Grades Taught:
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Subjects Taught:
English Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual & Performing ArtsBRENNEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Columbia, SC
My career as a drama and music teacher gave me opportunites to write plays about many different subjects,and I truly enjoy writing to enhance a student's enthusiasm for learning. My principal wanted our plays to support S.C. State Standards in Social Studies, ELA, and Science... so I was able to research and develop shows that would both teach AND entertain our student body, & also the parents in our audiences. Social Studies was my favorite area, and my play for 3rd grade S.C. History became a 6 part series titled "Detective Bonz and the SC History Mystery" , which is now accessible for viewing on knowitall.org. I am retired from classroom teaching now, but get to continue the research, writing, and teaching I LOVE... as a member of the KNOWITALL team!
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Students will experiment with different plant materials that are known to be safe ( but definitely NOT any plant that is unfamiliar, or known to have juices/secretions that are rash-causing, such as...
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Based on Peggy Hartwell's discussion in the previous lesson, students will follow up with developing a quilt idea of their own, based on an inspirational poem, song, or story. or for younger students...
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Sometimes the United States is described as a "melting pot", because all of our citizens have immigrated here from other countries (everyone except Native Americans, who already lived in North America...
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Through various readings, activities, discussions, and projects, students will begin to understand WHY different skin colors have developed over hundreds of centuries, and how these differences relate...
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Acrostic poetry is a form that is fun, relaxing, and understandable to most age groups who are readers and writers. Acrostic "name poems" are composed as early as 2nd grade in ELA classes; but that...
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This lesson includes some video interviews of South Carolina's Native American citizens and the life experiences they've encountered, in terms of: -schooling (There were very few opportunities back in...
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Students will learn about general time periods in history in which artworks and artifacts were made, and how these time periods have specific terminology to help us understand how many years, decades...
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Resources of all types are presented in this lesson to be used as a springboard for: *discussion *inspiration for written projects *creating artwork * researching career opportunities * getting...
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By reading picture book biographies, students will become familiar with the challenges that early African-Americans faced, but also how they triumphed in spite of these challenges. Also, other stories...
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After listening to authors discuss their writing process, students will: - understand how they can get inspired and find ideas for stories -use specific steps to create a story from an idea -learn to...
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Bioengineering is the blending together of the principles of biology with the techniques and "tools" of engineering. The INCREDIBLE VARIETY of products that can be produced is staggering...think of...
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BIOMASS and BIOFUEL are terms that have been discussed increasingly during the past two decades, as we talk about society's energy needs. As we crave fruits and vegetables shipped from other countries...
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This lesson explores the variety of careers which center around the business of importing and exporting products all over the world. Whether it's bananas coming from countries near the equator, or...
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This year, Thursday, May 21st will be the official celebration date for "ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY." (It is now observed annually on the 3rd Friday in May.) Why would we need an official day to study the...
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This lesson includes interviews with people employed in the management of ocean waters on the shoreline of S.C., and all over the world! What kinds of research are necessary to keep our rivers and...
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Learn how the holiday of Cinco de Mayo began, and celebrate by creating Mexican folk art paintings or drawings, discussing your favorite Hispanic foods, learning about a famous Mexican artist, listen...
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This lesson provides students with views of the different areas in which an architect may work, depending on the focus of their interests and training. If a student is comfortable with math and...
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Creating new food products is called PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT in the food industry, and large food companies employ chemists and scientists to develop and refine products in their "FOOD LABORATORIES." Also...
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Through watching videos of Dr. King's various speeches, seeing the video of the signing of the CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964/ revised 1968, reading famous quotes of Drl King, and pondering songs and...
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Help celebrate the holiday honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his efforts to peacefully bring people together, especially people of different races. After reviewing experiences in...