Are you planning St. Patrick’s Day activities for your classroom? Wearing green is fun, but this holiday also opens up doors for meaningful lessons across subjects. With the right resources, you can turn March 17 into a day of learning, not just celebrating. From Irish history and folklore to symbolism and science, St. Patrick’s Day is a natural fit for all kinds of lessons across many subjects. These lesson plans from Formative help you build…
In a 2018 study, researchers asked elementary students about their experiences as “curious learners” at school. But many students expressed surprise. “No one is curious about what we learn in class. We just need to do whatever the teachers tell us to do,” one said. In fact, children in this study didn’t necessarily see the link between curiosity and learning in the first place—even perceiving their own questions to be disruptive and unwelcome. Despite the…
Charter schools offer many benefits to students, parents, teachers, and communities. At a charter school, decisions about how best to serve students aren’t made at a district office; instead, those decisions are made in the school by teachers and administrators who know the student population they serve. Here are five advantages of charter schools to consider when choosing a school for your child. 1. More innovation. As charter schools are free to determine all aspects…
The teaching profession is one of the most female-dominated in the United States. Among elementary school teachers, 89 percent are women, and in kindergarten, that number is almost 97 percent. Many sociologists, writers and parents have questioned whether this imbalance hinders young boys at the start of their education. Some advocates point to research that lays out why boys ought to do better with male teachers. But a new national analysis finds no evidence that…
Since the U.S. Supreme Court removed the legal barriers that had prohibited states from allowing gambling, some 31 now permit sports betting over phones or websites, and 7 states have authorized online casino gambling. The result of this legal shift “is a crisis, an epidemic of gambling disorder and financial disruption, especially for young men,” writes Jonathan Cohen, author of “Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling.” Nearly half of men from 18 to…
As the impacts of climate change intensify with each passing year, more and more young people are joining the movement for positive change. By taking grassroots and community action, they are leading the discussion, spreading awareness, and motivating others. If your teen is interested in getting involved in environmentalism, here are some ideas of places to start. 1. Adopt sustainable habits. We all must do our part in preventing climate change and supporting environmentalism, and…
There are many March activities for families to enjoy in the Boston area this year. Check out our list of March activities and events happening in the Boston area. Chinese New Year Cultural Village & Lion Dance Parade Sun, March 1, 2026 Celebrate the Year of the Horse with strength, energy and good fortune in Boston’s Chinatown with the annual Chinese New Year Lion Dance Parade in Boston! Lexington Lantern Festival & Parade Sun, March…
Being a volunteer is a powerful way for teens to try something different that benefits them and their community. Whether it’s building a house, teaching a younger student, or cleaning up a local park, volunteering opens doors to new experiences and perspectives. This worthy endeavor isn’t just about helping others — it’s about growing as a person and feeling a sense of accomplishment. You’ll develop valuable life skills like empathy, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Most…
Presidents Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington. Washington led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and served as the first U.S. president from…
It’s inspiring to see teens today taking a great interest in social justice matters. This generation seems to be among the most passionate about issues spanning from poverty, racial equality, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Teens are increasingly engaged in social justice, using social media for activism, fundraising, and amplifying marginalized voices to address issues like racism, climate change, and inequality. Driven by a desire for change, they often focus on issues affecting their communities.…
