Knock, knock. Who’s there? Diane. Diane who? “Di-ane” to hear from you! (Read more at the Blog!)

2 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Happy Wednesday, y’all! Yesterday a few colleagues and I went on a field trip. No, we didn’t visit the pumpkin patch. (Read more at the Blog!)

2 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Happy Tuesday! How’s your week going? Grandly, I hope. Today is my first day back from my spring vacation. (Read more at the blog.)

1 Comment | Subscribe |  Email This

BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF

What better way to reinforce skills than with games? Students often get so engaged while playing a fun game that they forget there is learning going on!
As you start a new school year, how about taking Mix & Match Games with you? I have a special offer, blog readers. From [...]

5 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Some of my favorite times with kids have happened when we were on field trips. I have great memories of trips to the zoo, indoor rain forests, and one special boat ride in Galveston Bay. Why, one day, my students and I even had the opportunity to travel to the Johnson Space Center, where we met actual astronauts (and the Power Rangers!). But, when you think about it, taking your students off campus can be a scary proposition.

3 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

I love Spring! The blue sky, the warmth of the sun, and the newness of the season simply boosts my spirits. For me, Spring has always been a feel-good time of year. As a teacher, I had favorite things that I looked forward to in Spring; and no, spring vacation was not one them. (Ok, that was a lie. I just wanted to see how carefully you were reading!)

12 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

With the last name of Murphy, I’m accustomed to thinking of St. Patrick’s Day as if it’s a national holiday. I grew up believing that it’s not enough to wear a wee bit of green on the 17th—it’s best to dress in green from head to toe. But this year as I celebrate, I feel [...]

10 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

My first graders always looked forward to learning center time. I did too! There’s something refreshing about the variety of activities and the freedom of movement. Often it was a challenge for me to find enough fun ideas on the skills I was teaching, though. It was even more challenging to find the time to come up with quick and easy activities on my own. Do you sometimes face the same challenges? What skills are you looking for in center time activities?

7 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

It's hard to believe that it's February already and Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Some people I know think this is simply a greeting card holiday, but I think it's a nice opportunity for students to share with others how much they care. My second graders were always eager to make and distribute valentines, so each year I found ways to carve out time for students to do just that.

11 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

In my school, celebrating the 100th Day was serious business. We had a kindergarten teacher who had her kids count 100 paper clips, counters, shoes, neckties, you name it! Then they took 100 steps, hops, and jumps; drew 100 objects; and made and wore paper crowns with 100 sequins on them. Her enthusiasm was contagious! I found myself counting to one hundred by twos, fives, and tens all day long. I looked forward to their 100th Day parade as much as I looked forward to any program our children did.

18 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This