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

Featured Topics: Industry News and Trends | Featured Topics: Differentiated Instruction | Featured Topics: Student Engagement | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

Interactive PDF: Anchor Charts in the 21st Century Classroom

By: Margo Ensz
August 12th, 2014

Wondering how to integrate anchor charts and traditional classroom visuals with tablets, classroom computers, and interactive whiteboards? We created an interactive PDF (only 8 pages long) that details ways to integrate anchor charts into the technology-equipped classroom. Here's a sample of the sections included:

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

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

Download Now! Reader's Workshop Launching Unit

By: Margo Ensz
August 5th, 2014

Read More

Share

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

Featured Topics: Differentiated Instruction | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

4 Ways to Pair Anchor Charts with Interactive Whiteboards

By: Margo Ensz
July 29th, 2014

In digitally-equipped, interactive 21st century classrooms, reinforcement tools are still necessary. Tools like interactive whiteboards create a great, dynamic tool to use during lessons, but cannot reinforce key concepts on a daily basis. Visual reinforcements like anchor charts are necessary to classroom environment in order for students to continue learning once the board is turned off. However, this decision does not need to be an either-or decision. Interactive white boards and tangible posters and manipulatives can complement each other--here's how teachers can incorporate both learning tools into their classroom:

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

VariQuest Tools: Design Center Software | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400 | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

Ready, Set, Print! Tips for using your VariQuest Perfecta

By: Nina Swienton
July 10th, 2014

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

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

Sneak Peek: Reader's Workshop Launching Unit

By: Margo Ensz
June 9th, 2014

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

Academic Subject: English Language Arts | Featured Topics: Common Core | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

7 Anchor Charts for ELA Common Core Standards

By: Margo Ensz
June 4th, 2014

If you haven't noticed, visual learning is kind of our "thing." We scour Pinterest every day looking for unique, innovative, and quality visuals created by teachers. We believe in the power of anchor charts and how important these visuals are to students.

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

Grade Level: Primary (PK-2) | Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | Grade Level: Intermediate (3-6) | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

Looking for End of Year Ideas?

By: Margo Ensz
May 20th, 2014

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | Grade Level: Intermediate (3-6) | VariQuest Tools: Design Center Software | Academic Subject: Interdisciplinary | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

End-of-Year Activity for Grades 6-8: Advice Column Scavenger Hunt

By: Margo Ensz
May 7th, 2014

What better way to welcome new students in your class next year than to share advice from your current students?

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

Grade Level: Primary (PK-2) | Academic Subject: English Language Arts | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

End of Year Reading Celebration! Idea & Resources for Primary Classrooms

By: Margo Ensz
May 5th, 2014

This end of year idea is part of our partnership with two super 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 2400 or VariQuest Poster Maker - just be sure you have the latest VariQuest Software v4.0! Lesson: End of Year Reading Celebration Level: Primary Classrooms Objective: Students will celebrate their reading successes for the current school year. Materials: Dr. Seuss Poster Reading awards for each student in the classroom. Snacks and drinks (if desired) Preparation: Print and display the Dr. Seuss poster in your classroom. Prepare individual student reading awards based on observations of student reading behaviors from Reader’s Workshop. We have included some ideas below. Click on each image to download the PDF Celebration Idea: During one of the final Reader’s Workshop times of the school year have the students gather in an area of the classroom to present awards for reading. Serve snacks and drinks (if desired). Take a moment to discuss each student’s successes in reading and present the student with his/her award. Reading Award Ideas: Most improved reader Always uses independent reading time wisely Stays on topic when talking about reading Pays attention during mini-lessons Chooses just right books The teacher might also think about reading skills that are a strength for each child. Here are some skills to consider: Comprehension Fluency Sight words Writing about reading The teacher might also consider what types of books a child reads and understands well (an expert, so to speak): Fiction Nonfiction Animal books History books Mysteries Popular series Did you like this lesson? Leave a comment and let us know what topics you would like us to cover in future posts and we will work on delivering free resources to help you prepare for your lessons!

Read More

Share

Blog Feature

Academic Subject: English Language Arts | Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | Grade Level: Intermediate (3-6) | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

End of Year Reading Celebration! Ideas & Resources for Intermediate & 7-12 Classrooms

By: Margo Ensz
May 5th, 2014

This end of year idea is part of our partnership with two super 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 2400 or VariQuest Poster Maker - just be sure you have the latest VariQuest Software v4.0! Lesson: End of Year Reading Celebration Ideas & Resources

Read More

Share