It’s a Tuesday after a three-day weekend, so you know we’re easing back in with routines that keep the day moving but still feel fun for my kids (and for me). I’m sharing a real day in my 4th grade classroom—from a little staff “underground spirit day” moment, to lesson prep, to what our actual blocks look like when we’re starting brand new units. If you’re craving ideas that are engaging but still simple to run, this is one of those days that just works. In science, we kick off our weathering and erosion unit with one of my all-time favorite Mystery Science lessons where students use sugar cubes to model how rocks get weathered as they tumble down a mountain. It’s hands-on, visual, and the kids are instantly bought in. In math, we start comparing fractions, and I show you how I use a scavenger hunt around the room to get them practicing without it feeling like another worksheet. I also take you behind the scenes of how I’m building my “Escape the Ski Lodge” themed digital escape room—especially how I create secret codes that unlock tasks—plus I end the day with a little haul for Valentine’s Day, STAAR testing, and end-of-year gifts (and some unexpected, exciting news at the end).