Patricia Lopes

Hands-On Oaxaca Pottery Activity for Hispanic Heritage Month 

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your students? How about a fun (and yes, a little messy!) hands-on art activity inspired by Oaxaca pottery? This traditional Mexican art form is famous for its beautiful black pottery, and your students will love making their own version in class. Activity Idea This […]

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📸✨ Frida Kahlo + Selfies? A Fun Hispanic Heritage Activity!

September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce your students to a little culture and art. Why not highlight a famous Mexican artist—Frida Kahlo? She’s world-renowned for her striking self-portraits, and many call her the “queen of selfies.” Kids love this connection! Activity Idea 3. Decorate the Phone Case – Have

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Hispanic Heritage

Keith Haring-Inspired “All About Me” Art Project for Elementary Students

Instead of doing the same old “All About Me” worksheet, why not turn it into a creative back-to-school art activity? This Keith Haring-inspired project lets students share about themselves and learn a bit of art history at the same time. Why Keith Haring Works in the Classroom Keith Haring’s bold shapes, playful movement, and people-centered

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All about me

Cardboard Friendship Bracelet or Keychain – A Fun, Low-Prep Craft for Your Classroom

Looking for a simple yet engaging craft that works for a variety of ages? This Cardboard Friendship Bracelet or Keychain is one of my favorites to keep in the “crafty corner” of my classroom. It’s hands-on, colorful, and gives students a beautiful keepsake they can wear or gift to a friend. I’ve found that it

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Arts and Crafts

Why the First Week of School Can Feel So Overwhelming (and How to Make It Easier for Elementary students)

If you’re anything like me, the first week of school is always exciting… and just a little overwhelming. Even after years in the classroom, I still find myself making long to-do lists, printing last-minute activities, and trying to create a welcoming classroom space that sets the tone for the entire year. It’s a lot —

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Bulletin Board, Class Management

Back to School or End of Year Craft: Bright Future Sunglasses Collaborative Poster

Looking for a creative and low-prep bulletin board idea for the first week of school — or a meaningful way to wrap up the year? This Bright Future Sunglasses Collaborative Poster is the perfect mix of art, writing, SEL, and classroom community. Each student gets one piece of a giant sunglasses template. They write or

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Kick Off the Year with a Fun Back-to-School Symmetry Activity for 4th Grade

The first week of school is a whirlwind—setting up routines, getting to know your students, and starting academic review. If you’re looking for a no-prep math activity that’s both meaningful and engaging, this Lines of Symmetry Pixel Coloring worksheet is the perfect fit! 🎨 Why Use a Symmetry Activity for Back to School? Students often

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Kickstart Your School Year: First Week Checklist Guide

First Week of School Checklist: Start Strong, Stay Sane There’s something magical (and chaotic!) about the first week of school. It’s that mix of fresh notebooks, nervous smiles, and the pressure to set the tone for the whole year. After years of trial and error, I’ve realized that a smooth first week isn’t about perfection

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Effective Quarterly Planning for Teachers

Plan Smarter, Not Harder: My Go-To Checklist for Quarterly Planning When I started teaching, I thought I could keep everything in my head or “figure it out as I go.” Spoiler: I couldn’t. 😅 The first few years were overwhelming. I was constantly re-planning, re-creating, and sometimes re-teaching things that I could’ve just streamlined from

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PLanning
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