Ninja Notes

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Engaging Lessons

The Truth About New Math

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What is new math and why does everyone keep talking about it? Here is what we tell parents about new math (spoiler alert-math isn't new). Get some practical tips for debunking the math myths.

New math is ruining education. Or at least this is what we keep hearing people (like parents, the media, and politicians) say.

What is this “new math” of which you speak?  I see the memes on Facebook and wonder, have I been teaching mathematics wrong? Has it changed? Did I miss an email about this?

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How to Explore Métis Storytelling Through Indigenous Art Lessons

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If you are looking for a great art lesson for painting that explores Indigenous art lessons, you should try this one out. Lots of suggestions on how to use your art once you're done is included too.

This is a lesson we’ve done with our students for years partly because it never fails to create stunning artwork and because it’s fun to do. Students always love it. Artists always study the work of other artists to learn techniques. This art project celebrates Indigenous artists by studying and creating new works inspired by Indigenous art lessons.

Come check out how we create these stunning pieces of art (which aren’t nearly as difficult as you might think) based on Indigenous art lessons.

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How to Shock Your Students With Engaging Electricity Lessons

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Are you looking for lessons and activities you can use to teach electricity concepts? We pulled together our favourite activities to save you time looking for them. Come take a look at these electricity lessons for your upper elementary science class.

As ninjas, we are always looking for ways to teach our students new skills like problem-solving and critical thinking without the students KNOWING we are teaching them skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. We love project-based learning, and electricity lessons are a great unit to practice some hands-on learning.

We give our students just enough information to be safe and get working on a project. Our students get so wrapped up in their projects that they don’t even notice they are learning. That’s why we’re the Brain Ninjas, and that’s why you need to try it, too!

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Give Your Reading Instruction an Easy Twist

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Twist up your traditional Literature Circles with this fun take that will get your students excited to write about their reading! It's so much fun to add to your Langugae Arts lessons.

For years we’ve done Literature Circles and tried lots of variations, but this one worked really well with our students. The problem with Literature Circles is that some students just don’t like the different activities. This version allows students to have some independence while still having accountability (and something to show for the time). If you are looking for an activity to spice up your reading instruction, look no further than Twisted Literature Circles.

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