The famous African proverb, “M’mera mpoyamba,” translates to “Catch them while they are young.” This is the mantra for elementary teachers from kindergarten on up; however, catching the attention of young students in today's classroom and providing quality education is no easy feat. The average elementary teacher is competing against video games, cell phone apps, and overly-scheduled families. Capturing the minds of today’s student requires an updated curriculum and new tools.
First and foremost, a strong elementary school curriculum dictates both classroom efficiency and the quality of instruction. In education today, curriculum revision is a priority from kindergarten through middle school and beyond. Teachers need a relevant framework to guide their instructional practices in order to meet the evolving needs of their students. In this post-pandemic and tech-saturated world, many students suffer from skill deficits, an increase in learning challenges, and a lack of engagement. Every measure of assessment is telling the same tale about today's student.
As the curriculum is updated, teachers must also find the best resources for their classroom. There is a plethora of materials on the internet for elementary school teachers, but determining the best resources can be overwhelming. K-8 educators need a trustworthy go-to to find support for their instruction.