The Chalk Blog

Handmade gifts are one of my favorite parts of the holiday season! A sweet or savory treat baked in the kitchen, a gift that is handcrafted by sewing, knitting, woodworking, jewelry making, or any form of artwork–they are all special and unique. Handmade gifts demonstrate that the recipient is worthy of your most precious resource–time! When I’m using my hands to create, I often reflect on the recipient and all they mean to me. The holiday season can be hectic and overwhelming, and gifts that are made by hand are an opportunity to slow down, create with intention, and savor the opportunity to show loved ones you care.

STEM and STEAM frameworks provide essential skills to future success in the workplace, and as agents of change in the world. “The State of STEM Education Through 25 Stats,” by Ryan Boser links to information to motivate students to explore STEM or STEAM careers. 

Cabernet and steak, coffee and donuts, milk and chocolate chip cookies…the right beverage and food pairing enhances the experience by bringing out the best of both flavors. But have you ever thought about complementary pairings for your Learners Edge courses? We’re here for it!

The school year has begun, and the calendar pushes on towards Halloween. And while many public schools don’t participate in the ghoul and goblin-laden holiday, teachers rarely need a reason to get dressed up and be part of the fun!

One year ago, the United States took an important step in honoring a more complete and accurate history of our country with the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. Instead of focusing on Columbus’s “discovery,” this federal holiday (on the 2nd Monday in October) centers the history of Indigenous peoples that have inhabited the Western Hemisphere for tens of thousands of years. In creating this day we acknowledge the genocide, erasure, assimilation, and resilience of the Native people spanning generations. 

As our country’s second independence day, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to announce that nearly 300,000 enslaved black people were free. This day in history became known as “Juneteenth” and is now recognized as a federal holiday. What do you know about this holiday, and better yet, what knowledge do your students have on this topic? Below we share 5 of our best resources perfect for expanding your understanding and building a strong foundation for your students.

Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic or Mexican heritage with your students. But Cinco de Mayo’s significance is often misunderstood and misrepresented, despite the importance of honoring the day with historical accuracy, an understanding of cultural appropriation, and rich stories of Hispanic and Mexican culture.   

Spring is in the air, and Earth Day is April 22^nd! For 2022, we invite you to celebrate by using our Educator Earth Day BINGO board, and/or our Student Earth Day BINGO board. Every day is Earth Day, and we think these BINGO boards will bring fun to the classroom and remind students and educators of the actions we all can take to celebrate the beauty that is our earth!