Dear Teachers,

Here we go! Another school year is officially underway, and teachers everywhere are approaching it in very different ways. There are teachers who have their bulletin boards finished, lesson plans printed, supplies organized, and probably know what they are teaching on October 14. Then, there are teachers who walk in with a coffee, a classroom key, and an idea that they will figure it out when they get there. Their bulletin board may still need a little attention, the lesson plans are…coming together, and the fuel behind it all is a general belief that everything will turn out just fine. And honestly, there is a whole spectrum in between. No matter where you fall, I think most teachers can agree on one thing: there is something exciting about a fresh start to a new school year. New students, a new classroom, new supplies, new goals, and new possibilities. Of course, there are also new passwords you will immediately forget, a copier that conveniently quits before copying a major test, and at least one student's water bottle spills before you have even finished taking attendance. So take a deep breath or two, grab your coffee, and buckle up for the new year!

The fall semester is a great time to focus on something that can make a huge difference throughout the year: classroom community. You may already be several weeks into the school year, or you may still be enjoying those last few days before the alarm clock starts going off early again. Either way, it is never too late to strengthen relationships, encourage teamwork, and create a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn. Continue reading to learn easy ways to build your classroom community this year. 

Field trips are one of those school experiences students remember long after the school year ends. But what happens when the field trip simply is not in the budget? Between transportation costs, admission fees, meals, chaperones, and all the other expenses that come with taking students off campus, a traditional field trip can be a big investment. The good news is that meaningful learning experiences do not have to come with a giant price tag. With a little creativity, teachers can bring the excitement of a field trip into the classroom, explore free or low cost community resources, and find ways to give students lasting memories without depleting the school budget.

Not every flower grows in a garden. Some start with a paper towel, a few markers, and a cotton swab! In this easy summer craft, kids create colorful flowers that appear to bloom as water spreads through the petals, helping art spread into science. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or summer camp leader, this simple project is an easy way to keep creativity growing all summer long.

Storytelling isn't just an English class exercise; it is how students (and adults!) make sense of the world, build confidence, and connect with each other. We remember stories far better than isolated facts because they give context and emotion. They last longer because they are more meaningful. In the classroom, storytelling works across every single subject. Continue reading to learn how you can inspire more storytelling in your classroom. 

Every educator wants students to have fun while learning. The challenge is remembering that having fun may not be the same thing as learning. It is possible for students to leave a fun lesson saying, “That was awesome!” while remembering almost nothing the next day. True engagement goes much deeper than entertainment. When students are engaged, they think, question, explore, and connect ideas in meaningful ways. The good news is you do not need a classroom full of flashy gadgets or a Broadway-worthy performance to make that happen. Sometimes the best learning happens when students are so busy discovering something new that they forget they are learning at all.

Looking for an easy summer activity that combines science, creativity, and just the right amount of messy fun? Whether you’re a parent trying to beat the boredom blues, a teacher collecting ideas for the new school year, or a summer camp leader planning your next hands-on activity, this fizzing moon craft is a winner. Using everyday materials like baking soda and vinegar, kids can create a textured moon that bubbles and fizzes before their eyes. Best of all, it’s inexpensive, easy to set up, and a fun way to explore space science without leaving your kitchen table, classroom, or camp. The result? A cool piece of art that dries into a keepsake and kids asking, “Can we do that again?”

We’re about halfway through summer break now, and already we’ve been hit with a historic heatwave. Few things kill motivation to learn like record-breaking temperatures, leaving kids feeling sluggish and uninspired. The upside is that many scientific concepts lie behind common ways to cool down, giving parents, educators, and caretakers the opportunity to continue summer learning while keeping cool. Whether it’s preparing an enticing icy treat from scratch or painting a fleeting masterpiece on a frozen canvas, the following STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities incorporate ice, making them the perfect science projects to combat the heat while providing much-needed relief!

Now that backpacks have been traded for beach towels, many families and educators are beginning to think about how to prevent the learning loss that can occur during the break known as the “summer slide”. One of the best ways to keep kids sharp is through summer reading. But that doesn’t mean handing them a list of required books and hoping they’ll read them. With a little creativity and the right motivation, summer reading can be an enjoyable and enriching part of your student’s break.

As the leading provider of school assemblies nationwide, Mobile Ed knows a thing or two about creating high-quality, professional presentations. That’s because we’re passionate about providing students with unique opportunities that take learning beyond the classroom. In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, attention comes at a premium. Educators have to compete with tablets and algorithms, often with limited or outdated tools and resources. That’s where a high-quality presentation can make all the difference: breathing new life into challenging subjects and leaving a lasting impression on students. Luckily, we love presenting assemblies just as much as students love watching them. Keep reading to learn why!