This next article in our Eye on Curriculum: Common Core series dives into English Language Arts (ELA) activities. There are a number of sections within the ELA guidelines, however, we’re going to focus on one category, Reading: Literature, and provide you with specific discussion and activity ideas instead of an overall combination. We hope, with [...]

  Welcome to abcteach’s new blog series: Eye on Curriculum. Each month we will be highlighting a different subject or section, along with supporting categories, materials, and teaching ideas from the abcteach staff. February’s focus is Common Core Standards. The Common Core Standards Initiative, which has been adopted by 45 U.S. states, four territories, the [...]

            With Thanksgiving over and Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Las Posadas, and more just around the corner, we are definitely in the throes of the holiday season. As you’re stocking your lessons with seasonal plans, don’t miss out on the great items and curriculum extras to outfit your class. Here is [...]

Our concluding post in the “Let’s Talk Bullying” series peers into the overall strategy at an alternative high school. The approach in this setting includes consistent discussion, personal responsibility, and immediate action. Alternative High School MSW case manager, Gina Sineni, counsels teens at an alternative high school in suburban Chicago. What is unique and challenging [...]

The final posts in our anti-bullying series take us into two unique learning settings: a middle school special needs class and an alternative high school. Our special needs story will be presented first, with the alternative classroom in a separate post. We’ve selected these environments to shine light on classrooms that experience bullying on a [...]

In support of Anti-Bullying Awareness Month, abcteach and Early Childhood News and Resources have collaborated to bring you insights from teachers, parents, and a social worker, to aid in your anti-bullying efforts. Our first blog covered the elementary classroom, discussing activities that lay the groundwork for healthy behavior and safe learning environments. Our next article [...]

Bullying: today’s figures range from 20-30% of 6th -12th grade students experiencing it daily at school. Bullying incidents harm the victim, the person bullying, and bystanders; can indicate abuse in the home; and result in detrimental long-term effects, including mental health issues, decreased academic performance, highly risky behaviors, crime, and violence. Since 2006, October has [...]

Establishing a Routine A new school year is just around the corner, which means it’s a great time to begin and maintain new daily living skills. This applies to children and young adults of all ages. Establishing schedules or routines for everyday skills is a great way to be sure they are learned and consistently [...]

Get Out, Get Active, Stay Healthy Did you know that May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? That’s right! What better way to kick-off the summer season than by enjoying the great outdoors, playing with friends and family, and eating healthy. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month was created to increase awareness about the [...]

The following post is a new addition to our Montessori teaching series. Our guest author, Andrea Coventry, grew up in Montessori schools and is a current educator and internet writer on teaching Montessori. (The following activities are found on the abcteach member site. Learn more about becoming a member!) The Year of the Animals Every [...]