Guess what? Guess what? Guess what? I am the proud owner of a brand new iPad! I have to tell you, I’m tickled pink! (And it just so happens that the cover of my sleek new iPad is pink too. ) I’m having a ball learning how incredible this gadget is. It truly does amazing things! I’m still getting up to speed. It’s going to take me a while to wrap my head around the total technological package. Of course, I’m making time for fun discoveries too. I’ve snapped a few surprise pictures of unsuspecting friends, and my pooch, Lexie, is sure that my ringtone is really a duck trapped inside my iPad. Come to think of it, I’d better rethink my ringtone choice. What if she decides to go duck hunting in my absence?

I’m curious. Is your school updating its technology offerings for the new school year? Or have you discovered new offerings—such as a new computer or an interactive whiteboard program—that you’re excited to try once school starts? Please share!

Quack, quack!
Diane

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Hi, y’all! Just a cheerful reminder that today is the last day to enter to win at the “Hot Friday Giveaway” post.

It’s a cinch to enter! Simply tell us the title of the book you’d like to win along with the date students in your district return to school. Be sure to share your information on the blog post “Hot Friday Giveaway” by midnight!

Lots of luck!

Diane

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Y’all know I’m flying to Kentucky soon, right? Well, when I made my seat selections, it got me thinking about classroom seating charts. While making a seating chart for back-to-school isn’t rocket science, I do recall learning a few things throughout my teaching years. Here are the steps I took to arrange (and rearrange!) my students’ desks.

Please share what you do!

Diane

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It’s hot. It’s Friday. The conditions are perfect for a Hot Friday Giveaway! Here’s how to enter:
1. Shop The Mailbox Books at themailbox.com.
2. Choose one item you’d like to win.
3. Then, before July 28, submit the name of the item you chose and the date students in your teaching district return to school.

That’s all! You won’t even break a sweat.

Happy shopping!

Diane

Congratulations to Susan! She’s the winner of our giveaway.

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Let’s chat about independent practice. I believe every teacher needs a big ole supply of practice activities students can complete independently. Now I’m not suggesting that a teacher sit at his or her desk and doodle while students independently explore centers or crank out page after page of skill sheets. But I do believe that including 30 or so minutes of daily independent practice is a win-win for both students and teachers. Students develop into independent thinkers and learners. And teachers are freed up to address the learning needs of individuals and small groups of students.

So whatcha think? Do you agree that independent practice is a win-win for students and teachers? Or do you think the heat wave we’re experiencing in North Carolina has sizzled my brain?

Stay cool!
Diane

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“Whatcha got in here, books?” Each time I dropped in for a summer visit, my dad accused me of loading my overstuffed and overweight suitcase with books. And you know what? He was right! As a teacher, I rarely traveled without a stash of children’s books and a The Mailbox magazine or two. Heck, I have a similar habit today. Just a few weeks ago, I carried a book from The Mailbox and a mystery novel to the North Carolina mountains. I didn’t have time to enjoy either, but I was prepared—just in case!

What about you? So far this summer, where have you taken a publication from The Mailbox? To the beach? To a car repair shop? To a doctor’s office? To a bagel shop? Surely you’ve taken (or plan to take) a book or magazine from The Mailbox with you somewhere this summer!

This will be fun! Let’s list all the unique places publications from The Mailbox have been this summer!

Diane

PS Speaking of traveling, next Wednesday (July 27), I’ll be at John R. Green Company, a school and office supply business in Covington, Kentucky, for its annual Meet the Vendor Day. I’ll have books and magazines from The Mailbox with me. Drop by if you can. I’d love to see you!

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Did you know July is National Blueberry Month? Yum! Here’s the deal. Whenever I think of blueberries, I immediately think of the children’s book Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey. Yes, this book is as old as the hills (even older than me!), and yet the story of the two pairings of mother and youngster blueberry pickers makes me smile every time. So you see, it is National Blueberry Month that has gotten me thinking about books that are oldies but goodies. And now I’m wondering about today’s classrooms and yesterday’s books. Do you and your students enjoy children’s stories that have been around for several years? Or do y’all prefer more recently published stories? Please do tell! Happy Friday! Diane

PS Okay, I must admit that when I think of National Blueberry Month I also think of blueberry pancakes, waffles, muffins, doughnuts, and cobbler!

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I recently read an article stating “the key to becoming a successful educator is reflection.” The author encouraged teachers to make self-reflection a daily habit. My initial reaction was, “Daily reflection! Good gravy! When is a teacher supposed to squeeze that in?” But, after a moment, I realized I was thinking about this all wrong. In fact, after a bit of reflection , I realized I routinely revisited the events of my teaching day as I completed routine tasks, such as tidying up the classroom and organizing supplies for the following day. So even though I didn’t keep a written account of my successes and failures (which is a fabulous idea if you can swing it), I took mental notes of what did and did not go well.

When do you mull over your teaching successes and challenges? What works for you? What have you learned about yourself as a teacher through self-reflection?

Thoughtfully,
Diane

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I have no idea who invented the pocket chart; however, my guess is it was a teacher! In fact, I’ll shave my head if it wasn’t a teacher. Well, maybe not. But my point is teachers sure know how to put a pocket chart to good use. I mean, let’s think about it. When can’t a teacher use a pocket chart? It’s great for both large- and small-group instruction. A pocket chart activity makes a great learning center. Heck, a pocket chart is a great classroom management tool too!

I admit, as a teacher, I was a pocket chart junkie—I used my pocket chart all the time. Maybe that’s why I’m soooo excited to tell you about our new pocket chart books! There’s Pocket Chart Helpers for preschool, Pocket Chart Helpers for grades K–1, and Pocket Chart Helpers for grades 1–2.

What makes these books really awesome (besides the fact that they’re from The Mailbox!) is that, in addition to the already laminated pocket chart cards, you get several skill-specific suggestions for using each card set and reproducible practice pages that you can use to assess your students’ learning.

Follow the links to check out each book in the Pocket Chart Helper series! Then tell me what you think. I’d also love to learn what you like best about your pocket chart. Got a tip, trick, or activity to share?

Smiles,
Diane

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Y’all have me cracking up and totally craving ice cream! It’s been super fun learning your favorite ice cream flavors. And by the way, your comments are a stitch!

I had two fave flaves: mint chocolate chip and Cherry Garcia. However, now I’m second-guessing my choices! Why? Because there are so many flavors I’ve yet to taste! I truly believe more research is needed. There is one exception. Marilyn, please, don’t take this personally, but I think I’ll pass on sampling Mexican hot chocolate ice cream spiced with chili powder.

Have a great weekend! Remember, if you’d like to be included in our latest giveaway from The Mailbox, leave a comment before the end of the day Saturday, June 9.

Ice cream rocks!

Diane

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