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Depth & Complexity Made Easy: 10 Upper-Elementary Classroom Ideas for Big Thinking
If you’ve ever felt like your high-ability students need more challenge—or that your entire class could benefit from deeper...
Janis Lodge
Jul 24 min read


The Magic of Emoji Writing: A Simple Tool That Transforms Young Writers
I will never forget the first time I introduced Emoji Writing to my third-grade class. I passed out the directions, writing checklist,...
Janis Lodge
May 233 min read


🌷Emoji Writing for Spring: A Creative Twist
Looking for a creative and exciting way to extend writing standards this spring season? Combining the fun of emojis with a Springtime...
Janis Lodge
Apr 103 min read


Top Books to Help Kids Think Like a Mathematician
Mathematics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about thinking critically , solving problems , and making connections . Encouraging kids to...
Janis Lodge
Mar 201 min read


Exploring Force & Motion and Energy Transfer with a Rube Goldberg Challenge
A Rube Goldberg STEM Challenge is a fantastic way to help students grasp the principles of energy transfer, force, and motion through...
Janis Lodge
Feb 274 min read


Market Day and Beyond: Enrichment Activities to Keep Students Excited About Math and Economics
Market Day is one of the most memorable projects for students. It is more than just a fun classroom event — it’s a powerful opportunity...
Janis Lodge
Feb 205 min read


Transform Reading Skills with Depth & Complexity Icons
Reading is a fundamental skill, and what if you could take it to the next level? Depth & Complexity icons are a powerful tool to ignite...
Janis Lodge
Jan 284 min read


Bringing the One Word Project to Life in the Classroom
The One Word Project is an inspiring way to encourage students to focus on personal growth and set meaningful intentions for the year....
Janis Lodge
Dec 12, 20245 min read


How to Make an M&M Personalized Gift Jar: A Sweet and Thoughtful Gift
Looking for a quick, thoughtful, and budget-friendly gift that works for just about anyone? An M&M Sweet Sentiments gift jar is the...
Janis Lodge
Dec 5, 20243 min read


Everyday Teacher Favorites: Little Things That Bring Joy
We all know how hard teachers work every day to inspire and teach our students, and it’s always nice to have a few things that bring us...
Janis Lodge
Oct 7, 20242 min read


Halloween Emoji Writing: A Fun and Engaging Writing Enrichment Activity
Looking for a creative and exciting way to extend writing standards this fall season? Combining the fun of emojis with a spooky Halloween...
Janis Lodge
Oct 6, 20243 min read


Transform Reluctant Writers with Emoji Paragraph Writing 😁
We all have that one student… you know, the one that struggles to even pick up the pencil to write. The reasons might vary: writer’s...
Janis Lodge
Aug 12, 20243 min read


Start the New School Year Strong with the One Word Writing and Art Project!
As the new school year approaches, it’s important to find ways to motivate and inspire your students from the very beginning. This...
Janis Lodge
Jul 12, 20243 min read


How Teachers Can Prep Over Summer: 10 Tips for an Easier Back-to-School Start
First and foremost, every teacher deserves to enjoy the downtime and relaxation that summer break brings. It's a crucial time to recharge...
Janis Lodge
Jun 29, 20244 min read


Effective Strategies for Implementing Socratic Seminars in the 3rd-8th Classroom
Running a Socratic Seminar in a classroom involves several key steps to ensure that the discussion is structured, engaging, and leads to...
Janis Lodge
May 31, 20248 min read


Free K-6 Math Websites & Apps for Fluency Practice & Enrichment
Here is a compilation of free K-6 Math websites and apps to help students with math fluency, practice, and enrichment. This list will be...
Janis Lodge
May 19, 20242 min read


Spring Flower Art: Tips & Tricks
Spring season is here, with flowers blooming, leaves filling the trees, Mother's Day, end of the school year, and summer on the horizon....
Janis Lodge
Apr 25, 20243 min read


Six Ways to Use Up-Cycled Cardboard for Earth Day STEM Projects
Here are six ways you can use up-cycled cardboard for Earth Day STEM projects!
Janis Lodge
Apr 20, 20242 min read


Enrich 3rd-6th Math & Economics with Market Day
If you are looking for a way to extend and enrich math and economics learning… Market Day is it! I am a huge advocate for project-based...
Janis Lodge
Apr 9, 20246 min read


Lucky Learning: Engaging St. Patrick's Day Activities for Kids
As the greenest holiday of the year approaches, it's time to sprinkle some shamrock-inspired fun into your celebrations and lessons....
Janis Lodge
Feb 29, 20242 min read
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