Rachel A. Snyder
Instructional Designer and Educator
Just for Fun:
Low-Key Cool Lesson Plans
When the Covid-19 pandemic started, many parents were overwhelmed with e-learning or simply filling the days with their children. As both a former classroom teacher and homeschool mom, I know how daunting the idea of educating your kids can be.
To help alleviate some of the stress, I whipped up what I call Low-Key Cool Lesson Plans. These are fun lesson plans based on the work of popular celebrities. Kids of all ages can have fun completing these activities, while parents get a kick knowing the common thread of the activities is their favorite actors and actresses.
The lessons can be completed at many different levels, from early learners through adults, based on factors like the learner's reading ability, attention span, and prior knowledge. More advanced learners can delve deeper into subject matter and complete more complex experiments or activities, while early learners start building learning pegs by merely being exposed to new concepts.
Children will learn, even without worksheets and state standards. These lesson plans are a fun introduction to new concepts and a fun, low-stress way for parents to engage with their children during these stressful times.
Lin-manuel Miranda
Use your family's love of all things Hamilton to create some memorable learning experiences based on its multi-talented creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Catherine O'Hara
Catherine O'Hara has been a mainstay of film and television for years. Her quirky comedies like Beetlejuice, Best in Show, and the show Schitt's Creek have made a lasting impression on pop culture. While your youngest learners may not be ready to watch some of her work, they're not too young to benefit from it.
Alan Rickman
Whether your preference is for his Hans Gruber in Die Hard or his Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films, Alan Rickman has a special place in the world of cinema. He's done everything from the regency period in Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility to the futuristic Galaxy Quest (and everything in between). Take your learners on a journey through Rickman's work with these activities they'll Love, Actually.
