Eliana's Elephant Ears Education

Kids Learn, Move and Stay Fit: PE Is Not The Only Place To Move

2012-01-17T18:23:00.000-06:00

I saw a news report tonight that showed a school who is taking a proactive approach to childhood obesity. They are incorporating exercise in with their learning. For instance, no more just sitting at your desk with hands crossed while quietly listening. Instead, they may learn the names of the months of the year by putting them to rhythm and dance. They line up in the hallway and do pushups to warm up. Other methods they use include sitting on workout balls, or bounding off of a workout balance ball. It got me thinking of other ways to teach facts while moving and staying fit.

Count 1-10 with situps
I love the exercise ball as kids seems to have trouble sitting still as it is. Why not put their energy to good use.
Use good old line dances to teach facts. The Macarena is one that can be multi-purposely used. Put the facts to rhythm as you dance.
Raise your hands, or raise your foot to answer a question.
ABC jump - Jump after singing each pair of 3 letters. Like this: ABC - Jump - DEF - Jump - GHI - Jump and Spin - JKL - Jump - MNO - Jump PQR - Jump and Spin - STU - Jump - VW and - Jump XYZ - Jump and Spin!

Use your imagination. The sky is the limit to how much learning can take place while getting little bodies into shape and preventing childhood obesity.

Free today on Amazon: An eBay Seller's Secrets: 20 Essential Household Items

2012-01-11T10:19:00.001-06:00

I did it! I publishsed my very first e-book on Amazon, available for download on Kindle readers (or, you can download the Kindle for your PC for free as well and read it on your computer).

The book includes 20 essential household items I have found useful for cleaning, repairing, removing stains, and repurposing items for resale on eBay.

Today only - The book is being offered as a free download. Get your free copy here!

The process was not overly diffiult, but does require some amount of education in writing, formatting, and uploading for publication - Not to mention designing the cover (which I changed from the original, but the changes have not yet shown up publicly for some reason. I'm hoping they show up soon.) I must admit that I am looking at this book as my training wheels book to help me learn the ropes of publishing. I thoroughly proofed it, and carefully uploaded it only to find some places I would like to tweak and edit. However, overall I'm happy with the result of my first published e-book. And, thanks for reading it. I hope you enjoy the read.

Growing Interest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Girls in STEM

2012-01-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

Female workers make up half of the workforce. But, when STEM programs began, they made up less than 25% of careers workers in science, technology, engineering, or math fields. The US has lost ground with other progressively-moving countries in the fields of Science and math. While these subjects are taught in school, little progress seemed to have been made. That's where after school programs stepped in. These programs make learning subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math fun. Not only fun, but promising. With the downturned economy, careers in IT technology have remained a viable option. However, without the training, these jobs are difficult to land.
Started out of an effort to draw girls, in particular minority girls, into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), after school programs were started. Today, interest in the programs soar. Read more at:

Out-of-School Time Drawing Girls Into STEM

Snow-Making Science Project

2012-01-01T15:55:00.000-06:00

"Is it snowing yet? Snow, will we get snow? Snow, tomorrow? Why didn't we get a white Christmas?" These are all questions my 9 year old asked this year as we continue to experience an unseasonably warm winter so far.

If you were lucky enough to have a white Christmas, you may not need (or want) to produce your own snow. For the rest of us (who rung in the new year at 60 degrees), you just might want to experiment by making your own pretend snow.

Try this experiment from the folks at Kinder Art.com.

All you need are a few items (mostly found in your kitchen or bath room). You might not be able to build a snowman, fort, or have a snowball fight with your home-made snow. However, it will be a fun learning experiment.

Sign up for Discovery Education Childhood Nutrition Webinar

2011-10-26T10:48:00.000-05:00

Do you eat with your children 7 nights a week? Do you eat with them 1 night a week? Are your mealtimes more of a battle over what to cook, who will eat what, or what's for dessert than it is a family time filled with encouraging, relationship-building discussions? Would you like to discover healthy nutrition tips for your dinner time?

Join experts on November 2 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time for a Webinar on Energy Balance 101:

Register here at Discovery Education!

This seminar is one-hour long and is intended for educators, teachers, and parents!

Bring In The FBI To Make Sure SAT Testing Is Secure

2011-10-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

The recent arrests of students who hired other students to take their SAT tests has sparked an investigation, involving the FBI. Colleges rely heavily on the results of these type of standardized testing to decide upon college and university admittance. Making sure the testing is fair and secure is important.

What do you think? Are there holes in the testing security system?

Read more in this article from Education Week:

Education Week: SAT Hires Former FBI Boss to Review Test Security

Facebook Law for Teachers in Missouri Heating Up

2011-10-12T09:42:00.000-05:00

Facebook is a very popular site. In fact, it is the most popular Googled site on the internet. It is not only helpful in sharing friendships, but in building business, networking, and can be used for educational advances. However, Missouri has made a law prohibiting school teachers from friending their students on Facebook.

The law was met with argument. Many claim that Facebook can be used as a learning and tutoring tool that is needed and helpful. When used properly, by responsible teachers, it can be a wonderful connection that builds a teaching/learning environment.

Of course, when not used properly, it could lead to disaster. What do you think? Read more here:

Teachers, Lawmakers Grapple with Law Restricting Contact With Students - St. Charles, MO Patch

EdWeek: Apple's Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T11:01:00.001-05:00

Steve Jobs was a brilliant man, who changed the world of technology (many say for the better). Do you own an Apple? Do you enjoy your iPhone? Maybe you use several learning apps available. Many schools are now using Apple tablets for learning. What do you think?

For detailed information about education and about Steve Jobs (who passed away yesterday after suffering from pancreatic cancer), visit:

Steve Jobs: Education Technology Pioneer

And, for more educational wrap-up news, visit:

EdWeek Update: Apple's Steve Jobs, Education Technology Pioneer

Teaching Is...A Perfect Gift For Your Favorite Teacher

2011-09-19T20:51:00.002-05:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Sometimes teaching is a thankless job. If you are a teacher, you know the joys that come as often as the hardships. Students surprise you - either in a good way, or otherwise. Just when you feel like throwing in the towel, a troubled student comes up to you and says, "thank you!" Or, maybe you run into that student years down the road, and he is the one helping you. Maybe, a parent thanks you for spending extra time with her son. It's the little things. It's the big things. It's the daily moments that make teaching worth the adventure.

Teaching Is...Moments that inspire and Motivate Teachers to Make a Difference, by Marjan Glavac, is a collection of moments that make teaching worthwhile. When shopping for gifts this year, stop by www.teachingis.com, and pick up a copy of this book. It's the perfect gift for your favorite teacher. Or, perhaps you're a teacher yourself. If so, you will be delighted to read cover to cover.

You will find yourself laughing, chuckling, sighing, and even wiping away some tears.

The author has captured tidbits of daily happenings, from a teacher's perspective. It is 80-pages of inspirational true-to-life memories that will motivate you to keep going, just one more day - the day that just might matter most.

You can find out more about this author, where to purchase his book, and other helpful resources at his website: www.thebusyeducator.com
I was asked to review this book, but received nothing additional in exchange for my honest review. What I have written is 100% my opinion.

Dollhouses are Great for Teaching

2011-08-03T17:51:00.000-05:00

Dollhouses are great for teaching. Not only do they provide make-believe play and learning of social skills for little ones, they also provide a great opportunity to learn the basics of construction and following instructions. Here is a nice little house that's for sale on eBay:

Vintage Greenleaf The Arthur Wooden Dollhouse Kit NIB - eBay (item 390336258781 end time Aug-09-11 11:09:28 PDT)

Teaching with LEGO Vignettes

2011-07-13T08:55:00.002-05:00

If you are an educator, I just found out about a concept that could change the way your students learn. Maybe you're fully aware of the idea behind LEGO Vignettes, but I just found out what they are and how they can help with educating children.

You probably can figure out that the word Vignette comes from a French word meaning Vine, but do you know how this relates to education, LEGOS and creating a Vignette? After reading about this, you'll want to make sure that a tub of LEGO's is an essential item in every classroom. Maybe even put it on the children's back-to-school lists.

Read the following post, from Teachable Scotts Tots, to find out more:

Teachable Scotts Tots Homeschool: Using LEGO Vignettes in education

5 Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe With Fireworks

2011-07-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

4th of July is an exciting celebration of freedoms. But, it's also means trips to the emergency room with numerous personal fireworks injuries. Here's how you can avoid this:

5 Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe With Fireworks

Using Legos and Visual Cues to Teach

2011-06-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

Teaching well requires pooling resources that the student can understand. Two hands-on or visual tools like these are LEGOS and visual cues. One is great for the hands-on learner, the other for the visual. Following are two great articles that refer to using these in the classroom or for teaching and learning purposes:

Teach Physics & Mechanics With LEGOS

What Are Visual Cues And Teachinig With Visual Cues

Wikki Stix for hands-on education and how you can win yours free!

2011-06-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

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We had a lot of fun reviewing this product. And, now we want to offer Wikki Stix to you. I want to share a 24-pk Rainbow Wikki Stix with you. Read through this blog to find out how you can win!

My children and I had the privilege of reviewing a product called Wikki Stix. The good people at Wikki Stix sent me some samples and away we went. The kids have since begged to "play" with the Wikki Stix. What a fun way to learn! They are non-allergenic, clean up easily and easy to work with for little fingers. Not only that, they are very affordable and reusable over and over again. They have endless uses.

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There are numerous other packs to purchase and put to educational use. There are even party paks to use at birthday parties and Curious George workbooks. I especially loved the idea of the adult stress reducer pak. There are alphabet cards, number cards, holiday kits, dinosaur and oceans kits, glow in the dark stix, single color paks, rainbow paks, neon paks and more.

_________________
GIVEAWAY:
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Here's how you can win a free 24-pk Rainbow Wikki Stix!

It only takes a buck! Drop some love!

2011-06-02T21:06:00.001-05:00

Hey guys! The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $9,200 worth of cash, goods and services to their recipient, the Stalnaker family, who had been going through a financially hard time due to the effects of the BP oil spill on the Louisiana economy. The family was in need of a car and the Love Drop team was able to surprise them with one, making it one of the most exciting Love Drops ever. You can watch how it all went down here.

This month they rally behind the Aubins - a Michigan mother and her three children who are mourning the death of Keith, husband and father, after his lengthy battle with multiple health problems. Our goal is to raise at least $3,600 to pay the family's rent for three months, which will allow them to focus on what they need to during this time, without fear of losing their home. Additionally, since Keith was an organ donor, he leaves a powerful legacy and the Love Drop team hopes to raise awareness of organ donation this month to honor Keith's memory. Help us make this month special for the Aubins!

Want to help? Here are three ways you can participate:

Give $25 towards rent <-- Click this link to contribute $25 towards their rent for the next three months - it will relieve so much stress for them. Give a gift or service - Gift cards are always helpful. Places like Target, Wal-mart, restaurants, etc would definitely help them out. Services too - especially those you can offer yourselves, or from your company.

Organ donation - We're giving the Aubin's the gift of knowing that the people on our team are organ donors. If you are one now, or pledge to be soon, please tell us so, and we'll relay the total number as a gift at the Drop.

Blogathon 2011 Is Done!

2011-05-31T09:04:00.001-05:00

I did it! I blogged for the Blogathon 2011 challenge and successfully completed it! Today is the last blog entry of 31 throughout the month of May.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these blogs. I hope they have been educational, and I plan on bringing much more interesting educational links, news and items of interest in the future.

Happy reading - Happy blogging!

Memorial Day Pledge of Allegiance Red Skelton and John Wayne

2011-05-30T16:45:00.000-05:00

For Memorial Day, I thought a couple pledges of allegiance were in order:

Happy Memorial Day! Even if you disagree with war, after all truly most people do not prefer war to peace - If you enjoy your freedoms, you might want to thank a member of the armed forces.

What is an Inference Graphic Organizer?

2011-05-29T00:59:00.000-05:00

Teaching inference skills to children while reading is important. What are inference skills? Inference skills are when you use your cognitive reasoning to fill in information not given. Skills like these are as important as problem solving and decision making skills to propel a child into higher-order thinking.

Here is a mini lesson in teaching inferencing to children!

Ice sculpture projects in the summer

2011-05-28T22:52:00.000-05:00

With the start of summer, if the heat gets to be too much, consider an ice sculpture experiment with the kids that can be done inside any time of year.

These ice sculpture ideas are fun! and educational for kids. If you like, you can even do a variation on the project and freeze juice which makes a colorful sculpture and a yummy treat.

Easy-To-Build Catapults Create Lessons In Physics

2011-05-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

The science behind catapults is simple yet history shows the complexity of these contraptions. Here is an easy-to-build catapult that is safe and easy-to-use for even small children.

This is a great lesson in levers, projectory, springs, simple machines, aerodynamics and more. A trip to the playground where there is an old-fashioned see-saw can help bring the lesson home.

Is There Science Behind This Year's Deadly Tornado Season?

2011-05-26T11:51:00.000-05:00

This year has proven to be a very deadly season for tornadoes. Is it worse than usual, or does it just seem that way? Has there ever been a year that has been this deadly in tornadoes? Most importantly, is there a reason for these strong tornadoes?

An article today found on Live Science explains the science behind these tornadoes.

How to make a sand dunes project

2011-05-25T00:32:00.000-05:00

Science projects that are easy, fun and hands on can provide wonderful learning opportunities. I found this great sand dune experiment on e-How. The experiment is easy to do with minimal mess.

Sand Dunes For Kids - An Easy Project!

Graduation At Last!

2011-05-24T01:11:00.000-05:00

Graduations: Preschool, elementary, high school and college! All are taking place across America during this time of year. What is graduation? It's simply a ceremony to honor an accomplishment.

Preschool graduation is cute and fun and perhaps a little silly. But, it sure makes adorable pics for the scrapbook. And, it also allows a nice bit of closure for parents longing to hold that little newborn in their arms once more but knowing the goal as a parent is to watch them grow and launch them into the world.

High School graduates tend to think they know it all. Though, many still have college years ahead to bring maturity and independence, high school graduates tend to have an independent spirit and are ready to bust out of the place that held them captive for 12-13 years. Yes, high school graduation is a milestone. But, the graduate has really just begun to learn about what life is really all about.

College grads - Now, it's time to give back and come into who you are. Your official education has come to an end and now it's time to find a job and start living and contributing to society. All your learning comes to a head and is now ready to put it into action. What have you learned?

Learn To Draw For Kids

2011-05-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

If you have ever tried to draw and have little to no artistic skill, it can become frustrating rather quickly. There are many books and DVDs available to teach drawing, but sometimes you need something simple, basic, spelled out in a step by step manner.

Ed Emberley has a line of drawing books that are amazing for kids. They are step by step instructions that add the picture drawn plus each step that was added for each step. Many of the steps are simply drawing a letter, like an elephant's tail is added by drawing the letter 'S'. These books are really fun and inexpensive.

Lakeshore Learning Offers Free Learning

2011-05-22T14:59:00.000-05:00

Lakeshore Learning is an online resource center that offers learning toys. Their toys look amazing. But, they also have online resources for teachers.

There are hands-on vocabulary boosters that teach word blends and other phonics.

You can make your own awards.

There are also fun projects for free. Today's project is Life Cycle Frog. All it takes is a paper plate, stapler and a few other craft materials.