Now’s the time to be thinking about summer. Looking for ideas to spice up your summer programming? The Quirkles® have you covered. Here’s why. • Easy to use – You don’t want to spend your summer planning detailed lesson plans? No problem: the Quirkles® have done it for you. All your science and literacy objectives are provided as well as …
Five Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in your Classroom
Spring is just around the corner! At this point in the year, you are probably looking for ways to give students that extra “boost” they need to get over that mid-semester hump. Turn an ordinary Friday (St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday this year) into a day that will be remembered as one of the best of the school year. …
Tips to Maintain an Optimistic Classroom: March is Optimism Month
It would be fair to say most of us are happy to see that March has finally arrived. After all, March is a month that celebrates Dr. Seuss day, St. Patrick’s Day, National Women’s Day, and of course, the long awaited spring finally has been ushered in! But did you know March is Optimism Month? Optimism is the tendency to …
Here’s to Punxsutawney Phil: Groundhog Day Facts
Last month we talked about how awesome animals are and some very interesting facts about hamsters, cows, squirrels, and even giraffes. What is missing from this list? You guessed it! The groundhog. If you are like most people, you are sincerely hoping Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow on February 2. Good-bye winter, hello spring! According to legend, a …
Reunited (and it feels so good): Sing and Read
Now what? That’s the familiar question we were often asked after educators introduced the Quirkles® to their students. Not only did they learn robust science concepts but also literacy skills through phonemic awareness. We listened and followed up with the Fuddlebrook School® science series for older elementary students. But what about BEFORE the Quirkles? It’s Sing and Read™ of course! …
We Are Thankful For… A Good Night’s Sleep
On Nov. 6 we, in the United States, moved to daylight savings time. That means it gets darker earlier as we transition into fall and winter. (Read the Fuddlebrook story, A Change of Season). Shorter days and cool, crisp night air should make for great sleeping weather. But unfortunately for many, sleep is elusive. The science of sleep may be …
Red, White & Boom: The Science Behind Fireworks
This year promises to offer spectacular July 4 celebrations. As you enjoy the show, think how much science is behind that spectacle. People everywhere enjoy the fantastic explosions and the brilliant light displays of fireworks, but there’s a lot happening to make that celebration entertaining. Each firework launched into the sky is a precisely formed assembly of chemicals and fuel, …
Sweat -and Other Yucky Science!
It’s time to get outside in the warm sun and participate in outdoor fun. In many areas, the extremely warm temperatures and higher humidity can result in a whole lot of sweating! Sweat sometimes is embarrassing and might be smelly, but very necessary! Why is this? What is Sweat? Sweat is a clear, salty liquid produced by glands in the …
Try a Quirkles or Fuddlebrook Book for Free!
Why not add some awesome science to your day with the Quirkles or Fuddlebrook School Science series, two 26-book series and related materials? A great way to integrate literacy and science, the Quirkles introduce ways to excite young children with hands-on science activities, fun alliteration, and whimsical illustrations. Fuddlebrook steps in where the Quirkles leave off—appealing to slightly older children. …
In Honor of Our Fur Babies… Cat Science Facts
You love them or you hate them. (We happen to be on the love side.) And despite holding court on social media and the internet, that furry creature, the cat, remains elusive. This month we take the attention off our lovable Fuddlebrook Herman Tweed and turn to another of our favorite mammals (read A Family Visit). In honor of our own …