm of fourth grader Peter and his annoying three-year-old brother, Fudge, in this classic tale by celebrated children’s author Judy Blume.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder: The first book in the Little House on the Prairie series introduces readers to the American West and makes them fall in love with Laura and the Ingalls family.

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson: Get to know Hank the Cowdog in this humorous tale as he tries to solve mysterious on his ranch.

The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter: This is the perfect read for baseball lovers and tells the tale of Tom Gallagher as he tries to save baseball for his town.

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis: Start at the beginning of the popular Chronicles of Narnia Series and witness the creation of the magical land of Narnia.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: A classic tale tells the story of the friendship between Jess and Leslie and the magical kingdom they create together in the woods.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: The first book in the Olympus Series, this story entwines modern mythology into an action-packed adventure. (This series is recommended for advanced readers.)

For more information on summer reading, check out these articles on:

How Many Words Per Minute Should My Child Read? A Guide to Reading Fluency

How to Get Your Child to Read: Tips for Summer Reading

Top 15 books that teach empathy and kindness to children

May 30, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

How to Get Your Child to Read: Tips for Summer Reading

Help your child become a better reader before the next school year by providing daily reading opportunities throughout the summer. Reading is one of the most important factors in students’ success in school, and numerous studies indicate that children who don’t read over the summer experience a decline or stagnation in their reading abilities. Here are five tips to keep your child reading over the summer.

1. Restrict Screen Time

The number one method to get your child to read more is to limit the screen time in your home. It takes discipline for everyone, but it is the gift that keeps on giving. A few years ago my children would complain when they had to turn off the television to get ready for school, read their books, or complete homework. I limited their screen time to Saturdays and Sundays only, and the results were astounding. My children played more games together, were ready for school on time, and read three times the number of books. This rule took effort and sacrifice, but the benefits far outweighed the sacrifice.

2. Read as a Family

Prioritizing reading as a family sends the message that reading is important. Beginning readers are limited by the types of stories they can read themselves. Prompt interest in books by reading engaging chapter books aloud as a family. Talk about the characters and the stories together and discuss how the story makes you feel.

To “hook” my daughter on a new chapter book, I will sometimes begin the book by reading aloud the first few chapters until she is engaged and then let her finish the book.

3. Read Audio Books

Reading along with audio books is another great option for children. Start a collection of audio books and let your child listen to them throughout the week. Include books from your child’s reading level so he or she can read along as well.

4. Reading Routine

Build a reading routine into your daily schedule. Creating habits within your home will provide your children will clear guidelines for your expectations and reduce arguments. Every evening at 7 p.m., my children read quietly in their rooms for 30 minutes. This schedule provides a calming activity and is easy to follow with our bedtime routine.

5. Interesting Books

No one wants to read a boring book! Take time to talk to your children about what types of books they actually enjoy reading, such as mysteries, silly stories, comics, science, history, or adventure. Do they enjoy a specific author or character? These categories will help you narrow down which books would be the most interesting for your children to read. The more engaged your children are, the fewer complaints you will have. Also, prioritize weekly trips to your local library so you always have books available in your home.

For more tips on summer reading, read How Many Words Per Minute Should My Child Read? A Guide to Reading Fluency.

May 21, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Why Are Educational Video Games Important? What you need to know about smart screen time.

Research from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center conducted a survey of 1,500 parents with children ages 2–10 and found that less than half of children’s screen time is dedicated to educational content. They also suggest that as children get older, their screen time increasingly becomes less educational. One rule to combat this statistic in your home is to enforce a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio of educational screen time to non-educational. Invest in some quality educational games that your children enjoy and insist that they play these games before any others.

Why are educational video games important?

Educational video games provide:

Valuable skills practice
Digital content that engages children’s interest in learning
Audio and visual components that appeal to many types of learners

Digital media does not have to dominate your home, but can be used as an enriching and entertaining tool. Create healthy habits within your family by modeling the behaviors you expect from your children. Studies are coming out about the adverse effects of too much digital media and warning parents to be vigilant monitors of their children’s screen activity. They recommend that you redefine your household screen time with healthy limits and provide educational screen time, including educational video games.

How much time should my child spend on screen-related activities?

Too much digital media means a reduced amount of unstructured play time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their guidelines to identify “screen time” as time spent using technology for entertainment. Listed below are the most recent AAP recommendations for children’s screen time.

Ages 0–2: no screen time
Ages 2–5: one hour of high-quality educational programming
Ages 6 and up: establish consistent limits that do not affect sleep, physical activity, and health behaviors

Many problems can arise from too much screen time that negatively affect children’s growth and development. Some of these issues are:

Lack of sleep
Weight gain
Irritability/behavioral problems
Loss of social skills
Less play

Strategies to reduce screen time

With some family rules and a healthy prioritization, digital screen time can enrich your family’s life and not dominate it. Here are a few rules to incorporate into your household that help maintain children’s health and well-being while sampling all the tech world has to offer:

Prioritize unstructured non-screen time
Have tech-free times or zones (dinnertime, bedtime)
No screens in bedrooms
Limit parental screen time

Promote safe digital media by always monitoring your child’s screen activity and video game choices. Passwords, accounts, and activities need complete transparency for the safety and health of your child.

May 16, 2018
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Under the Sea Classroom Theme and Activities for the First Day of School

Get your classroom ready for back-to-school with a colorful “Under the Sea” theme. The first few days of school are an adjustment for teachers and students. Keep your review assignments simple and fun so students can get to know your classroom rules and expectations without being overwhelmed. Here are some fun ideas for ocean-themed classroom activities and bulletin board templates that will also get your classroom decorated for back-to-school night!

Save this idea and PIN IT now!

Whale-Themed Bulletin Board “Spouting Good Work”

Update your writing wall for back-to-school with this cute whale bulletin board. Download the free template here.

Under the Sea Writing Activities

Grades K–2: Make your first classroom writing assignments fun with this whale shape form and writing prompts. (It is also a great way to get your classroom updated with student work for back-to-school night.) Download your free printable here.
Grades 1–3: Fun and simple drawing and writing prompts from Draw Then Write about whales. Download your free copy here.
Grades 1–6: Start the school year with a simple writing prompt that everyone can answer. “What might you see under the sea?” Include writing prompts on the board and a word wall for younger students, such as:
- If I swam under the sea, I would see…
- Under the sea live many creatures, such as…
- My favorite ocean animal is…

Under the Sea Easy Art Activities

Grades PreK–2: This fun and simple craft from How to Make Puppets with Children is a fun addition to your whale theme. Download your free whale puppet here.
Grades 2–5: Decorate your walls for back-to-school night with this fun Below the Sea Art from Art for All Seasons! Download your free art activity!

What are your back-to-school lesson plans?

The Joy of Teaching

Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn