“Back to school” has a very different ring to it this year. Many aspects of beginning a new school year are dramatically different from how they’ve ever been. Anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, and stress are our unwelcome companions. All of our lives are different in some ways. We need to acknowledge that, but also remind ourselves […]
I’ve been reading and collecting education research studies and reports about all kinds of topics, such as improving reading comprehension, raising math scores, teaching with games, best practices for preschool learning, and so on. But these many studies have limitations; that’s why the researchers usually call for replications and further studies. One thing researchers consider […]
Although it has been a while, I can vividly remember my very first day as a teacher. I was assigned to a class of 21 first graders who may have been as nervous as I was that September morning. I remember looking out into their forgiving faces, as I tried to check off items on […]
Hey there, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teachers! School starts soon, and if you’re like a lot of my friends, you’re looking for ways to “do more with less.” Okay, I’m not a fan of that euphemism either. Too often, teachers are told “there is no budget” for the high-quality instructional materials they need. Yet, […]
All of us have had a morning (or many mornings) when we were supposed to have been out the door ten minutes ago. Mornings like that have you and your children skipping breakfast for the sake of time. Chances are your tummies will be rumbling by mid-morning if not sooner. But have no fear! The […]
Happy New Year! Along with all of the celebration, many of us are thinking about our resolutions and the goals we have for the upcoming year. For many people and families, eating a healthy diet is a top priority. Check out these six tips to make packing your own and your child’s lunches both easy […]
It’s September 22, and that means fall has officially arrived. The leaves are starting to change, the air is getting crisper, and Friday nights have become high school football nights once again. With all of the great things that we associate with the fall, it is nearly impossible to imagine it without one thing: PUMPKINS! […]
Apple season is here! But apples aren’t just for the lunch room anymore! The classroom activities are endless. Whether you are looking for an engaging writing project, an interactive science lesson, or a cross-curricular unit, Simple Solutions has got you covered. Below are some possibilities to help you “harvest” the most from your class this […]
Every year monarch migrate from the mountains of Mexico to the eastern portion of the United States. They are the only butterflies that make such a massive journey, up to 3,000 miles! Monarch’s are known as one of the most beautiful and graceful butterflies on earth. Students love learning about this beautiful insect. A fun […]
Where will a book take you this summer? Don’t go JUMP in a lake; go READ at a it! Today, we want you to take your book outside near a body of water. Here in Cleveland, that might be Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. In your city, it could be the ocean, a […]
