💬 Essential Question: How does learning about Juneteenth help us better understand American history?

Pair with writing, art, or discussion.
#juneteenth #freedomday #upperel #classroomreflection

Using this HISTORY® Channel video as a soft start for Juneteenth:
“Juneteenth: What you need to know” (3 min) — powerful, clear, and accessible. Link to video in bio.

Perfect way to launch conversations about freedom, justice, and equity in U.S. history.

Sharing Raven’s Ribbons for Pride Month.
Raven is a boy who dreams of wearing a ribbon skirt to a round dance—grandmother says, “Tradition doesn’t leave people out.” 🌈
💬 Essential Question:
How can traditions grow to include and celebrate everyone?
#inclusiveclassroom #RavensRibbons #PrideMonthReads

They made their own voiceover scripts. One even added a dance. 😂
Sometimes all it takes is one trailer to unlock a full day of creativity.
#upperel #RihannaAsSmurfette #classroomfun #softstartenergy

Tested out a soft start with the new Smurfs trailer (Rihanna as Smurfette!)—and it instantly lit up the room.

We asked:
What makes a voice (or a character) unforgettable?

💭 Our guiding question:
What powers and traits make YOU an everyday hero?

Some wrote “compassion,” others said “math skills” or “being a good friend.”
Best final-week activity we’ve done in years.
#upperel #EndOfYearProjects #IdentityInArt #studentvoice

Saw the “design your own action figure” trend on socials—tried it with my class today and WHOA.

Students created themselves as heroes, complete with unique powers, tools, and backstories. Link to coloring page in bio.

They wrote thank-you letters and illustrated freedom.
#upperel #MemorialDay #RollingThunder #VeteranAppreciation #readaloud

Brought in Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner today to honor Memorial Day. The kids were captivated by the illustrations—and the silence that followed said it all.

We discussed:
How can we honor and remember those who have served?

Students reflected on their own traditions and how they fit into the big picture of what “American” means.
#upperel #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth #inclusiveclassroom #teacherlife

🎥 StandWithUs Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month (Link to video in bio)

Led to a rich class discussion on:
How do the experiences of different communities help shape our shared American story?

💬 We asked:
How can we be kind and understanding to someone who sees the world differently?

Big hearts and big conversations today.
#upperel #MyBrotherCharlie #inclusionmatters #readaloud

For National Brother’s Day, we started our day with the Storyline Online video of My Brother Charlie, read by Holly Robinson Peete. Link to video in bio.

It’s honest, warm, and based on her own son’s experience with autism. My students connected deeply.

Tried something new for Harvey Milk Day:
Started with a short video from Untold History—Harvey Milk: Leading the Way.

We followed it with this question:
What does it mean to be brave for yourself—and for others?

Representation + real talk = powerful learning.
#upperel #teacherlife #HarveyMilkDay

💬 We followed with this: Why is it important to tell stories about who we are and where we come from?

Ever used athletes as story ambassadors in your classroom? Would love to hear more!
#upperel #teacherlife #AANHPIHeritagemonth

Started our day with a short video about Maia & Alex Shibutani—Olympic skaters turned authors—sharing AANHPI stories in their second book, Incredible: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World.

Their message? Representation matters. And kids really felt that.

Got a favorite end-of-year read-aloud? I’d love to hear it.

#teaching #readaloud #upperel #endofyearfun #teacherlife

Then turn your class into epic warriors with a Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament:
    •    Create brackets
    •    Invent warrior names
    •    Crown the champion with a paper crown (and eternal glory)

Essential Question:
What makes a story legendary—and what makes characters unforgettable?

Looking for a legendary way to close out the year?

Read The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors—a hilarious, high-energy read-aloud your students won’t forget.

This playful prompt gets students talking, sharing, and seeing each other in unexpected ways.
3/3
#MagicalQuestion #PriyaParker #BuildClassroomCommunity #EveryToolTellsAStory #ConnectionInTheClassroom #TeacherResources #teacherlife #teachersfollowteachers #students #edchat #edtech #learning

We think you should change the question to:

✨Magical Question of the Day✨: What is your favorite school supply—and what makes it special to you?

From trusty highlighters to whiteboard markers to that one perfectly clicky pen, school supplies can be surprisingly personal! 2/3

✨Ready to spark connection in your classroom with one simple question? Let’s make it magical! ✨

The video linked in our bio, Priya Parker shares the inspiration behind the magical questions and a question idea. To make it more engaging for the classroom, 1/3

💡 Essential Question: Why is it important to celebrate and share the diverse stories of AAPI communities in shaping America’s past, present, and future?
3/3
#AAPIHeritageMonth #CelebrateDiversity #LiftEveryVoice #CulturalPride #AAPIForward #TeacherResources #teacherlife #teachersfollowteachers

honoring the vibrant traditions, identities, and contributions of AAPI communities across the country. From food and festivals to art, science, and activism—AAPI voices are everywhere. Let’s listen, learn, and lift each other up! Link to video in bio.
2/3

🎥 May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — and it’s time to celebrate stories, cultures, and voices that shape our nation!

Kick off your day with this powerful ideo soft start, created by Gannett’s Asian American Forward Employee Resource Group,1/3

#DontTrustFish #NielSharpson #DanSantat #ReadAloudRiot #FunnyBooksForKids #EndOfYearReads #PictureBookMadness #UnderwaterConspiracies @dsantat @neilsharpson #TeacherResources #teacherlife #teachersfollowteachers #students #edchat #edtech #learning #teaching #educationmatters 4/4

💡Essential Question: How can humor help us question what we think we know—and make learning even more fun?

Perfect for end-of-year energy, critical thinking, and lots of giggles. Just remember: stay dry, stay alert… and don’t trust fish.
3/4

This isn’t your typical nature guide—it's a totally hilarious look at our underwater neighbors who might just be up to no good. From secret "schools" to fish the size of buses, this picture book dives into why fish are not to be trusted!
2/4

🐟🚨 Warning: Do NOT trust fish. Seriously. 🚨🐟

Close out your school year with a splash of absurd fun and wild imagination in the laugh-out-loud new read-aloud: Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat (yes, the National Book Award winner himself)!
1/4

Because sometimes, the best way to share who we are… is through dessert.
3/3
#MagicalQuestions #BenAndJerrysInspo #CreativityInACup #IceCreamWithMeaning #SweetConnections #TeacherResources #teacherlife #teachersfollowteachers #students #edchat #edtech #learning #teaching #educationmatters