Okay, y’all. Left, right. Left, right. Let’s march into March! We’ll arrive one day early, but that’s okay. I’m ready for a new month—aren’t you? So what’s on your school calendar for March? Are you planning a nutrition unit? Squeezing in a wee bit of Irish blarney? Planning to investigate rainbows and other weather-related elements? Maybe you’re looking forward to spring break too?

Please share!

Smiles,
Diane

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Yes sirree! Next week, classrooms across the country will be celebrating Dr. Seuss’s March 2nd birthday. So what are your plans? Will you be reading a favorite Seuss book or two? Wearing the famous cat’s hat? Talking in rhyme? Please share!

Happily,
Diane

PS: Don’t forget about our latest giveaway! Today’s the final day to leave your tips and tricks for getting students’ attention—visit “All Ears Giveaway” for details.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
Dr. Seuss

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I know I’m in trouble when my pooch pulls selective hearing on me. This morning, in an effort to get a quick response from Lexie, I resorted to saying the word walk, as in “I sure wish I could take Lexie for another walk.” Presto! Eye contact was established!

Getting eye contact is the first step to good listening, wouldn’t you agree? Switching off the lights or engaging students in a sequence of claps usually works well. However, the next step—getting them to actually use those funny flaps on the sides of their heads—is something else altogether!

What tips do you have for promoting and practicing active listening? Share your ideas by the end of the day Thursday to have your name entered in a drawing for a nifty surprise from The Mailbox.

All ears,
Diane

PS: If you aren’t familiar with these great titles from The Mailbox, check them out!

Check your inbox, Danielle! You’re our winner.

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Happy Presidents’ Day! Are you in the classroom today? I’m curious because teachers in our local district are having a typical Monday while my teaching buddies out west are enjoying a three-day weekend. Clearly, teaching calendars vary from district to district and state to state. The great news is that, however your teaching calendar unfolds, you can count on The Mailbox to be here for you!

And here’s some more great news! Drumroll, please! The Mailbox is introducing a brand-new blog: Upper Grades Exchange. As the name suggests, this is the place for upper grades teachers to exchange teaching ideas, solutions, and inspiration. The blog is written by our very own Web Projects Editor, Todd Savelle, who lived and breathed the upper grades teaching experience for several years. You’re sure to enjoy his teaching insights, benefit from his curriculum knowledge, and chuckle at his “upper grades” sense of humor. Check it out! And feel free to spread the word about this new and exciting blog from The Mailbox!

Smiles,
Diane

PS: Click here to visit Upper Grades Exchange!

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I must confess that I’m a newbie in the world of apps. I knew what they were and had heard about several popular ones. But it wasn’t until last weekend that I actually tapped my first app! And, trust me, I didn’t tap just one! I had the best time. I still don’t have my own electronic device for apps. However, if the IRS smiles on me this year, I could have one soon. (I’ll find out about that this weekend!)

So are you app savvy? Or are you like me, hoping to be app savvy soon? If you’re in the know about apps, please tell us how you use and benefit from them.

All ears!

Diane

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How about a two-day giveaway on a Tuesday? Simply leave a comment to complete the sentence below by the end of Wednesday and your name will be entered in a drawing for a surprise from little ole me. What’s the occasion, you ask? No reason except that I think y’all are super-duper fantastic and superbly awesome!

Smiles,
Diane

I knew I wanted to be a teacher when…

Hooray, Melissa K.! You’re our giveaway winner.

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Can you believe I forgot to wear red or pink today? It’s just not like me. I’m such a holiday gal. My sis would tell me that before I hit the sack I should know what I’m going to wear the following day. This just doesn’t happen in my home, especially on a Sunday night. I’ve always been a Sunday night scrambler. It’s pretty amazing what all I can accomplish between 7 and 10 p.m. on a Sunday!

For some reason this makes me think of lesson plans. (Hmmm…can you figure out that connection?) When do you work on your lesson plans for the following week? Do you plan before school starts, during scheduled planning periods, after your students go home, at home, or all the above? In other words, how do you get everything ready for Monday morning?

Hope your day is supersweet!

Diane

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I have a question for y’all! I think it’s a tough one, but I’ll let you be the judge of that. There are no wrong answers. In fact, there’s a good chance each one of you will have more than one answer!

Here’s the question: Which skill or skills do your students have the most difficulty learning? For example, my third graders struggled with cause and effect big time. Solid figures (faces, edges, corners, vertices) were a challenge too. And I can’t forget adverbs. Wait, maybe I was the one who struggled with adverbs!

And what’s the giveaway? How about a free book from The Mailbox for your personal library? I’ll even let you pick which book you want! To be entered in the drawing, comment on this post by the end of Friday, February 11.

You’re the best!

Diane

Update: Our winner is Terry—congratulations!

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“Cheese” whiz! The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl. Did you stay up too late last night? I sure did! Shouldn’t someone suggest playing the game on a Saturday? Ha! True to form, my favorite part of the game was the commercials. And my favorite one? The Volkswagen car commercial featuring the mini Darth Vader. I hope you saw it. I’m smiling right now just thinking about it!

Speaking of smiles, let’s talk teeth and dental health. How do you include this topic in your February teaching plans? Do you plan group activities? Learning centers? Independent activities? Games? Be sure to share your students’ favorite activities too!

Smiles,
Diane

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BELOVED PETS TARGETED AS CUPCAKE CAPER SUSPECTS

An apparent cupcake caper took place Wednesday afternoon in Greensboro, NC. Two pets are suspect; however, neither one is talking. Evidence collected at the scene included: Tiny scraps of crumpled foil mysteriously scattered across the bedroom rug—no pattern detected Paperwork (from the kitchen counter) mixed with more crumpled foil covering the kitchen floor Four (apparently lip-smacking) cupcakes missing—absolutely no crumbs recovered Canine’s muzzle covered with splotches of a suspicious substance appearing to be dried icing The family vet was contacted. Based on the size and weight of the prime pet suspect, no health alerts were issued, although severe indigestion was accurately diagnosed.

Have a great weekend!

Diane

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