Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has pushed back against what he described as a “new Iron Curtain” between the EU and Russia, calling for the restoration of pragmatic dialogue with Moscow instead of continuing “hatred.”

Fico, who has described himself as one of the EU’s “black sheep” over his stance on Russia, was the only sitting EU leader to travel to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations on May 9 and to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, drawing harsh criticism from Brussels and several member states.

In a video statement posted on Facebook on Saturday, Fico accused the EU of downplaying the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany. Speaking aboard the Slovak government jet while returning from Moscow, he warned that Brussels’ Russia policy was damaging the bloc’s competitiveness and energy security.

He also shared footage of his visit.

“I reject a new Iron Curtain between the European Union and Russia. We are interested in standard, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations with this world power,” Fico said.

He argued that the EU was making a “huge mistake” by relying on sanctions and military support for Ukraine instead of direct political dialogue with Moscow.

Read more

He said his talks in the Kremlin focused heavily on energy cooperation, accusing the EU of pursuing an “ideological” policy of cutting off Russian energy supplies at the expense of European competitiveness.

“We cannot, just out of hatred for Russia, replace one energy dependence with another – this time American,” he argued. According to energy data, the US supplied more than half of the bloc’s liquefied natural gas imports in 2025.

READ MORE: Slovakia is the cyberpunk of Europe

The European Commission has reportedly removed a proposal to fully phase out Russian oil imports from its near-term agenda amid concerns that the Iran war and continuing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could further raise fuel prices and destabilize European energy supplies.

Writing prompts for K-3rd grade

A Special Memory

Help your child put their gratitude into words with this apple-shaped writing worksheet, where they will think back on a special memory with their teacher while practicing key foundational skills like spelling, sentence writing, and expressing their thoughts.

Learning Something New

This creative writing printable gives learners a unique way to honor their teacher by reflecting on a moment when they learned something new, describing it inside a colorful paint palette shape that doubles as a one-of-a-kind Teacher Appreciation Week keepsake.

A Meaningful Activity

From science experiments to art projects, every class has that one unforgettable activity. This book-shaped writing worksheet gives kids the chance to describe their favorite classroom memory in their own words.

Writing prompts for 4th-8th grade

Describing My Teacher

Celebrate your child’s teacher with this cut-out writing worksheet, where they’ll dig deeper than just “nice” or “funny” and put into words exactly what makes their teacher so special.

My Stand-Out Teacher

Every great teacher leaves a lasting impression. This activity gives students the space to identify and describe exactly what that looks like, using real classroom examples to back up their thinking.

Making an Impact

The best teachers don’t just teach subjects, they shape who their students become. This writing resource gives kids the space to reflect on exactly how their teacher has helped them grow academically and as a person.

New Ways of Thinking

This thoughtful writing worksheet asks learners to revisit an assignment that sparked a new way of thinking, giving them a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude while sharpening their reflection and narrative writing skills.

Printable gift tags to personalize any gift

Sometimes the sweetest gifts come with the perfect finishing touch. These six printable gift tags feature cute illustrations and heartfelt thank-you messages that kids can mix and match with any gift they choose, from a cozy latte to a classroom essential. Simply cut them out, thread a bit of ribbon or string through the hole at the top, and let your child’s teacher know just how appreciated they are.

• Thank You a Latte
• Thank You for Bee-ing a Wonderful Teacher
• You’re a Teacher for the Books
• Out of This World Teacher
• #1 Teacher
• For a Wonderful Teacher

Looking for more resources? Check out our entire Learning Library of over 40,000 worksheets, hands-on activities, games, and more!

Katelan Frye

Middle School Social Studies and ELA

End-of-the-year tip #1: Don’t ditch the routine just yet

Katelan’s tried and true end-of-year strategy? Keeping things consistent.

Routine is key! Maintaining a predictable classroom routine helps students transition smoothly between end-of-year activities. It also mitigates test anxiety; since class time is a known entity, the lack of unpleasant surprises leads to much calmer students!

End-of-the-year tip #2: Incorporate student choice

Her next piece of advice is all about putting the power of choice in students’ hands.

The end-of-the-year is a great time to incorporate student choice into class activities. Project-based learning was always my favorite way to continue meaningful learning up until the last day of school. Creative and research-based projects encourage students to apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the year to topics they are naturally curious about.

Katelan’s favorite Education.com end-of-the-year resource

For an end-of-the-year activity, I recommend the “Research a Historical Figure” graphic organizer. It’s a manageable task with meaningful content, especially if you give students the freedom to choose whom they research. The research can take a day or two, depending on the required depth. Then, it’s easy to extend into a public-speaking activity by having students share their findings with a small group or the whole class.

Hallie Rockwell

Middle School ELA

End-of-the-year tip: Get moving

Hallie knows that keeping middle schoolers engaged sometimes means getting them out of their seats.

Middle schoolers need to get the wiggles out, too! Find ways to incorporate movement and student interaction into the classroom through jigsaws, gallery walks, or outdoor activities. My students loved the opportunity to do independent reading outside.

Hallie’s favorite Education.com end-of-the-year resource

The “Playlist of My Year” worksheet is a meaningful way to incorporate student reflection and low-stakes writing practice. Print it off and use it in the last week of school, and make good use of the inevitable one-off shortened class period.

Lacey Hollowell

3rd and 4th grade

End-of-the-year tip #1: Inject fun into stressful activities

Lacey’s tip is a great reminder that even required activities can be transformed into something students actually look forward to.

The end of the year can be stressful for everyone, especially for elementary schoolers going through their first year of standardized test prep. Find ways to inject fun and humor into required activities. One year, I made a test-prep unit for my third graders with a playful luchador theme to help them practice test-taking strategies in a silly and engaging way.

End-of-the-year tip #2: Lean into what you love

Beyond keeping things fun, Lacey believes the end of the year is the perfect time to revisit the moments and activities that remind you why you love teaching.

Do more of what sparks joy for you and your students! That might mean taking a math lesson outside to enjoy nicer weather, squeezing in an engaging STEM activity, or creating a good-natured competition between classes. Read-aloud time was always magical with my kids, so I made sure we had a great novel to finish out the year.

Lacey’s favorite Education.com end-of-the-year resource

I love Edcom’s novel and book studies because they’re a great way to create shared reading experiences with the whole class, allowing scaffolded practice of reading comprehension and analysis skills with authentic, engaging texts.

A big thank you to Katelan, Hallie, and Lacey for sharing their wisdom and favorite resources with us! We hope their tips help you and your students finish the school year feeling accomplished, energized, and ready for whatever comes next.

Looking for more resources? Check out our entire Learning Library of over 40,000 worksheets, hands-on activities, games, and more!

Test anxiety can affect sleep, mood, and academic performance, but parents can play a powerful role in helping their children manage stress in healthy ways. In this blog, you’ll learn what test anxiety is, how to spot the signs, and practical ways to support your child before, during, and after testing.

What is test anxiety?

While mild nerves can help kids stay alert and focused, test anxiety can make it difficult for a child to think clearly or demonstrate what they know. They may worry excessively about making mistakes, disappointing others, or failing. It can stem from pressure to perform well, perfectionism, fear of failure, or even a past negative testing experience. 

It’s also more common than many parents realize. Test anxiety can affect students of all ages and academic levels. High achievers, struggling learners, and everyone in between can experience it.

How to spot testing anxiety in your child

Recognizing the signs of test anxiety early can help you step in with support before exam day.

Physical signs

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches before test days
• Trouble sleeping or nightmares
• Fatigue or low energy during testing week

Emotional signs

• Excessive worry about upcoming tests
• Irritability or mood swings
• Crying or frustration

Behavioral signs

• Avoiding homework or test prep
• Procrastinating more than usual
• Acting out or resisting going to school

Tips on how to help your child

Supporting your kids during testing season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, steady actions can make a big difference.

Before the test

Encourage them to write about their worries.

Writing down fears can help clear mental space and reduce anxious thoughts. You might ask:

• How am I feeling about the test?
• What am I most excited about?
• What concerns me the most?

Get the body moving

Light movement helps reduce stress and release tension.

• Practice simple breathing techniques
• Stretch or do gentle movement
• Go for a walk or bike ride

Create a calm routine

Consistency helps kids feel secure. Keep homework time, mealtime, and bedtime steady in the weeks leading up to testing.

Prioritize sleep and nutrition.

Well-rested children manage stress better and think more clearly.

Practice positive self-talk

Help your child reframe thoughts like “I’m going to fail” into “I will try my best and use what I know.”

During test week

• Keep mornings low stress. Avoid last-minute cramming and focus on getting ready calmly and leaving on time.
• Offer simple encouragement such as, “I’m proud of how hard you’ve worked,” or “Take your time and do your best.”
• Try to avoid major schedule changes during the week so home continues to feel predictable and steady.

After the test

• Celebrate effort, not just results. Ask questions like, “What part felt easiest?” or “What strategies helped you?”
• Instead of immediately asking, “How did you do?” try, “How are you feeling now that it’s over?” This keeps the focus on emotional well-being rather than performance.

Confidence starts at home

Test anxiety in kids is real, but it is manageable with the right support. During state testing season, your child needs you the most as a steady, reassuring presence. By focusing on healthy routines, realistic expectations, and emotional encouragement, you can help your child build confidence and resilience that extends far beyond a single test.

Looking for ways to help your child relax and reset? Explore printable worksheets and offline games in the Education.com Learning Library to support focus and confidence all year long.

Heather Stokes

Curriculum Designer

Pi Day tip: The cookie activity

Heather’s go-to activity is equal parts math lesson and sweet treat.

In my math classroom, I celebrated Pi Day with a cookie activity where students solved for the value of pi. Each student received a round cookie and measured its circumference by wrapping a piece of string around the edge. Students then found the diameter by measuring the distance across the center of the cookie. To solve for the value of pi, they divided the circumference measurement by the diameter. This activity led to great conversations and solidified their understanding of the relationship between these measurements. Students also enjoyed their sweet treat at the end of the activity!

Heather’s favorite Education.com Pi Day resource

Graph the Frequency: The First 100 Digits of Pi is my favorite Edcom Pi Day resource! I love this worksheet because students examine the value of pi while also creating frequency tables and bar graphs. This worksheet is a great way to explore pi while also practicing graphing and interpreting data.

Ariel Cocciardi

Senior Curriculum Designer

Pi Day tip #1: The Pi recitation contest

Ariel’s school took Pi Day school-wide with an assembly that had students buzzing with excitement and friendly competition.

Every year on Pi Day, my school held an assembly for students who were interested in reciting as many digits of pi as they could from memory. Education.com has some great resources to help students prepare for the event, such as this worksheet and this worksheet! The student from each homeroom that could recite the most digits of digits of pi was rewarded with a pie that they could smash in the face of their math teacher.

Pi Day tip #2: Pi Day baking at home

Not every Pi Day celebration needs to happen in a classroom. 

I have young children at home who aren’t ready to fully understand pi and its significance. But that doesn’t stop us from having some pie-themed fun and exploring some early math concepts! Every year on Pi Day, we make a pie together. As we’re baking, we measure ingredients, cut shapes into the pie dough, and discuss how we’ll partition the pie to ensure that everyone gets an equal share. My kids look forward to our Pi Day tradition every year!

Ariel’s favorite Education.com Pi Day resources

Youngsters who haven’t studied pi yet often miss out on the Pi Day fun. That is why I am excited that the team developed resources to engage students of all ages in activities that have to do with pie! I can’t wait to have my kids complete Decode the Pie: Addition to 10, Pie Memory Match: Uppercase and Lowercase Letters, and Opinion Writing Prompt: Roll-a-Pie to round out our Pi Day celebration.

Amelia Floehr

Senior Curriculum Designer

Pi Day tip: From Pie to Pi

Amelia’s approach to Pi Day is all about building excitement first and letting the math follow naturally.

Pi Day is a great opportunity to get students excited about math! You can hook them in by thinking about pie or other sweet treats, then lead into hands-on explorations. From deriving the value of pi by measuring real-world objects, to competing to see who can memorize the most digits of pi, there are so many ways for students to celebrate Pi Day and discover the joys of math!

Amelia’s favorite Education.com Pi Day resources

One of my favorite Pi Day resources on Education.com is the Probability: The First 100 Digits of Pi worksheet, because it blends probability and statistics with a topic students more commonly see in geometry.

A huge thank you to our talented team of educators at Education.com for sharing their Pi Day tips and favorite resources with us! We hope their ideas inspire you to make March 14th a day full of learning and maybe even a little pie. 

Looking for more resources? Check out our entire Learning Library of over 39,000 worksheets, hands-on activities, games, and more!

People Who Changed the World: Women’s History

Empower second and third graders to learn about women changemakers with this research worksheet. By investigating a historical figure and organizing their findings, learners build confidence in research, strengthen comprehension skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the women who helped shape history.

Women’s History Month: Honoring Women in History

Fourth and fifth graders explore the story behind Women’s History Month in this informational text activity. As students read and respond to questions, they practice identifying supporting details, explaining historical events, and determining word meaning from context.

Changemakers: Women’s History

Help students connect past and present with this graphic organizer. As fourth and fifth graders research an important historical figure, they examine her achievements and explain her impact on society. This resource supports critical thinking, informational reading, and a richer understanding of how individuals contribute to lasting change.

Voices From the Past: Shirley Chisholm

Fourth and fifth graders dive into the legacy of Shirley Chisholm in this social studies worksheet. After reading about her historic role in Congress, kids explore her message and consider how they can advocate for themselves and others. This resource blends reading comprehension with meaningful exploration of leadership and civic responsibility.

Research a Historical Figure: Women’s History

Middle school learners take a closer look at women who shaped the world with this research activity. By analyzing accomplishments, motivations, and long-term impact, students build strong research habits and gain insight into how historical figures influence progress over time. 

Historical Quote Analysis: Malala Yousafzai

Inspire middle school students with the story of education activist Malala Yousafzai in this powerful historical quote analysis worksheet. Learners read about her life and achievements, then examine one of her speeches to uncover the meaning and impact behind her words. 

Reading a Timeline: Dr. Jane Goodall

Discover the life and impact of Jane Goodall with this timeline activity for middle school learners. Students track key events in her career, answer comprehension questions, and consider why her contributions to conservation and animal research are so significant. 

Historical Quote Analysis: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Dive into the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with this historical quote analysis. Students interpret a meaningful quote, explore its context, and reflect on how they might advocate for an issue they feel strongly about.

For more digital and printable worksheets, hands-on activities, and interactive games, check out the full Education.com Learning Library of 39,000+ resources.

Count and Write: Winter

Preschoolers and kindergarteners count cozy winter items like candles, cookies, and mugs in this seasonal math worksheet. After counting each group, learners write the matching number, reinforcing one-to-one correspondence and number formation up to 10. 

Domino Addition Facts to 10

Kindergarten and first grade students practice addition facts within 10 using familiar domino visuals. Learners write addition sentences based on the dots they see, then solve to find each sum. This worksheet supports fact fluency and lays the groundwork for adding and subtracting within 20.

Count the Cash: Skip Count by 100

Help second graders build confidence with three-digit numbers in this money-themed activity. Learners count by 100 to complete each sequence, using images for added support as they strengthen place value understanding. 

Multiplication & Division Fact Fluency

Third and fourth graders sharpen multiplication and division facts up to 12 with this trio of interactive worksheets. From solving mixed-up division equations to spotting matching expressions and navigating fact-filled puzzles, students practice recalling facts quickly and accurately. These activities boost fact fluency, reinforce the connection between multiplication and division, and prepare learners for more advanced math.

• Division Mix-Up: Facts Up to 12
• Find the Facts: Multiplication and Division Up to 12
• Follow the Path: Multiplication and Division Facts Up to 12

Order of Operations Challenge: True or False #1

Fifth graders engage with this true-or-false order of operations worksheet, determining which equations are correct and fixing any mistakes. This activity develops accuracy with multi-step problems, reinforces problem-solving strategies, and lays the groundwork for tackling exponents and more complex math.

Let’s Draw: Create Line Plots

Sixth graders put their data skills to work with this hands-on line plot worksheet. Using farmers’ market data on deliveries, apple baskets, and carrot bags, students create three different line plots to organize and display information clearly.

Community Garden Logic Puzzle

Sixth through eighth graders put their logic to work in this engaging community garden puzzle. Students follow clues to pair each friend with the correct tool, flower type, and color, strengthening problem-solving and analytical thinking.

Dive into even more math resources in our Learning Library, featuring over 10,000 math worksheets, games, and hands-on activities.

Red Envelope: Year of the Horse

Introduce kids in grades 3–5 to the tradition of red envelopes. Students color and assemble their own hongbao or lì xì to wish someone good fortune while welcoming the Year of the Horse.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Horse

Help kindergarteners learn about the Chinese zodiac with this colorful Year of the Horse activity. Little ones will discover how zodiac animals represent different personality traits and what it means to be born in the Year of the Horse.  

Chinese Zodiac Mask: The Year of the Horse

Ring in the Year of the Horse with this creative Chinese zodiac mask! Kids can color, cut, and wear their horse mask while discovering the twelve zodiac animals and their unique personality traits. This festive project makes Chinese New Year interactive, memorable, and educational.

Chinese New Year: Mini Lantern Template

Celebrate the Lantern Festival with this hands-on Lunar New Year craft. Kids use a printable template to create a mini lantern and add their own wishes for the year ahead, making it a great addition to any classroom or home. 

Chinese New Year: Count the Foods

Kids practice counting while exploring the symbolic foods of Chinese New Year. After reading about traditional dishes, they tally each item to assemble their own celebratory banquet, combining math and cultural discovery.

Lunar New Year Spelling Word Search #1 and #2

Middle schoolers can strengthen spelling and vocabulary with this word search activity. Students find misspelled themed words and hunt for the correct spelling, learning words like prosperity, tradition, and performance while building reading and writing skills. 

Reflective Writing Prompt: Lunar New Year

Fourth- through eighth-grade students dive into Lunar New Year traditions and reflect on fresh starts with this writing prompt. After reading about the holiday, learners write about how their own families celebrate and what “new beginnings” mean to them.

Research Graphic Organizer: Lunar New Year

Children in fourth- through eighth-grade use this graphic organizer template to research the Spring Festival and answer questions about where, when, and how the holiday is celebrated. They then explore traditions, foods, and music while honing their research skills and gaining a deeper understanding of this iconic cultural celebration.

For more digital and printable worksheets, hands-on activities, and interactive games, check out the full Education.com Learning Library of 39,000+ resources.

Trace & Write Women in Sports: Simone Biles

Preschoolers and kindergarteners build early reading and writing skills as they trace sight words, read a simple sentence, and learn about Simone Biles, one of the most celebrated and decorated gymnasts of all time. 

Sojourner Truth Timeline

Second and third graders explore the life of Sojourner Truth, an author, abolitionist, and civil and women’s rights advocate, through this engaging timeline activity. After reading key moments from her journey from enslavement to freedom, students answer comprehension questions that strengthen nonfiction reading and writing skills.

Who Am I? African American Female Changemakers

Third and fourth graders put their detective skills to work with this research-driven activity featuring African American female changemakers. Students read brief clues, identify each historical figure, and then dive deeper by researching one woman who made a lasting impact.

A Misty Copeland Biography

Fourth and fifth graders discover the story of Misty Copeland, the first African American woman to become a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Comprehension questions and a mapping activity guide students in capturing key details while developing nonfiction reading skills.

Reading a Timeline: Dr. Mae Jemison

Middle-grade learners follow a timeline of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, and answer questions about the order and significance of her achievements. This activity develops timeline-reading and analytical skills while highlighting her contributions to science and history.

Want even more ways to keep kids learning? Check out the full Learning Library with 39,000+ worksheets, games, and hands-on activities.

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Encourage little explorers to discover the winter world around them! Preschoolers and kindergartners will search for birds, clouds, trees, and more, checking off each item as they go, while building vocabulary, observation skills, and a love for nature.

Search and Count: Winter Weather

Young learners will practice counting and number recognition by searching for winter-themed items and writing how many they find. This math activity supports early number sense and lays the groundwork for addition and subtraction.

Penguin Place Value

Help first graders strengthen their understanding of place value with this hands-on math activity. Students match numerals to tens, ones, and base-10 blocks, making two-digit numbers easier to understand and work with.

Snow-doku

Invite kindergarten through second-grade learners to cut and paste snowflakes into a grid, making sure each one appears only once in every row, column, and block. As they solve the puzzle, kids build early logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills through play.

Find the Main Idea: Staying Warm in the Winter

Students in grades 3–5 read about how animals survive cold winter weather, then identify the topic, main idea, and key supporting details. This reading activity strengthens comprehension skills while connecting literacy practice to science concepts like hibernation and adaptation.

Winter Whiteout Word Search

Challenge middle school students with a fun word scramble and word search! Children will unscramble 12 seasonal words and then hunt for them in the puzzle, boosting vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving skills along the way.

Snow Day Logic Puzzle

Put reasoning skills to the test with this logic puzzle for middle school learners. Using clues and a grid, students match each friend to the correct hat and winter activity while enhancing logical reasoning, inference-making, and reading comprehension skills.

Looking for more winter-themed activities? Discover 500+ worksheets, workbooks, and hands-on resources in our Learning Library.