Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn
National Science Teaching Association
NY

Dear Claire, Yes, there is an emphasis on worksheets, but I'd ask why and what do they serve? Worksheets can provide feedback to teachers, but so can talking and watching children. Worksheets can allow students to practice writing or pre-writing, yet authentic writing (modeling) is so much more effective for engaging students in the task. Worksheets can seem like work, but work can consis...

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Hi Amy, You've received lots of great advice about keeping young ones engaged in learning. To me, you must start by believing that young learners are capable of incredible thinking. Given the opportunity to share their ideas, build structures, problem-solve, and use critical thinking skills, young learners are ready to take on challenges. It is essential to allow young learners to guide t...

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If students are in school, can you get them outside?  Outdoors can be a wonderful place to explore and use an outdoor lab. Try setting up observation areas, where students can look for evidence of spring, animals, plants, interactions...  Have students start science journal/notebooks to record their wonderings and questions.  Allow them to experience the world outside the classroom...

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