Jewel's School Gems by Jewel Pastor
Fun STEM activities and ideas for busy elementary school teachers like you!
It always shocks me when I walk into my classroom the day after Halloween and see “November” on my calendar. Already? October is so packed with special days that I am never quite ready for it to be November. My planning has holes in it and I am still trying to figure out how to fit everything in! This year…
Read More
While shopping at Target today, I overheard a conversation between two women I assume taught STEM. They had snatched up all the tubs with the red and blue lids, so I felt justified in eavesdropping. Red lids said, “I’m getting these for my MakerSpace!” Blue lids said, “Me, too! Even though I don’t even know how to start one!” Which…
Read More
“My kids can’t work in teams.” This is the number one objection I hear from teachers regarding group STEM challenges. There is confusion. Sometimes there is crying. There can also be chaos. And not just the lower grades! Upper elementary educators are experiencing this tendency also. Nothing gets done. Some kids fool around. Many don’t follow directions. Have your experiences…
Read More
Do you want to transform some of your STEM activities to STEAM, but are not sure what this entails? I faced that question as well, and after doing a whole bunch of research, I put together this handy little guide for my colleagues. It really clarified things for them, so I am sharing it here to help you as well….
Read More
This is a post about what STEM is. It’s about what it means to STEM educators and authors who have dedicated much of their time in designing and creating meaningful resources for teachers like you. It’s about answering this question: What is STEM? So teachers who are new to STEM or are clueless about it will gain a better understanding…
Read More
What exactly does the term “summer slide” mean? Unfortunately, it’s not a playground equipment that you can buy for your students’ or own kids’ enjoyment during summer. Summer slide actually refers to the loss of academic skills – especially math and literacy skills – that occurs during summer break. We hear again and again how kids are encouraged to read…
Read More
