Vestal's 21st Century Classroom

08/10/2026

Will the Virginia Teacher Club® help me save time?

Since starting the Virginia Teacher Club®, over 1,000 teachers have joined and left us glowing reviews. So, we'll let them answer that question.

https://www.meghanvestal.com/virginia-teacher-club-2026

08/09/2026

Teaching sometimes feels like you're barely treading water, but it doesn't have to feel this way.

With the Virginia Teacher Club®, you can take hours of your life back every week with pre-made, SOL-aligned lesson plans and teaching resources. Just click and go!

Learn more:
https://www.meghanvestal.com/virginia-teacher-club-2026

backtoschool2026

08/03/2026

07/29/2026

Can AI really outperform a team of teachers turned curriculum developers? I don't think so.

Join the Virginia Teacher Club® for high-quality resources made by humans who know the SOLs and know what it's like to teach a classroom full of students.

https://www.meghanvestal.com/virginia-teacher-club-2026

06/29/2026

Since the release of the new Science Instructional Guides (SIGs), one of the most-asked questions has been-- What will be tested on the science SOL test?

In a recent training, the VDOE shared two important pieces of information regarding SOL testing.

1️⃣The new SIGs will be used as a foundation for SOL test development.
2️⃣The VDOE plans to release test items on its website soon.

To learn more about which parts of the SIGs will be tested and when these test items will be released, download my free guide all about the new SIGs.
https://www.meghanvestal.com/virginia-science-instructional-guides

06/22/2026

06/16/2026

Like we've seen with other subject areas in recent years, the Science Curriculum Frameworks have been retired and replaced with new Science Instructional Guides (SIGs).

According to the VDOE, the SIGs are not about WHAT to teach, but about HOW students should engage with science practices.

Want to learn more about the differences between the Curriculum Framework and the SIGs? Download my free guide all about the new SIGs.
https://www.meghanvestal.com/virginia-science-instructional-guides

06/01/2026

The Virginia Teacher's Guide to the 2025 Science Instructional Guides is here!

Inside you'll find:
✅the answers to your most-asked questions about the science SOLs and Science Instructional Guides (SIGs)
✅what parts of the SIGs will be included on the science SOL test
✅a breakdown of the SIGs and how to use them to inform instruction
✅how the SIGs could change your science instruction this school year

You can grab the guide here or through the link in the bio:
https://www.meghanvestal.com/virginia-science-instructional-guides

04/27/2026

Teaching students about germs and hygiene can sometimes feel abstract. After all, kids can’t see bacteria on their hands. That’s what makes this hand washing experiment so powerful. It turns an invisible concept into something students can observe with their own eyes. Better yet, it’s simple, engaging, and a little bit gross (which kids love!).

Learn more about this fun science experiment on my blog:

https://vestals21stcenturyclassroom.com/fun-handwashing-experiment-for-kids/

04/20/2026

One of my favorite things to do for my SOL test review is to use items I already have in my classroom, but add a few twists to make them fun and engaging.

I am willing to bet you have at least one of the following items already prepared in your classroom:

👉Study Guides
👉Review Worksheets
👉Crossword Puzzles
👉Task Cards
👉Jeopardy Games

What if I told you that any of these items can be repurposed in at least 7 different ways, so your students never get bored!?

In my latest blog post, I break down a variety of review games and activities you can do with the items listed above. The activities are no-prep, increase student engagement, and encourage students to take ownership of their review.

Learn more here:

https://vestals21stcenturyclassroom.com/no-prep-va-sol-test-prep-with-items-you-already-have/