Welcome To My Blog |
|
|
Summer is a much-needed break from the school routine—but it doesn’t have to be a break from learning. If you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or parent of a primary-aged child, you know how easy it is for kids to forget important skills during those sunny months. The good news? Learning can still happen in simple, natural ways that feel more like play than schoolwork. In fact, summer is the perfect time to connect real-life experiences with essential academic skills across all subject areas.  Over the next few weeks I will be sharing tips and activities that help kids practice skills with real world situations. Check below for a summary of each upcoming blog post. Math in the Real WorldFrom counting coins at the lemonade stand to measuring ingredients in the kitchen, math is everywhere in summer. This post will be packed with fun, hands-on ideas to keep those number sense skills fresh—without pulling out a worksheet. Topics include:
 Simple Summer ScienceWhether you're chasing bugs in the backyard or building a simple water filter, summer is full of curiosity-driven science learning. Help kids explore nature, ask questions, and become scientists in their own environment. Topics include:
 Language Arts That Feels Like FunReading and writing don’t have to stop when school ends! With playful prompts, letters to friends, and backyard storytelling, literacy learning can feel like an adventure. Topics include:
 Everyday Social StudiesSocial Studies comes to life through community exploration, cultural traditions, and conversations about fairness, history, and identity. Summer is full of real-world ways to learn about how people live and work together. Topics include:
 Kids don’t need to sit at a desk all summer to keep their minds growing. With a little creativity and the right mindset, everyday experiences can be full of opportunities to practice important academic skills—and build a love of learning that lasts all year long. Whether you're planning a road trip, a backyard staycation, or something in between, these summer learning ideas will help make every day count.    Related Posts
As the school year winds down and the sunshine calls us outdoors, it’s the perfect time to blend review activities with a little extra fun. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, the last few weeks of school can be full of joyful learning, memory-making, and meaningful review. Let’s look at some easy, creative ideas for wrapping up different academic areas — with a healthy dose of outdoor time, too!  Language Arts: Word Games and Story WalksInstead of sitting inside for traditional lessons, take literacy outside!
 Math: Move and CountMath review is so much more fun when it’s active!
 Science: Nature ExplorationsSpring and early summer offer natural opportunities to explore science concepts hands-on.
 Social Studies: Community ConnectionsEnd-of-year is a great time to reflect on community, kindness, and the world around us.
 Art and Creative Expression:Don't forget to mix in some open-ended, creative time!
 Kids are curious by nature. Here's a nature scavenger hunt that might be fun to try with them.  A Few Tips for a Smooth Finish:
 Whether you're soaking up the sun with story walks, building fact families in the park, or recording nature discoveries, the end of the year can be full of laughter, movement, and meaningful review. Here's to finishing strong — and having a little extra fun along the way! Related Posts Teaching kids about money isn’t just about knowing the value of coins or how to count. It’s an important life skill that helps children understand how money works in the world around them. Whether you’re a parent, homeschooling, or teaching in a classroom, the basics of counting money, recognizing coins, and solving simple word problems are all skills that will benefit your child for years to come. Here are some practical ideas for teaching money in a way that makes sense, whether you're using Canadian or American coins—or any other kind of currency. The key is focusing on the core concepts and making learning fun and hands-on.  1. Make Money Matter by Connecting It to Everyday LifeTo help kids understand money, it's best to start by showing them how it’s used in everyday situations. Talk about when you go shopping, pay for things, or save for something special. By making money a part of real-life examples, kids can see why it's important to know how to use it. Idea to Try: Let kids handle the money and actually pay for items at the store. This will allow them to see how money is exchanged and why sometimes they receive change. 2. Recognize Coins: Understanding the Value of Each CoinKids need to learn how to recognize different coins and know their value. Even though Canadian and American coins might look different, the idea of understanding sizes, shapes, and values is the same. Teach them to recognize the various coins and talk about how each coin is worth a certain amount. Idea to Try: Use coin sorting activities with either play money or real coins. Have your child sort the coins by size or type and talk about their values. You can even make a simple coin chart to help them remember which coin is worth what.  3. Counting Money: Start Simple, Then Build UpOnce children are familiar with the coins, the next step is learning how to count them. Start small by using just a few coins, and then gradually increase the number. Teach them to start with the largest value coin and count down to the smallest for easier math. Idea to Try: Create simple money challenges, like counting to $1.00 or $2.00 using only nickels and dimes. You can also use money word problems to make it more fun. For example: "If you have 3 dimes and 2 nickels, how much money do you have?" Word problems help children apply their counting skills to real-life scenarios. 4. Use Visuals to Make It ClearSome kids might find it hard to understand money just from listening or talking about it. That’s where visuals can help. Whether you’re using real coins or pictures of coins, showing how money works visually makes it easier for kids to understand. Idea to Try: Make a simple money chart showing pictures of different coins with their values written next to them. You can also practice counting coins by using visuals and adding up their value on the chart, helping your child see the total amount.  5. Practice with Word Problems: Apply Money Skills in Real-Life SituationsOnce children have learned to count coins, it’s time to use that knowledge in everyday situations through word problems. Money word problems are a great way to get kids thinking about how they would use money in real life, like at a store or when saving for something special. Idea to Try: Use money word problems such as:
 6. Make Learning Fun with GamesMoney doesn’t have to be all about worksheets and lessons. Make it interactive with fun games that help kids practice their skills. Games are a great way to keep kids engaged while they learn, and they can practice counting, coin recognition, and making change—all while having fun. Idea to Try: Set up a mini store at home or in the classroom or at home using play money or even real coins. Let kids practice being the customer and the shopkeeper. They can "buy" and "sell" items, make change, and learn how money is used in a fun and practical way. Teaching Money Skills is About More Than Just CoinsTeaching children about money doesn’t have to be hard. By making it a part of their everyday life, using visuals, and practicing with games and word problems, you can help them build the skills they’ll need to understand money for years to come. Whether you're using Canadian or American coins—or any type of currency—the most important thing is to keep it hands-on, fun, and connected to real-world experiences.
If you’re looking for resources to help teach these skills, the Canadian Money Activities Bundle and the American Money Activities Bundle are packed with worksheets, task cards, games, and word problems designed to teach counting money, coin recognition, and more. These easy-to-use tools are perfect for parents, homeschoolers, and teachers alike. Start with some of these activities today and watch as your child or student becomes more confident with their money skills!  Related Posts
When teaching young children, money can be a challenging concept to master. While we often think of coins as simple objects with values attached, for kids, coin recognition and counting money can be tough to grasp. After all, a dime might look smaller than a nickel, but it’s worth more—that’s a lot for young minds to juggle. Not only that, many kids don't have a change to handle money because many transactions are done with debit and credit cards.  Teaching young kids about money is a crucial skill, but it can also be one of the trickiest concepts to make fun and relatable. You might have found yourself wondering how to keep them engaged while helping them make sense of coins, bills, and word problems. You’re not alone! Many teachers face the same challenge—how to bring real-world money skills into the classroom in a way that clicks. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. With the right mix of hands-on practice and visual support, your students can develop confidence and competence when working with money.  Using Play Money for Coin RecognitionBefore you can dive into counting and word problems, students need to recognize the different coins. Coin recognition isn’t just about identifying the coin’s name; it’s also about understanding the relationship between size, shape, and value. Here are some fun ways to help your students practice coin recognition:
 Why Hands-On Practice Makes a DifferenceStudents often struggle with the abstract concept of money because they don’t always get the chance to physically interact with coins. Holding, sorting, and counting real coins helps students develop a concrete understanding of their value. By physically manipulating the coins, students are more likely to internalize the differences between coins and how their values add up. 💡 Teaching Tip: Set up a “money exploration station” where students can freely sort coins by value or size. Give them a set of real or play coins and let them explore, compare, and organize. This is a great way to build familiarity before diving into counting!  A Money Unit That Provides Lessons For Young ChildrenToday, I’m sharing a money unit with you that can create engaging, effective money lessons that are both easy to prep and meaningful for students. The beauty of this unit is it was created collaboratively with my Grade 3 students. We took time to work together to figure out the different activities and we did lots of practice with counting, sorting, and spending money in various role playing activities. If you've ever taught a money unit, you already know how tricky it can be. Some students instantly “get it” when it comes to identifying coins and counting bills. Others struggle to remember what a dime is worth—let alone how to make change. It’s normal to have a wide range of abilities in your classroom, but that doesn’t make your job any easier. This unit takes a step by step approach and involves lots of hands on practice and real world examples to help kids make sense of what they are learning. It handles the planning piece and makes things low prep for you.  Check out this unit here. For more information on how we used what we learned to create a spring fundraiser, check out this blog post. For more information about how we worked through the unit, check here. Grab a Free Sampler Here is a sampler of a couple of lessons and templates from the unit. Give it a try and see how you can make working with money real for kids. Kid Themed Money Word ProblemsAs part of the money unit, several scenarios were created that were kid friendly and helped with learning how to use money in the real world. This resulted in a supplementary resource of kid themed money word problem task cards. You can check it out here.  For more tips and resources for teaching young children how to work with money check out my next blog post. There I will focus on resources for both Canadian and American currency. Are you looking for ways to teach younger children about Canada? Teaching geography and research skills to younger students can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time.  Grade 3 is a perfect time to introduce children to basic research skills and resources. Learning about the country they live in is a great place to start. Teaching Canadian geography and research skills in Grade 3 is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build foundational knowledge about our country. By combining engaging activities with structured research, kids develop critical thinking, organization, and a deeper appreciation for Canada’s diversity. A Resource To Introduce Kids To Canada's Geography A great way to introduce kids to Canada’s geography is by focusing on the provinces and territories as a whole. My Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle is a perfect resource to begin this journey. These booklets are designed specifically with younger children in mind, using simple language and vivid photographs to make research accessible and enjoyable. They come in a French version as well.
What These Booklets Cover:
Why These Booklets Work
Teaching Basic Research Skills to Grade 3 StudentsWith structured guidance, children in Grade 3 can begin to gather, organize, and present information confidently. Here are some tips to make this process enjoyable and effective: Scaffold Research Tasks
Encourage Collaboration
 Engaging Activities for Exploring Provinces and TerritoriesPractical Strategies for Research Projects
End the unit with a classroom showcase. Invite kids to present their projects to peers or even parents. This celebration not only reinforces learning but also builds confidence in their research abilities. Integrating Subjects
Using resources like the Canada My Country booklets and the Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle allows you to teach geography and research skills in a way that’s engaging and manageable. The use of simple language and vivid photographs ensures that every child can participate and succeed. Children develop a sense of pride in their country and the ability to communicate their findings effectively.
Ready to inspire your kids? Want more Canadian Social Studies resources? Check out these resources to bring Canadian geography to life in your classroom!  Related Posts
Research can be an exciting way for young children to explore the world around them. However, when working with primary students, it's important to provide materials that are simple enough for them to understand while still offering key facts. Whether in a classroom or a homeschool setting, guiding children through research helps them develop important skills like reading for information, organizing their thoughts, and sharing what they’ve learned.  Why Teach Research Skills Early?Even at a young age, children are naturally curious. Teaching them how to find, organize, and share information helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research also encourages independence, as students learn to look for answers on their own instead of always relying on the teacher.  A Simple Research Model for Primary StudentsYoung learners need a structured approach to research. Here’s a step-by-step process that works well: 1. Start With the Big Picture Begin by studying a broad topic together as a class. For example:
 2. Assign Individual or Small Group Topics Once the class understands the big picture, divide the research into smaller topics. Each student or small group can focus on one part, such as:
 3. Organizing Key Details For primary students, research should focus on big ideas rather than overwhelming amounts of detail. A simple research template might include:
 4. Research With Support For younger children, research doesn’t mean handing them a book or a website and expecting them to pull out key facts on their own. Instead: ✅ Use guided reading sessions where you read together and model how to find important details. ✅ Provide kid-friendly research materials with simple text and visuals. ✅ Use group discussions to share findings and build understanding.  5. Let Students Choose How to Present Their Work After students complete their research, they can decide how to share their learning. Having a selection of presentation choices allows them to express what they’ve learned in a way that suits their strengths. Some options include:
 6. Reflecting on Learning Once projects are complete, students can share them with the class, discuss what they found most interesting, and ask questions about each other’s topics. This builds confidence and reinforces learning.  To help young children feel successful with research: ✅ Use structured research pages – Simplify the process with templates that guide them to key facts. ✅ Provide visuals – Maps, pictures, and diagrams make learning more engaging. ✅ Offer a clear expectations sheet – A simple criteria list ensures students understand what to include in their projects. ✅ Encourage creativity – Let students choose how to present their research in a way that interests them.  By introducing research in a step-by-step, supported way, even young children can develop strong research skills while exploring topics in a meaningful and engaging way! Before diving into research about different countries or regions, young children need a solid foundation in understanding and using maps. Just like we start with number sense in math before tackling addition and subtraction, we need to introduce basic mapping skills before expecting kids to navigate world geography. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, here are some fun and effective ways to help children develop map skills.  Why Map Skills MatterMaps do more than show us where places are; they help children develop spatial thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the world around them. Whether in a classroom or a homeschooling environment, giving kids the tools to interpret maps early on will set them up for success in their geography studies.  Making Map Skills Engaging for Young ChildrenStart with Familiar Places Begin by looking at maps of places children know well—like their home, neighborhood, or school. You can use simple hand-drawn maps, printed maps, or even an interactive digital map to show locations they recognize. Ask questions like, “Where do we go to get groceries?” or “Can you find our street on this map?”  Use a Compass Rose and Directions Teach kids about the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) using simple activities. One fun way is to stand outside and figure out which way the sun rises (East) and sets (West). You can also create a treasure hunt where they have to follow directional clues to find a hidden object.  Introduce Symbols and Legends Maps are full of symbols that represent real-world objects. Show children a basic map key and explain how different icons stand for things like roads, mountains, rivers, or buildings. Let them create their own mini-maps of a familiar place, using symbols to mark important spots.  Play with Puzzles and Games Map puzzles and geography board games are great ways to reinforce spatial awareness. Simple jigsaw puzzles of continents, countries, or states help kids see how places fit together. Online games or printable worksheets with map-related challenges can also make learning interactive.  Create Personal Maps Encourage kids to draw their own maps of a room, their house, or a local park. This helps them think critically about how things are positioned relative to one another. For an added challenge, have them include a compass rose, a legend, and labels.  Explore Different Types of Maps Show children that not all maps look the same. Some maps focus on physical features like mountains and rivers, while others highlight roads, weather patterns, or population. Look at a globe together to show how the Earth is represented in 3D.  Applying Map Skills to ResearchOnce children have a strong foundation in reading and interpreting maps, they will be better equipped to research and understand different countries. They’ll be able to pinpoint locations, analyze how geography affects climate and culture, and make connections between places.  By taking the time to build these fundamental skills first, we make geography learning more meaningful and enjoyable. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or at home, these activities will help young children gain confidence in exploring the world—one map at a time! Have you ever watched The Amazing Race? Teams from all over the world race to different places, follow maps, solve clues, and try to be the first to find their next destination. It’s exciting, full of surprises, and so much fun! But here’s an idea: What if you could make your classroom or home learning feel just like The Amazing Race with no passports required! One of the coolest lessons I ever did was turning the school yard into an geocaching adventure. I handed the kids a "mystery map" of the area, full of clues and challenges. They had to measure distances, follow directions, and solve riddles to find a hidden geocache. You’d think I’d given them a real-life treasure! It was so much fun, and the kids couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.  Spring is the perfect time to take geography lessons outdoors. The weather is warming up, and nature is full of new surprises, just waiting to be explored. Kids are full of energy and need to keep moving. Imagine turning your lessons into a fun-filled scavenger hunt or treasure map challenge. Whether you’re learning at school or at home, mapping can make geography fun and interactive! Here are some ideas or possible lessons to try.  1. Create a Mystery Scavenger Hunt 🗺️ How cool would it be if you had a mystery scavenger hunt of your classroom or home? Here’s how it works: You can hand kids a clue that leads them around the room (or house) to a specific location. But, the catch is—there are more clues to solve along the way! They’ll need to measure distances, figure out directions, and solve riddles to find a hidden surprise or treasure. They’ll feel like real-life adventurers as they figure out each clue. It’s a great way to practice following directions while having fun! Here's a template that might be helpful when planning your scavenger hunt clues.  2. Make a Treasure Map of Your Backyard or Garden 🌻 Who says you need to travel far to have a fun adventure? You can map out your backyard or garden or a nearby park and create a treasure hunt. Start by drawing a map of the outdoor space, adding landmarks like trees, flowers, or fences. Then, give clues to find a hidden “X” that marks the spot. Kids will need to follow the directions carefully—measuring distances, following coordinates, and using symbols to help them along the way. The best part? The treasure could be anything from a shiny stone to a favorite toy or treat!  3. Go on a Neighborhood Mapping Adventure 🏙️ Ready for a bigger challenge? Grab a notebook and head outside for a neighborhood mapping adventure. You can make a scavenger hunt by giving clues that lead to places around your neighborhood. For example: “Walk 10 steps to the mailbox, then turn left to find the red house. From there, walk 5 steps to the big tree!” It’s a fun way to practice using maps, measuring distances, and understanding directions—plus, you get to explore the world around you!  4. Use Coordinates for a Scavenger Hunt 📍 You don’t need to go far to create an awesome learning adventure! You can use coordinates to hide clues around your house, classroom, or garden. If you make a big grid (like on graph paper), you can give kids coordinates to find hidden objects. For example, “Go to A3 to find the first clue, then go to C5 for the next!” It’s like going on a treasure hunt with a map of your own making! If you are looking for more ways to practice using coordinates and grids, check out this resource.  5. Map Your Favorite Outdoor Spot 🌳 Give kids a blank sheet of paper and ask them to map out their favorite outdoor spot. It could be their backyard, a local park, or even a place they dream of visiting one day! Encourage them to add important details like where the swings are, where the tallest tree is, or where they like to sit and read. Once the map is complete, they can add a fun challenge: hide an “X” on the map and see if someone else can find the hidden treasure!  These are just a few of the fun, creative ways you can bring maps into your learning! Whether you're inside or outside, maps can turn ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures. You can measure, explore, solve clues, and discover new places—all while learning valuable skills.  Maps don’t just have to be about geography—they’re also about exploring, solving problems, and going on adventures. Plus, being outside and on the move can help kids stay active and engaged while they’re learning. The adventure never stops when you make learning feel like a race around the world! So, let’s grab our maps, follow the clues, and see where our learning adventure takes us! Happy adventuring! Related Posts
Spring is like a burst of energy. Do you remember that moment in The Sound of Music when Maria began to twirl around in the open field , basking in the fresh air and singing? For kids, that's exactly how spring feels. The world suddenly comes alive, with flowers blooming, birds singing, and a whole new sense of excitement. It’s almost impossible to keep them focused indoors when everything outside is calling their name. But what if we could bring that fresh, spring energy into our teaching? Spring is the perfect opportunity to mix things up and engage kids in new and exciting ways. It’s a season of rebirth and growth, so why not channel that into your lessons?  Why Spring Makes Learning So SpecialSpring is like a big, colorful adventure waiting to happen. The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and there are so many things to discover. From tiny bugs to new flowers, the world outside is buzzing with new life—and it can be a lot of fun to bring those things into your lessons. When the weather is nice, it’s like your brain gets a fresh start, just like the flowers. Whether you’re at home or in school, you can make the most of the season by turning your lessons into springtime fun! Let’s look at how we can turn every lesson into a spring-themed adventure!  Math With a Spring Twist🌸
 Creative Writing About Spring Adventures 🐦
 Science: Be a Spring Detective! 🔍
 Reading Outdoors 🌞
 Art with Nature 🌻
 Spring is the perfect time to try new things and be inspired by everything growing around us. Whether it’s Spring Break, Earth Day, or just a warm afternoon perfect for a quick outdoor activity, there are so many ways to make learning feel exciting again! Whether you're measuring plants in math, writing stories about animals, or reading outside under the sun, there’s a world of fun waiting to be explored. With all the new life and energy around you, spring is the perfect season to get excited about learning. Here’s a fun question to ask yourself: If you could spend an entire day outside learning about anything, what would it be? You might be surprised by all the cool ideas you come up with!  Let's get ready to jump into spring and make learning as fresh and exciting as the season itself! Related Posts Imagine measuring a room with a child’s shoe and an adult’s shoe. You’d end up with two very different results for the same space! This fun and simple activity is a great way to introduce kids to the importance of standard measurement. But length isn’t the only thing we measure in our daily lives. From mass to temperature, measurements play a vital role in helping us make sense of the world. In this post, we’ll explore:
 Non-Standard vs. Standard MeasurementWhen children first begin learning about measurement, they often start with non-standard units—items like crayons, blocks, or even shoes. These are tangible, relatable, and help kids develop an understanding of size and comparison. However, non-standard units can create confusion when results need to be shared or compared. For example:
 Activity: Measuring with ShoesThis engaging activity introduces the need for standard units while keeping learning fun. What You’ll Need:
 Types of Measurement in Real LifeMeasurement goes far beyond length. Here are some key types of measurement kids will encounter: Mass(Weight):
Volume:
Temperature:
Area and Perimeter:
Length:
By introducing these types of measurement early, kids can see how math connects to their daily lives.  Take your measurement lessons to the next level with Measurement Activities And Measurement Games Metric And Customary Units Tallies This resource includes:
 From cooking dinner to building furniture, measurement is everywhere. By starting with relatable, hands-on activities like measuring with shoes and introducing standard units, we can give kids the tools they need to navigate the world confidently.  Next time you’re measuring something, try using shoes to spark a conversation about non-standard and standard units. Then, connect the dots by exploring other types of measurement in real life. Your kids will love learning how math fits into their world! Related Posts
|
About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed