Sign of the Beaver

Looking to integrate Native American heritage with a state of Maine studies unit? This title by Elizabeth George Speare might be just the ticket. Read more

Sarah, Plain and Tall

This historically themed, family style story of the American prairie features a family’s grief, a farm’s struggle and a mail order bride. Read more

The Golden Compass

 

 

Looking for a magical tale of intrigue from the great frozen north? This wondrous story of a parallel universe may be just the ticket. Read more

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

A magical store where toys come to life is the backdrop for this film starring Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman. Read more

Nanny McPhee: A New Mary Poppins?

What do you get when you combine the talents of Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson? Read more

Lemony Snickett’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

A darker children’s story with a European feel, this film would make an interesting selection for the intermediate classroom. Read more

Movie Review: Night at the Museum

A working father’s night job turns out to be far more intense than he expects . . . Read more

Project Hack: Some Thoughts on Glue Sticks

Tired of cleaning out individual glue caps with the closest available paper clip? I hear you. Here’s why glue sticks are one of my favorite classroom supplies . . . and why they always went on my new student “back to school” buy list during my classroom days. Read more

Movie Review: The Great Debaters

Starring Denzel Washington and introducing several new talents, this movie is for more than coaches of debate teams. Read more

Reviews that Rock! Great Ideas for Covering Test Content

Tired of the groaning whenever you settle in for a topic review in class? Here are some ideas to use when getting ready for a big test, and also some strategies to keep the material fresh all year long. Bonus? Many of these ideas can be used as team activities, or as sponge activities when it’s time for transition. Read more

Streamline Parent Communication with Your Own Blog

Trying to accommodate parents without re-documenting every piece of communication you release? Got more than a fair number of forgetful tikes in your class whose newsletters never quite seem to make it home? Consider starting your own blog site. Read more