I’ve got a quiz for you today and you know what that means! Submit your answers before next Monday and score 100%, and your name will be entered in a drawing for a super-duper prize! Give it a whirl. You’ll quickly “C” that the quiz is a breeze!

1. Whose birthday was celebrated during the month of March?

A. Dr. Seuss
B. Theo the cat
C. both of the above

2. In March, which green classroom visitor came but was never spotted?

A. an incredible monster
B. a jolly giant
C. a leprechaun

3. How many teachers won blog prizes in March?

A. 1,000
B. 0
C. 6

4. During March, which topics were talked about on the blog?

A. reading and construction paper
B. teacher inspiration and St. Patrick’s Day
C. all the above, all the below, and more
D. centers and the lost and found
E. nutrition and special celebrations

Happily,
Diane

Thanks for responding! Congratulations to Mallory for winning our prize!

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Imagination is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? I love seeing the imaginations of little ones at work. The creative thoughts of young children are so carefree and limitless. As a teacher, how do you nurture the imagination and creativity of your students? Do you see a connection between a student’s creativity and his or her capabilities?

Thoughtfully,
Diane

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Okay, I confess. I actually watched part of a basketball game this weekend. And guess who it made me think of. You! It was the final quarter of the game. Players on both teams were scrambling to score. Time was running out. Yipes! That’s when it struck me that the fourth quarter of a ball game is much like the fourth quarter of the school year. There’s only so much time left!

Have you begun the fourth quarter of your school year? Are you feeling stressed? Are there certain skills or concepts your students are struggling to learn? How can we help you?

Here to help,

Diane

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Guess what tomorrow is, y’all. It’s March 26, it’s Saturday, and it’s Make Your Own Holiday Day! I would have shared this info earlier; however, I was just reminded about this special day myself. I’m totally celebrating!

The problem is that I can’t decide on my holiday. Since it’s a Saturday, the possibilities are endless! Maybe it should be No Housework Day. Or Backward Day (that would mean my fun Saturday stuff would come first as my Saturday mornings are normally filled with chores and errands). At this exact moment, Nap Day and Sleep In Late Day sound especially appealing. Eat Anything You Want Day sounds very tasty. But I think my best idea may be Do Whatever You Want to Do Day!

So, whaddaya think? Plan to celebrate?

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy!

Diane

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Okay, I just reached into my stash of construction paper and have decided I need a storage solution! Do you have full sheets, big pieces, little pieces, and teeny tiny scraps all stored together? I do. The colors are all mixed together too… (tiny sigh) How do you avoid construction paper chaos in your classroom?

Super curious,

Diane

PS: In case you’re wondering, I’m testing a project for an upcoming issue of The Mailbox magazine. I love my job!

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Who’s been celebrating National Nutrition Month this March? I’ll admit that nutrition wasn’t one of my favorite teaching topics. Trying to help a child decide which food groups are included in Mom’s macaroni casserole or Dad’s cornbread was an adventure. “But, Ms. Badden, cornbread has corn, bread, egg, milk, and butter. So why isn’t a pan of cornbread good for you?” Gotta love it! Do you have a healthy snack to share? Or perhaps you have a favorite nutrition-related writing prompt or center activity? There are still several days left in the month to celebrate. Besides, any time is a great time to teach youngsters the importance of good nutrition, wouldn’t you agree? Happily, Diane

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It’s official: spring is here. Let’s all give a silent cheer! (Yippee!) Uh-oh, did I just hear a groan or two? Well, I understand. The arrival of spring means spring fever isn’t too far behind. And that means it’s time to dust off your springtime teaching tactics so you’ll be ready.

So what’s in your stash of springtime teaching strategies? Tell me I’m not the only teacher to offer her students five extra minutes of recess in exchange for their completed assignments!

Please share!
Diane

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Have any of you heard of the book 1,003 Great Things About Teachers by Lisa Birnbach, Patricia Marx, and Ann Hodgman? A few weeks ago, I brought home a used copy. Here are some gems from the book.

A good teacher is someone who:

* can convert a reluctant reader into an avid one
* can sing “Head and Shoulders” with real gusto
* has eyes in the back of his or her head
* gets to drive to school every day
* really, really cares whether you know the capital of South Dakota
* is allowed to talk during a fire drill
* is a part of you forever ( my favorite)

Now it’s your turn. Please add to the list!

Thank you for being you!
Diane

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You didn’t think I’d let today go by without a shenanigan of some sort, did you? Complete this sentence before the end of today and your name will be entered in a St. Patrick’s Day Giveaway. What will you win? Something green, of course!

Cheerfully,
♣ Diane

Today’s Irish proverb:
A light heart lives long.

Congratulations to Linda, the winner!

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I’m back this morning with a giveaway reminder and a second Irish proverb!

The reminder is, of course, for our “Pot of Gold Giveaway.” Check it out. Today’s the last day to enter, so don’t delay!

And here is today’s Irish proverb. Quite thought-provoking, wouldn’t you say?

It is a long road that has no turns.

Hmmm, I wonder how you and your students might complete the sentence stem “It is a long road that…” Please share!

Grins,
Diane

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