Where learning feels like play.
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is a highlight of the school year, promoting literacy and storytelling across Australia. For NSS 2023, the featured book is The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie. This uplifting story follows a determined sloth who enters a race against faster animals—teaching children about perseverance, grit, and the joy of […]
Spring is the perfect season for hands-on science activities! One of the most engaging STEM projects for young learners is growing magic beanstalks in the classroom. This simple, low-prep activity ties beautifully into the classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, sparking curiosity while teaching lessons about plant growth, responsibility, and imagination. Why Grow Beanstalks […]
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to engage your students with fun, festive, and educational activities. One of my favorite books to read aloud during this season is Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano. This delightful story follows a clever turkey as he dons various disguises to avoid ending up on Farmer Jake’s dinner table. It’s a […]
Teaching procedure writing can be fun and engaging when paired with the right picture books. Stories with clear sequences, repetitive text, and humorous situations help students understand the concept of step-by-step instructions. Here are some of my favorite books to inspire procedure writing in K–3 classrooms, along with companion resources to save you planning time. […]
Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming for young students. Using back-to-school books about emotions is an excellent way to help children understand and express their feelings from day one. These books offer comfort and guidance while making emotional learning engaging and accessible. 1. The Color Monster: Teaching Emotions with Colours The Color Monster […]
Iceberg by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft, may just be the standout triumph of 2022 picture books. It’s a must-have, keep-forever type of book for every classroom library. Books+Publishing praised Iceberg as: “Richly informative and brimming with detailed facts presented in lyrical, sophisticated, evocative language … Text and image balance each other perfectly in […]
Just One Bee by Margrete Lamond and Anthony Bertini, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen, is a stunning picture book from 2022 CBCA Shortlist. It’s an inspiring story about hope, determination, and teamwork — showing children how small actions can lead to big change. These Just One Bee activities will help your students connect deeply with the […]
Stellarphant by James Foley is a must-have picture book for every classroom. These Stellarphant activities are perfect for exploring big ideas like courage, determination, diversity, and equality — all while inspiring students to dream big and reach for the stars. Why Teach Stellarphant? When Stella the elephant decides she wants to be an astronaut, Space […]
Walk of the Whales by Nick Bland is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that inspires deep conversations about humanity’s impact on the environment. These Walk of the Whales activities and teaching ideas will help your students think critically about conservation, empathy, and positive change. 🌊 Why Teach Walk of the Whales? When all […]
The Imagineer by Christopher Cheng is a wonderful picture book that inspires curiosity and creativity. If you are looking for The Imagineer activities to use in your classroom, this post will give you fresh teaching ideas that encourage students to design, plan, and create their own inventions. When I read this book with my children, […]
