August 2011
Monthly Archive
Changes in the New School Year
Posted by Diane Badden on 31 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Teachers and Teaching
Here’s a quick question for ya! I know you’re busy. 
| What change at your school do you think will most affect you this school year? |
Thoughtfully,
Diane
Table of Contents
Posted by Diane Badden on 29 Aug 2011 | Posted in: The Mailbox Books
Several years ago, here’s how I would have weighed in on the usefulness of a book or magazine’s table of contents: “What’s that?” I’m kidding, of course…sort of. The truth is that, over the years, my reading habits have changed. Today, in most cases, I rely on a book or magazine’s table of contents to guide me to the content that interests me the most. I’m not sure why
this reading habit changed, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s time related. I especially like tables of contents that include pictures!
What about you? What do you have to say about tables of contents?
Happily,
Diane
Woof, Woof, Woof!
Posted by Diane Badden on 26 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Teachers and Teaching
As my dog, Lexie, demonstrates on a daily basis, one woof simply does not do. And because today, August 26, is National Dog Day, I’m certain at least three woofs are in order!
So how does one celebrate National Dog Day? For starters, why not read aloud a favorite dog book? Bark, George by Jules Feiffer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any age group. Then check out the links below. In celebration of this special day, I’ve connected you to a sampling of pup-related activities that are available at MyMailbox Idea Center Gold!
Have a “paws-itively” wonderful day! And remember to treat each family pooch to an extra snack—or better yet a “bone-afide” belly rub!
Have a great weekend!
Diane
Classroom Libraries
Posted by Diane Badden on 24 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Teachers and Teaching
A couple of weeks ago, I played hooky from work to spend the day with my best friend, Karen. (Okay, I took a vacation day, but it felt like I was playing hooky! ) We’d been looking forward to a final summertime girls’ day. Our plan was simple: get out of Dodge and be on the lookout for classroom treasures. (Karen 
is teaching third grade this year.)
We hit the mother lode at a Goodwill store about 90 minutes out of town. There we found a jaw-dropping supply of every kind of book imaginable! Lucky for us, the books were neatly sandwiched on the shelves of three giant bookcases. About an hour later, we giggled our way to the car, ecstatic over the two giant bags of books Karen had purchased for her classroom library for a mere $12!
I’d love to hear about your classroom library. Is it a place your students frequent? What tips do you have for sustaining student interest in books in an age of increased technology?
Curious as ever,
Diane
Last Day of Giveaway
Posted by Diane Badden on 22 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Drawings and Giveaways, Holiday and Seasonal, Teachers and Teaching
Happy Monday! Are you in full-on, back-to-school mode? What fun! I wish I could be with each of you to experience the excitement and anticipation that comes with a brand-new school year! Since I can’t do
this (rats, anyway!), I’ve prepared a back-to-school surprise from The Mailbox for two very lucky teachers. But here’s the deal.
Today is the last day to be entered in this giveaway. So, if you’re interested in receiving a surprise (trust me, you are ), be sure to check out each blog below. You’ll find oodles of great back-to-school ideas and suggestions from your teaching colleagues, plus, each time you comment (one per blog), your name will be entered in the giveaway drawing. Just be sure to submit each comment before midnight tonight.
Hoping to hear from you!
Diane
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Back-to-School Firsts |
First Activity of the School Year
Posted by Diane Badden on 19 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Drawings and Giveaways, Holiday and Seasonal, Teachers and Teaching
What a fun week this has been! Here is Friday’s question.
| What is the first activity you’ll do with your students on the very first day of school? (Please include your grade level.) |
Answer this question, and your name will be entered in our one-week, back-to-school giveaway! Deadline for entries is midnight August 22. Click here for more details.
Have a great weekend!
Diane
First Read-Aloud of the School Year
Posted by Diane Badden on 18 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Drawings and Giveaways, Holiday and Seasonal, Teachers and Teaching
Oh my! HCIBTA (How Can It Be Thursday Already)?
| What is the title of the first book you’ll read to your students? Please include your grade level! |
Answer this question, and your name will be entered in our one-week, back-to-school giveaway! Deadline for entries is midnight August 22. Click here for more details.
Hang in there!
Diane
First Home-School Contact
Posted by Diane Badden on 17 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Drawings and Giveaways, Holiday and Seasonal, Teachers and Teaching
What is Wednesday’s question? Read on!
| How and when will you first communicate with the parents and guardians of your new students? |
Answer this question, and your name will be entered in our one-week, back-to-school giveaway! Deadline for entries is midnight August 22. Click here for more details.
Cheerfully,
Diane
First Back-to-School Meeting
Posted by Diane Badden on 16 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Drawings and Giveaways, Holiday and Seasonal, Teachers and Teaching
Happy Tuesday! Here’s your question for the day.
| What questions would you like to have answered during your first back-to-school faculty (or team) meeting? |
Answer this question, and your name will be entered in our one-week, back-to-school giveaway! Deadline for entries is midnight August 22. Click here for more details.
Happily,
Diane
Back-to-School Firsts
Posted by Diane Badden on 15 Aug 2011 | Posted in: Drawings and Giveaways, Holiday and Seasonal, Teachers and Teaching
What the heck is a back-to-school first? Well, you’re going to find out! Each day this week, I’ll ask a question about a back-to-school first. Share your answer with the rest of us, and three things will happen.
- Other teachers will learn what you do.
- You’ll learn what other teachers do.
- Your name will be entered in a one-week, back-to-school giveaway!
This is a weeklong event, which means that each time you comment, your name is entered in the giveaway. A weeklong back-to-school giveaway? That’s a back-to-school first!
Okay, here we go!
| What is the very first thing you do when you return to school after summer vacation? |
Smiles,
Diane
PS Comments for the one-week, back-to-school giveaway must be received by midnight August 22.
Congratulations Elizabeth and Tracy! You’re the winners of our giveaway!
