There’s something magical about learning outside. The sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world provide endless opportunities for discovery and exploration. Outdoor science projects invite kids to engage more of their senses, ask questions, and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. From backyard experiments to park-based investigations, nature becomes the ultimate science lab.

Field trips are as anticipated by students as they are stressful for educators. From permission slips to travel fees and chaperones, the amount of planning needed for these outings can be downright overwhelming. Yet, field trips account for some of the most enriching learning experiences available to students, making all that extra pressure worth the effort. These experiential excursions expose students to real-world applications of knowledge, improving their social and critical thinking skills and academic performance, helping spark curiosity about the world around them. With careful planning, you can help mitigate some of that stress and start looking forward to the field trip as much as your students do!

With school out of the way, summer provides ample time for reading! But keeping young readers motivated throughout the summer months can be difficult. One of the best ways to incentivize reading this summer is by pursuing challenges that reward tangible prizes. Whether it’s a free book or a free meal, having a fun goal to work towards can be just what a young reader needs to get motivated. Below are four summer reading programs that reward readers for their diligence and dedication.

Summertime is the perfect time for discovery! Luckily, your students and campers don’t need to leave the facility to have a meaningful educational experience. While field trips offer students important hands-on adventures that aid their academic development, they’re not always a practical option, as they can introduce budget issues, time constraints, or safety concerns. Assembly programs can be a cost-effective way to bring the adventure to your students or campers without the hassle of permission slips or travel fees. Below are six “indoor” field trip ideas for your summer camp or program.

Summer has finally arrived! For some teachers, that means taking a well-deserved break; for others, it means getting right back to work with summer school, tutoring, or supplemental work. Whatever your plans may be, now is the perfect time to reflect and celebrate as you close the chapter on another successful school year. Though saying goodbye can be difficult, you can rest assured that all of your hard work, patience, and dedication made a lasting impact on your students this past year.

Teaching science to young children is most effective when it’s hands-on, visual, and easy to connect to everyday life. A great way to kick off your summer learning is with the “Make It Rain” science experiment. This simple, engaging activity helps young learners explore how rain forms by using household materials like water, shaving cream, and food coloring. It’s a simple way to explore rain and the water cycle without letting it soak your summer plans!

As the final days of school approach, it’s time to celebrate everything your students have accomplished—and help them carry that momentum into summer. While summer is a much-needed break, it’s also a chance to keep kids learning, exploring, and building skills in fun and meaningful ways. Whether you’re a teacher looking to send home ideas for summer enrichment or a parent hunting for screen-free adventures, here are five engaging summer activities your elementary or middle school students will love.

It’s no secret that today’s schools are underfunded. PTAs (Parent-Teacher Associations) are vital in helping schools fund everything from educational programs and sporting events to field trips and school assemblies. With the help of PTAs, schools can provide a well-rounded education for students and better equip them with the tools they need to achieve academic success. Below are four tried and true fundraisers your PTA can use to bring the community together and raise those much-needed funds for your school.

Even though it’s the end of the school year and your energy supply might be running on fumes, there’s still time to make a lasting impact. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, now is the perfect moment to double down on what matters most: helping students feel seen, supported, and significant. Read on to find easy, but meaningful ways to show your students they’re valued, even during the final stretch.

As the school year winds down, the excitement (and chaos!) of May and June can be overwhelming. Between grading papers, testing, and final report cards, it’s easy to lose sight of just how far your students have come. That’s where classroom traditions come in—simple, meaningful activities that help students reflect, celebrate, and say goodbye to their school year in a positive and memorable way. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher looking for something new or a first-year teacher building your classroom culture, these five end-of-the-year traditions are sure to leave a lasting impact.