If you’ve ever looked around your classroom mid-lesson and realized nobody is actually listening, you’re not alone. Students are fidgeting. Chairs are squeaking. At least one child is upside down in their seat. And your beautiful lesson? Floating somewhere in the ether. Yep. I’ve been there. And I found the solution—not in another behavior chart or newfangled app—but in one simple, powerful shift: movement . What if I told you your students don’t need to sit still to learn —they might actually learn better when they move? Let’s dig in. (Garden pun fully intended.) 🌼 🌿 The Root of the Problem: Kids Aren’t Built to Sit All Day Research backs it up: children are more likely to retain information, stay focused, and regulate emotions when their bodies are in motion. According to the CDC, incorporating physical activity during the school day not only improves concentration and behavior, but actually boosts academic performance . Harvard researchers echo this, reporting that mo...
Where ideas bloom, laughter grows, and every teacher is welcome! Hey there, teacher friend! I’m Jennifer Jasewicz , a fourth grade teacher who’s been playing in the dirt—I mean, classroom —for 18 years. I created Elementary School Garden as a space to grow, share, and sprinkle a little sunshine into your teacher life. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or freshly planted, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this little patch of the internet . I believe teaching is a lot like gardening: 🌱 You plant the seeds of knowledge. 🌦 You water them with encouragement. ☀️ And with a little light (and maybe some classroom chaos), students blossom in ways you never imagined! Here, I’ll be sharing lesson plans, time-saving tips, printable resources, and bursts of inspiration— all rooted in joy and growth. I hope to save you time, spark your creativity, and maybe even make you chuckle after a long day of wrangling wildflowers (also known as 9-year-olds). Some fun facts as we get to know each ...