March is almost here!

I am working on curing my winter blues by thinking spring! I starting to take down the winter decor and put up all things green. I am also planning some fabulous spring-themed lessons. These Low Prep March STEM Challenges are some of my favorites. They also include a writing craft, graphing lucky charms, and crack-the-code challenge.

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During a special event day, I often set up work stations in my third grade classroom. The first station is "crack-the-code."

The next station is a writing craft that will be related to the month or holiday.

The last station is a stem project. Students can choose which one they want to try. If they finish early, I let them explore more than one. 

Michigan Essay and Museum

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Each year I have my students answer the question: Why should someone come to Michigan? We brainstorm many ideas such as the places to visit, rich history, great jobs, and the geography. Then we begin to write an essay about our thoughts.

As we begin to write, I offer handouts to encourage learners to try steps of writing on their own. 

The stages of writing are clear and posted so students know exactly what they should be working on.

When the project is complete we celebrate with a Michigan Museum Day. Students work on an at-home project where they choose one topic about Michigan to focus on. Then they design a tri-fold to share information about that topic. Their essay goes on display along with the tri-fold. Classes from school are invited to view the museum during school hours.

For the Michigan Museum, students create visual displays at home and they are not due until the day of the museum. At school, students work on the essay that will be displayed in our Museum. 

Our school offers tri-folds for the visual display, but students purchase them for $2.50. Most students choose to make a Tri-Fold which might have pictures, maps, timelines, or important facts about their topic.  Other students might choose to make a model or a power point on the computer showing what something looks like or how it might work so the tri-fold is not something you have to have. 

Building Blocks of Faith in the Classroom

Building Blocks of Faith in the Classroom

I belong

What routines and rhythms in your room create a sense of belonging? Do you need to make changes in additions to these routines?

Make your classroom feel like they are at home

• Addressing students by name when you see them 
• Addressing students as friends. Example: "Friends if you can hear me clap once."
• Envelope addressed to kids before school began with a note.
• Celebrate birthdays with a birthday book
• Having a student greeter rather than the teacher greeting
• Pictures of our class doing things together. 

I  know and understand

Think about your Bible curriculum. What current lessons are focusing on morals over God's story and salvation? There is a danger in thinking about dos and don'ts.

•  For example: When the Israelites worship and idol. They may walk away with "I shouldn't worship gods" Instead of How is God working with his people and fulfilling his promises

Creating a timeline to use and help kids understand. Rather than thinking each story is on its own with no connection to the redemption story.

• Watch God work to see how he fulfills his promises. For example: He saves Joesph to save the line of Jesus. 

I have Hope

What stories of hope can you share from your personal life or from the life of someone your students know? It spreads confidence that God is still at work not just in the Bible working. 

Example: There was a girl serving in another country. She would go on "treasure hunts." A treasure hunt was a search for God's work. She would pray around the city for people during the treasure hunt. A man came up to her and asked her if she was praying. She answered, "Yes." He asked for prayer immediately because he was sick. The girl responded, "Do you want to be healed?" His response was not to be healed, but  for his children to come back to him. He had reached out when he found out he was sick, but they wouldn't respond. He wondered what she thought about that. She paused and said, "I serve a God who pursues me relentlessly. He would never give up. You are a father, don't stop pursuing your children." This man walked away that day filled with hope to go see and reach out to his kids once again. 

I am Called and Equipped

Who are your students called and equipped to Be in God's story? 

• God Worshiper
• Bible Reader
• Prayer Speaker
• Creation Enjoying
• Community Grower
• Justice Seeker
• Servant Worker
• Disciple Maker
• Earth Keeper 
• Beauty Creator
• Order Discover

STEM Activities and more with Valentine's Day

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One of my new favorite things to do during a day of crazy holiday or seasonal celebration is STEM. Instead of a movie or game of bingo, I have tried this and enjoyed watching my students collaborate, face adversity and grow, and enjoy learning through a themed experience. So this month I will be using my Valentine STEM pack.