08/18/2026
My wheels have definitely been turning as I get ready for the 2026–2027 school year! ❤️
Our Schoolhouse zones are starting to come together, and I’ve been going through shelves, pulling out old favorites, rediscovering books and materials I’ve collected over the years, and finding all kinds of little treasures that fit perfectly into what we’ll be learning.
This year, each month at Lizzy’s Schoolhouse will have its own schoolwide focus, with connections woven throughout our books, art, writing, Signature Classes, learning centers and hands-on experiences.
We’re kicking off September right here at home with the United States 🇺🇸 and a focus on friendship, community and belonging.
And 2026 gives us some pretty special milestones to celebrate:
🇺🇸 America’s 250th Birthday
🚗 Route 66’s 100th Anniversary
🎀 American Girl’s 40th Anniversary
As we learn about American symbols, we’ll also remember one very special bald eagle who has been close to our Schoolhouse hearts — Jackie from Big Bear. 🦅
For years, our class watched Jackie on the live eagle cam, followed her story and studied units about her. Over time, the kids and I grew to have a very special place in our hearts for her. After hearing of her passing, I bought a stuffed bald eagle for our classroom and named her Jackie in her honor. She’ll now have a special place in our Schoolhouse and will join us this September as we learn about bald eagles, American symbols, wildlife and conservation.
In Tom’s Garage, Route 66’s 100th anniversary will lead us into cars, transportation, maps, road signs, building and a little American road-trip history.
At Grandma Maxine’s Kitchen Table, American Girl’s 40th anniversary gives us a fun connection to American history, dolls, sewing, quilting and traditional handwork.
Our September read-aloud is Charlotte’s Web, which fits beautifully with our character focus of friendship. We’ll also learn from Mr. Rogers about kindness, friendship and what it means to be a good neighbor.
In Community & Culture, we’ll put those ideas into action through our My Big Buddy program and our Teddy Bear Drive — giving the kids opportunities to build relationships, help others and learn what it means to be part of a community. Don’t forget to say hi to Corduroy sitting in a FARMHOUSE classroom .
September also fits our Schoolhouse setting perfectly. We are surrounded by fruit trees on the property, including two of our very own apple trees, so our apple and tree studies can happen right outside our classroom doors.
In Lupita’s Garden, we’ll explore trees, apples, orchards, seeds, plant life and nature. Even our Spanish books and vocabulary will connect to what we’re seeing and learning outdoors.
Then we’ll carry those apples right over to Grandma Maxine’s Kitchen Table with How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World — bringing together geography, measuring, ingredients, science and cooking.
We’ll also explore American art through Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol, along with writing, Spanish, games, gardening, cooking, building, history, community service and lots of hands-on learning.
Don’t Forget Sing the 50 UNITED STATES by Dr Seuss. 🇺🇸
The part I love most is figuring out how all of these little pieces can connect — the books on our shelves, the trees growing outside, the people and places we study, and the experiences we create together.
And this is just September. ❤️
Each month will bring a new country, new books, new people to learn about, new art, new ideas and new experiences to explore together.
I can’t wait for the kids to come back and see what we’ve been working on!
07/22/2026
07/21/2026
07/18/2026
07/13/2026
06/25/2026