SamoEd Adventures

Creating meaningful gifts that combine creativity and learning can be a challenge, especially for students aiming to impress their parents during the holiday season. One engaging project that meets this goal is designing a personalized calendar featuring original poems and illustrations for each month. This idea not only upgrades the typical calendar assignment but also encourages students to practice writing skills, express their creativity, and produce a heartfelt present t

When I introduced the cultural appreciation unit in language arts, I wanted more than just a typical assignment. I aimed to create a project in which students could actively explore their own cultural backgrounds, connect with their heritage, and express what culture means to them. The results were inspiring. Through research, note-taking, and creative expression, students not only learned about their cultures but also developed strong explanatory writing skills.

Switching to student-led conferences has positively transformed the flow of my parent conferences. Over the past two years, I found the switch to student-led conferences to be more meaningful, efficient, and enjoyable for all. Instead of the usual teacher-led discussions, students take the lead by reflecting on their learning, preparing slides, and setting goals. This shift not only speeds up the flow of conferences in an efficient way, but also encourages the students to tak

hen the weather keeps us stuck inside for indoor recess, it can be a challenge to find activities that burn off their energy. As a teacher, I’ve found that a simple ping pong set is one of the best rainy-day must-haves.