"..This lesson recognizes that none of us feel extremely positive all the time and that it is acceptable to say, "I feel sad because______." This lesson is important because it can establish a classroom atmosphere that is so positive that even the most discouraged or most shy student will feel empowered to participate. It removes fear from the classroom and replaces it with the experience of being listened to..."
"..In order for students to build self esteem they need to know who they are and what is important and unique to themselves personally. Students also need to have a concrete way in which to express this. Students can become resident 'experts' in the classroom and this is one way of finding out what the range of knowledge is among a group of students..."
"..Many students do not know how to develop relationships. Their negative social attitudes and low self-esteem hinder interaction...Use this exercise in the beginning of the year or group activities for the purpose of introducing the teacher and students to one another..."
This short biography tells about George Washington Carver's amazing life, his tremendous accomplishments and his unquenchable passion for learning. "..George spent hours exploring the world around him and was constantly asking questions. He wanted to know about everything..." Despite its brevity, the poignant description of the hardships he faced, the loving family who raised him and his inspiring attitude make this a very compelling story.
This page has a list of links to many interdisciplinary activities for learning about different aspects of the environment. The following activities were located through this listing.
This Art/Social Studies activity for grades 2-4 will help students understand how people adapt to their environment. Students will consider how the environment affects the way people live, identify examples of human adaptation, and appreciate human-environment interaction.
In this Art/Social Studies activity for grades K-2, students make a picture web to describe a place. Students discuss the characteristics of life in the country, in a suburb, and in a city. Students compare and contrast general environmental differences, and explore their immediate environment.
This Art/Social Studies Activity for grades 3-6 helps students acquaint themselves with the way artwork of early Native Americans incorporated aspects of their environment and everyday experiences, and allows students to apply those principles in their own creative efforts.
In this Art/Science activity for grades K-2, children will create a flip book that illustrates the growth and change of a plant or animal as it goes through its life cycle.
In this Art/Social Studies for grades K-2, students develop an understanding of the seasons by naming the seasons of the year, considering physical change over time, and analyzing environmental changes.
In this Science activity for grades 1-3, children develop their observation skills by applying their senses to the study of life in and around a single tree. The observations can be done as a whole class project in school or as an individual project at home.
In this Math Activity for grades 4-6, students will be surprised by how much water they can save if they brush their teeth without leaving the water running.
In this Art/Language Arts/Science activity for grades K-2, children will draw scenes of different environments and create some unexpected visitors in those environments. This activity reinforces children's understanding of the characteristics of different environments and the animals that do or do not live in these environments. It also gives children the opportunity to practice their creative writing skills.
In this Social Studies activities for grades 1-2, children will take a closer look at the world just outside their doors and share their experiences with their classmates.
