Elementary Education

Every year Flag Day is celebrated in the United States on June 14th. This is a time for Americans to honor the American flag by hanging them from schools, businesses and homes. It is also a great time to teach your students about the flag by reading them books, creating flag crafts and activities, reciting patriotic songs and poems, and learning the history of the American flag.

Read More:  Flag Day Activities for Your Elementary School Classroom.

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

_{Photo © Getty Images Peter Poulides}

Eating healthy is important for your overall good health. Here is a lesson plan on healthy snacking that will help your students understand how to choose the right snack foods.

Read More: Investigating Healthy Snacks Lesson Plan

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

Learning centers are a great way for students to have fun, while practicing important skills. Here are five hands-on alphabet activities for grades 1-3 that are perfect to place in your learning centers. Activities include:

• The ABC'S Are All About Me
• Magnetic Sequencing
• Alphabet Directions
• Alphabet Magic
• Mystery Box

Read More: Hands-On Alphabet Activities for Learning Centers

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

_{Photo © Charles Thatcher Getty Images}

Looking for ways to stop that dreaded summer brain drain? Research shows that by reading four or more books during the summer months, children can prevent summer slide. Here is a summer reading list for children going into grades K-6th grade. In this guide you will find books that students should be able to read independently, as well as read aloud stories.

Read More: 2013 Summer Reading List for Elementary Students

Related Articles: Book Activities for Grades 3-5 | Read Alouds | Reading Strategies for Elementary Students | Fun Ideas for Reluctant Readers

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

_{Photo Robert Decelis Ltd Getty Images}

Creating a student welcome letter is one of the most important things that you will do to start off the school year. This is the first communication you will have between school and home. Do you want to help set the tone for the school year, and give a great first impression? The following article provides the essential elements needed to write the perfect letter, as well as a sample letter to send home.

Read More: Student Welcome Letter

What key elements do you add to your welcome back to school letter? Please comment in the section below.

Related Articles:

• 6 Ways to Welcome Students Back to School
• Top 5 Ice Breakers for Back to School
• Effective Classroom Procedures and Routines

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

Beginning teachers often put a lot of pressure on themselves for their students to succeed. These student expectations are often unrealistic and unattainable. By setting simple goals, teachers can see their students succeed and flourish by the end of the school year. The article below gives a few suggestions on what new teachers can expect of their students.

• Student Expectations for New Teachers

What are your student expectations? Share your ideas in the comment section below or in the education forum.

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

Summer enrichment programs are a wonderful way to keep students engaged, and not get that dreaded summer "Brain Drain" you here about in the media. I have complied a list of the best lessons, activities and ideas to use in your summer school classroom. Have fun!

Read More: Elementary Summer School Activities

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

_{Photo Christopher Robins Getty Images}

It's the end of the school year! Here are 8 fun and easy games for your end of school year field day!Ideas include: egg toss, dress-up relay, hula hoop dance off, and 5 more!

Read More:8 Fun Field Day Activities for Elementary Students

Related Articles: June Events, Holidays and Activities | Transitioning to Summer: A Kids Summer Schedule

_{Photo © Jon Riley Getty Images}

Children thrive on routine! With that said, what happens when the school year is over and your students do not have to follow their daily routine? Here are some tips on how to transition to summer and a sample summer schedule for stay at home parents to follow.

Read More: Transitioning to Summer: A Kids Summer Schedule

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

_{Photo © Christopher robins Getty Images}

Here is an investigating pumpkin activity for your elementary school class. Students will learn pumpkin facts, write in a pumpkin journal, answer pumpkin math questions, and conduct three pumpkin explorations.

Read More: Investigating Pumpkins Activity

Connect with Janelle:

Facebook | Twitter | Google + | LinkedIn

Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my forum.

_{Photo © Janelle Cox}