Vestal's 21st Century Classroom

with Meghan Vestal

Addition of Large Numbers: Strategies That Aren’t Standard Algorithm

Are your students struggling with addition of large numbers? When I was in elementary school, standard algorithm was the only strategy taught for adding big numbers. But, there are so many ways to teach addition! Sharing a variety of addition strategies with students ensures that every student can find a method that works for them when adding large numbers. Interested in learning ... Read More about Addition of Large Numbers: Strategies That Aren’t Standard Algorithm

Virginia Studies Reconstruction Activities

Welcome back to another post on how to jazz up your Virginia Studies lessons. So far on the blog, we have covered everything from Virginia’s regions through Virginia’s role in the Civil War. In this post, I want to share some of my favorite ways to engage students while teaching your Virginia Studies Reconstruction unit! Are you looking for more ways to incorporate hands-on activities into ... Read More about Virginia Studies Reconstruction Activities

Christmas Around the World Lesson Plan

Using a Christmas around the world lesson plan in the days leading up to winter break is a fun way to keep students engaged while teaching them about holiday celebrations that take place in other countries. If you’ve followed me for long, you know I love classroom escape rooms. Escape rooms are the perfect student activities because they get students up and moving while incorporating critical ... Read More about Christmas Around the World Lesson Plan

Halloween Escape Room Classroom Activity

If you’ve followed me for long, you know I love classroom escape rooms. Escape rooms are the perfect student activities because they get students up and moving while incorporating critical thinking skills. Students typically have so much fun with classroom escape rooms that they do not even realize they are learning. So, it is no shock that this Halloween Escape Room classroom activity is my ... Read More about Halloween Escape Room Classroom Activity

Virginia Studies Civil War Lessons and Activities

Looking for Virginia Studies Civil War activities? The Civil War was one of the most interesting times in Virginia history. Not only was Virginia home to the capital of the Confederacy, but it was the only state to remain permanently separated after the Civil War. Teaching the Civil War can be challenging as you navigate issues such as slavery and extreme violence. But, there are many ... Read More about Virginia Studies Civil War Lessons and Activities