How do teachers maintain human contact with their students during the shutdown? How can relationships grow during enforced separation? What are some tips for using Zoom effectively? How can students maintain their drive to learn?...

A few years ago, a friend suggested the title The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo as a worthwhile story time read. It is! In the story, a china rabbit named Edward, who, in spite of being deeply loved, is...

In the last several weeks I have heard myself repeatedly telling my students about my growing conviction that recess is a very important part of the day. It truly is. Active playtime is consistent with how God created our bodies....

Recently as I recounted several math ideas I find beneficial in the classroom, I thought perhaps sharing them could inspire another teacher. After all, don’t we regularly beg, borrow, and steal ideas? I imagine that you too...

For a number of years, I used the Character Sketch books as a basis for our devotional time at school. Each month, we focused on a specific character quality. Throughout the month, we learned interesting facts about animals that...

Usually I think of the words, “Me first!” in connection with students jumping in line ahead of others, eager to get the biggest and best of whatever is happening at the moment. I equate it with selfishness and pride. But those...

The first year I taught school, I moved from Kansas to Spanish Lookout, Belize. I taught thirteen students in grades 1-3 at the Spanish Refugee school run by the Kleine Gemeinde Mennonites. All but one of my students were native...

Recently, I became aware of how deeply I fear not having enough time to do all that needs to be done at school along with fulfilling responsibilities at home. This fear creates tension in my soul, wearies me physically, and is,...

Pilgrim Christian School distributes this checklist before school starts.

The last post gave big-picture ideas of themes and approaches for your class devotions. This post shares specific, daily plans and suggestions for materials. Monday: Grades 1-6 have chapel together with a dad coming in to speak....

The school desks are stacked, the bells silent, the hallways empty, and the schoolhouse doors locked. It is a great feeling. Now for several months, I will let my alarm clock rest unused, I’ll regularly don well-worn dresses and...

A study on creation for students in grades 1-4. Topics covered are God creating the world out of nothing, the days of creation, character traits of God, man in the image of God, caring for the earth, and other views of God....

The history surrounding the hymn "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," by Isaac Watts. Includes some biographical information about the author.

The history surrounding the hymn "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" by Bernard of Clairvaux. Includes biographical information about the author, literary structure and musical characteristics of the hymn, and suggestions for...

The history surrounding the hymn "Now Thank We All Our God," by Martin Rinkart. Includes biographical information about the author, literary structure and musical characteristics of the hymn, and suggestions for explaining the...