Ideas Ignited

Ditch the desks! Teachers are redesigning their classrooms to let energy and creativity flow.

Why the 21st Century Classroom May Remind You of Starbucks (EdSurge News) It’s been my dream to make my 2nd grade classroom look more like a “Starbucks for kids”, and less like, well, a classroom. Think about when you go to Starbucks to complete some work. Why do you choose to work there? Where do you choose to sit? I usually gravitate towards the comfy seating c

Save the Date for an Ideas Ignited event on June 15 featuring Kevin Chavous, DJ Jensen and a panel of our grant recipients, all teachers from Washington State. The event will be held at Town Hall, Seattle.

Kids (just like grown ups) want the ability to have influence in how they learn.

https://theconversation.com/in-test-based-systems-even-young-kids-resist-learning-37569

In test-based systems, even young kids resist learning Research shows that testing kids is detrimental and technology could offer a better way to track learning.

Elementary School Teachers! We are putting together an amazing event at Seattle Town Hall on June 15 and would love to feature you in our Q&A panel. Message me if you are interested.

WA State parents: you CAN do something about public education. Take an inspiring teacher out for two hours and help them apply for an IIF grant which exclusively funds classroom creativity! https://www.ideasignited.us/hello-world/grant-application

Parents, educators, friends, aunts, uncles, anyone who attended traditional school ... Read this and ask yourself how our school system stacks up in terms of promoting and supporting creativity.
https://medium.com/keep-learning-keep-growing/19-signs-you-are-killing-your-creativity-6356326e6b34 #.p6ktae8u0

18 Signs You Are Killing Your Creativity — Personal Growth “Creativity is contagious, pass it on” — Albert Einstein

Thanks to all who attended the first Seattle screening of "Most Likely to Succeed." We are now accepting grant applications for Washington State teachers! Please share this photo and tell teachers to submit an application on our Web site: www.ideasignited.us

Are you a teacher with creative ideas for your classroom but just need the resources to get it done? Please visit our web site (www.ideasignited.us) and apply for a grant! We are accepting grants now until March 31, 2016.

Please share your favorite photo on your page!

The discussion of homework in elementary school continues, now with more research. What do teachers think? Is the increase in elementary school homework a symptom of a bigger problem? A necessity? Something they would love to get rid of? Weigh in.

Homework is making our kids miserable: Why the classroom staple is a colossal waste of time Research suggests it offers little to no benefit to elementary school students. Now parents are a taking a stand

Venn diagrams at 6 years old. Two books, one title and so much to learn. This exercise teaches reading comprehension, writing, language and critical thinking. Photo courtesy of Erin Perea.

Boxing Day (Dec 26) is behind us, but if you still have boxes lying around, try this activity. It hits multiple K-2 literacy and math standards and inspires creativity and imagination in children.

Crossing The Canyon
Required materials: 2 cardboard boxes, a ziploc bag with half a pound of white sugar, notecards for nametags, a pencil for sketching, a ruler and a mixed variety of random materials (popsicle sticks, wooden spools, duct tape, masking tape, glue string, brads, etc)