Old Topics & New Ideas Want to breathe some new life into those same boring lesson topics? Below is a collection of unique approaches to basic lesson plans. These innovative methods will keep the kids (and you) interested in the core topics of your lessons. Thematic Units Thematic units can be an invaluable tool to open a student's eyes to the connections and relationships between subject areas. Thematic units are designed to combine ideas from multiple curriculum areas (such as social studies, math, science, reading, writing and art) around a central theme. Thematic units can be based on ideas, history, literature or just about any other topic that can be explored. Examples include space, the Revolutionary War, transportation or farm life (for the wee ones). Art Projects Don't let all student art be created in art class! Let them show you some of their artistic flair in your own classroom. Creativity is an exercise in learning too! And the finished products can be used to decorate a classroom corner, create holiday decorations or to spruce up a drab hallway. Be sure to check out our great Holiday Activities section for more great ideas. And remember, art projects make great gifts for moms and dads! Reading Activities Reading can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, subjects to teach in the elementary classroom. In any given class, you will have varying ability levels among your students. The trick is, to have the capacity to reach each and every one of those levels effectively. The following are activities submitted by teachers just like you that can be useful in teaching reading fundamentals. So take a look at this area and read about reading! Music In the Classroom Music can be a great learning tool, especially in the Pre-K classroom. Setting routine tasks to music makes the job much easier and much more fun. Children often respond well to the repetitive tunes of a clean-up song. Check out this area for some excellent ways to incorporate small melodies into the classroom, for big results. Science Projects Who doesn't love a good science project? But what is "good"? That styrofoam planet model you made when you were a kid doesn't cut anymore! Elementary classroom science has evolved from the baking soda and vinegar volcano. Today, technology and unique approaches are making science come to life in the classroom like never before! In this section are some of the best examples submitted by teachers across the country. Field Trips Field trips don't have to just be a requirement, they can be effective tools in providing enrichment to any given lesson. Quite often, a field trip turns an abstract into a reality. Don't let these educational opportunities pass you by! This section includes some great field trip ideas. Seasonal Activities Here is your quick reference guide to all things seasonal. This page contains references to all of the ideas we have available for the current season. In this section are links for activities, art projects, lessons and fun that will help you celebrate the "warm fuzzies" of the season. Holiday Activities Holiday times are always magical in an elementary school. The excitement of the upcoming event is evident in the eyes and smiles of the children. Capture this enthusiasm with creative holiday ideas. Take the opportunity to create some unique excitement via memorable holiday projects that they'll remember for years to come. So go ahead: carve that pumpkin, glue that cotton-bearded Santa and light up that tissue-paper menorah and have fun with it! Children are never too old for the magic of the holidays. Writing Activities We all know the importance of writing in the classroom. But it's not always easy to come up with fresh writing ideas for your elementary school class. Here are some creative possibilities that are sure to spark the imaginations of all students. Give them a try and uncover the young authors in your class!