Who knew something as simple as crayons could teach some important life lessons? The Crayon Life Lessons teaches students a variety of lessons about acceptance, diversity and uniqueness that can be used in all settings from home, to school, to work in a unique way. I used it in my child development classes, but it could be used in any class as an enrichment activity!
Studies show that students who actually engage with hands-on learning are more likely to remember information, stay focused and increase brain activity! Tarsia Puzzles for Foods Class are a great way for students manipulate pieces to review and/or apply content. Included below are several that I created for use with all age groups. What ways can you think to use Tarsia Puzzles?
Sometimes teens think life and accomplishments are easy for everyone else but themselves. So not true! I love using examples of famous failures to show that sometimes one must fail in order to succeed, especially in the world of work. The Famous Failures & Mindset lessons and activities will help drive that message home.
Cleats For a Cause, was inspired by the NFL: My Cause Cleats program. Players select a cause they are passionate about and represent their selected organization via custom designed cleats. All proceeds raised go to their cause or charity. I wanted to adapt/recreate this creative project and connect it to charitable giving. This lesson and project provides both hands-on and digital components, keeping your students engaged while learning how to be responsible in choosing and supporting an important cause.
If you tuned into the website last week, you found the Breakfast Lesson: Part I featuring the Rule of 3. Today’s post features the corresponding Bloomin’ Garden Toast Breakfast Lab: Part II. This lab not only follows the rule of 3, but incorporates knife skills and creativity all within a 43 minute period!
Who knew there could be so much information out there to teach about breakfast, but there is! I guess when you’re deemed the “most important meal of the day,” there’s a lot to learn and/or teach! In this “Breakfast Lesson: Part I,” the theory behind why breakfast matters and how to create a healthy breakfast will be shared. A lab applying the information will be shared in Part II, so you’ll have to stay tuned!
Arlene DeJoy Meckes (from Twins & Teaching) and I teamed up to bring you this Safe Sitter Breakout. This assignment is perfect for engaging students, especially middle schoolers around the importance of safety while babysitting. The beauty of this breakout is two-fold…one, it is completely digital, so there’s no need for physical locks and boxes. Second, it is an individual breakout so students do their own work, at their own pace. Check it out!
Beth Beattie, of Missouri, shares this $10 Meal Challenge Project inspired by the Iowa State Fair! During this past year, her sons were mesmerized by the Iowa State University Extension office’s $10 meal challenge offered to all 4-H members. This project is Beth’s reinterpretation of it. So, if you’re looking for an engaging project to combine food budgets, MyPlate and a family meal, be sure to take a look!
Our librarian put together a display of hidden hobbies created by teachers and staff to showcase what they do outside of the classroom. It was a great success, not only with teacher and staff participation, but with student interest. It got me to thinking that the same thing could be done with our students and so the “Showcase: Hidden Hobbies” was created. It’s a great way to feature students who have talent, but may not participate in the traditional extra- curricular activities.
Does your school or state require you to do a Danielson Framework project as part of your evaluation? Or are you required to participate in a professional learning community? If you can answer “yes” to either of those questions, you may be interested in leading a book study around the book titled, “The Secret History of Home Economics” by Danielle Dreilinger like Ellen Bolton and Sue Kinney did with members of the PAFACS organization. Read on to see how this was accomplished.
