Tag: Thematic Unit

Learning about Ancient Maya & the Power of Field Trips

Learning about Ancient Maya & the Power of Field Trips

He runs over and grabs my hand – something that has become more and more rare in this middle school year – “come look at this Mom!” He pulls me from display to display, explaining as we go what he’s noticed about the Ancient Maya 

Ireland Unit for Upper Elementary

Ireland Unit for Upper Elementary

Ireland is a gorgeous and fun country to visit. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice and would love to go back with my kids. In the states, around St. Patrick’s Day, it is normal to see lots of green and pots of gold and 

Ancient Egypt: Middle School Ancient History

Ancient Egypt: Middle School Ancient History

Ancient Egypt was one of the first major civilizations. In our Middle School Ancient History learning we briefly talked about other early civilizations, like Mesopotamia and how they impacted history. After that, we moved on to mummies and pyramids and pharaohs. affiliate links are included 

The First Humans Unit: Middle School World History

The First Humans Unit: Middle School World History

Middle School World History. Wow. That’s crazy to say. I never in a million years when I was getting my teaching license, when I was homeschooling preschool for my twins, when I sent them off to Kindergarten, never did I think I would be teaching 

Shark Week Unit Ideas

Shark Week Unit Ideas

Sharks became my son’s obsession in First Grade. Kindergarten was his Lego obsession which definitely continued into First grade, but in First Grade he met some friends in California who loved sharks and his inkling of an interest blossomed. They formed a “fish club” at 

Outer Space Unit for Preschool

Outer Space Unit for Preschool

The stars and moon and planets of our solar system have long fascinated people of all ages. When NASA launched 60 years ago it was a vision, a dream. The reality of space exploration has far exceeded our expectations in so many ways. LEARN MORE 

Birds Unit for Early Elementary School

Birds Unit for Early Elementary School

Birds, sparrows in particular, are one of my daughter’s obsessions this Spring. Interests can come from anywhere and hers usually surprise me the most. When you think about birds you probably think about Spring and trees. We have birds in our backyard in San Diego 

Learning about Japanese Taiko Drumming with Kids

Learning about Japanese Taiko Drumming with Kids

The sound of Japanese Taiko Drumming is unmistakable. It sounds like thunder and yet instead of heading away, you feel drawn to come closer. The first time we heard taiko drumming we were at the New York Botanic Gardens in the Bronx. We were walking 

Butterfly Unit for Preschoolers

Butterfly Unit for Preschoolers

How to meet a butterfly He had been sitting patiently for at least 15 minutes with his tiny finger outstretched. He was doing everything right but there was no butterfly. We were in a butterfly exhibit and my impatient, active 3 year old had been 

Snails Unit for First Graders

Snails Unit for First Graders

It rained for the first time since our move and we learned something new about San Diego – when it rains snails come out. Maybe you’re super unimpressed because this is just common knowledge to you, but where I grew up earth worms wiggle out