VariQuest Blog

The VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite Blog contains resources on classroom ideas, lesson plans, industry news, events, and offers throughout education.

Blog Feature

Grade Level: Primary (PK-2) | Grade Level: Intermediate (3-6) | VariQuest Tools: Cutout Maker 1800 | Featured Topics: Student Engagement

5 Interactive Bulletin Boards to End the Year!

By: Margo Ensz
June 3rd, 2015

The beginning and end of the school year is often a time of reflction. We have compiled five writing activities that can double as the ultimate classroom display - the bulletin board!

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Featured Topics: Classroom Celebrations/Holidays | Featured Topics: Student Engagement

Student Recognition Made Easy

By: Geena Maharaj
May 29th, 2015

Students aren’t too different from rats. They may not be scurrying around with long tails trailing behind, nor are they considered deadly pests. But as psychologist BF Skinner proved, humans and rats find commonality in positive reinforcement. As Skinner rewarded his test rats with food for doing the perceived “right thing,” they continued on the right path. As teachers recognize positive student behavior, students are galvanized to continue their positive behavior.

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How to Write a Grant eBook

How to Write a Grant eBook

This helpful guide includes an explanation of the grant process, including a checklist (with samples!), and useful links and resources to find funding!

Blog Feature

Grade Level: Primary (PK-2) | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400 | VariQuest Tools: Poster Maker 3600 | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Academic Subject: Mathematics | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

Menu Math: Lesson Plan for Grades 1-3

By: Geena Maharaj
May 22nd, 2015

The following lesson plan is part of our partnership with two creative educators from The Curriculum Corner, bringing you free Common Core aligned lesson ideas, teacher resources, and templates you can easily print with your VariQuest® Perfecta® Poster Design System - just be sure you have the latest version of the VariQuest Software!

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Grade Level: Intermediate (3-6) | Academic Subject: STEM | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Academic Subject: Mathematics | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

Menu Math: Lesson Plan for Grades 4-8

By: Geena Maharaj
May 22nd, 2015

This lesson plan is part of our partnership with two creative educators from The Curriculum Corner, bringing you free Common Core aligned lesson ideas, teacher resources, and templates you can easily print with your VariQuest® Perfecta® Series Poster Design System - just be sure you have the latest VariQuest Software!

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Academic Subject: Arts and Music | Academic Subject: Interdisciplinary | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

Self Awareness: Lesson Plan for Grades 4-8

By: Geena Maharaj
May 18th, 2015

This lesson plan is part of our partnership with two creative educators from The Curriculum Corner, bringing you free Common Core aligned lesson ideas, teacher resources, and templates you can easily print with your VariQuest® Perfecta® Poster Design System - just be sure you have the latest version of the VariQuest Software!

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Featured Topics: Industry News and Trends | Featured Topics: Student Engagement | Academic Subject: Interdisciplinary | Featured Topics: Professional Development

The Importance of Kinesthetic Learning

By: Geena Maharaj
May 13th, 2015

Imagine if educators were required by law to hand out straitjackets to students before school started. There's no filibuster long enough that could save any lawmaker from the angry mob of parents and teachers that would follow. But where's the public outcry when that immobilizing jacket is invisible? Students' ears are constantly being fed with information, and their eyes are getting their fill, too. But without the use of kinesthetic tactics in teaching, retention rates among students plummet.

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Featured Topics: Industry News and Trends | Featured Topics: Classroom Celebrations/Holidays

How Will you #ThankATeacher This Week?

By: Margo Ensz
May 5th, 2015

If you can read this, #ThankATeacher. If you can calculate a tip, #ThankATeacher. If you learned a second language, #ThankATeacher. What do you thank a teacher for? It's National Teacher Appreciation Week!

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Featured Topics: Education Policy | Featured Topics: Professional Development

EDTalks: A Hmong View of Public Education + Globally Competent Teaching

By: Margo Ensz
April 28th, 2015

On a chilly Monday in Minneapolis, two women shared their dynamic experiences in education to an at-capacity Icehouse, a unique venue for this month's EDTalks.

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VariQuest Tools: Design Center Software | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400 | Academic Subject: Social Studies and History | Featured Topics: Classroom Celebrations/Holidays | Academic Subject: Interdisciplinary | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

5 Posters for Earth Day!

By: Margo Ensz
April 20th, 2015

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd. This special holiday provides an opportunity to teach children and young adults about sustainability, day-to-day "green" practices and the importance of environmental care. Below are 5 high-resolution, downloadable posters meant to provoke thoughts, lend ideas, and inspire students, staff, and parents to make green choices.

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Featured Topics: Character Education | VariQuest Tools: Design Center Software | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400 | VariQuest Tools: Poster Maker 3600 | VariQuest Tools: Awards Maker 400 | Featured Topics: Student Engagement | VariQuest Tools: Cold Laminator 2510

Is PBIS Still Relevant?

By: Margo Ensz
April 14th, 2015

“One of the foremost advances in school-wide discipline is the emphasis on school-wide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments.” (source)

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