The other day I was dying for a tall, cold glass of lemonade. (Okay, not actually dying, but I really wanted it.) I headed into my kitchen and prepared some lemonade mix. I was eager to quench my thirst, but I paused before I took the first sip. Something caught my attention: the plastic canister that the mix came in.

1 Comment | Subscribe |  Email This

I commuted to work in the driving rain yesterday morning, and when I arrived at the office, I found out that we didn't have any power. There were no lights, no heat, no computers. We were left with nothing but pencils and paper. It reminded me of many days in the classroom.

No Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

It seems as though everywhere I go these days, I see tissues and hand sanitizer. In fact, at a recent dinner, a friend offered me a squirt of hand sanitizer. She didn’t even have to open her purse: the sanitizer was connected to her purse by a small cord. I couldn’t believe it—there is a special purse attachment just for combating the nasty germs that are going around! How convenient!

3 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

I love routine. I love to follow the same schedule, eat the same foods, and even drive the same route to work every day. Other than my love for working with children, I think that's one of the things that helped me most in the classroom. A lot of children thrive in an atmosphere of routine, of knowing what to expect.

3 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

I have so much fun reading your comments on the blog! Since it’s the season for being thankful, I want to thank you for sharing your stories. Here’s one of my own favorites. It’s about Noah. He was a brilliant math student but not much of a reader. Daily independent reading was a struggle for Noah, and I was desperate to engage him in a book.

No Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

One of the things The Mailbox editors love to talk about is schools. We talk about the schools we taught in, the schools our kids attend, and the schools we attended as children. Of course we're school-obsessed: look at our choice of profession!

4 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Ever have a day when you just have to laugh at yourself? I have many. Just the other day I had a moment to reflect on my outfit, and I had to chuckle. It was an unusually chilly day outside, so I was wearing pants and a sweater. But, since I was also chilly inside (I’m cold-natured; what can I say?), I had a blue fleece blanket wrapped around me like a bath towel and thick socks pulled over my shoes. (You read that correctly: over my shoes.) I was a sight, I’m sure, but that day my extra layers were a necessity. I needed to stay warm in order to get my work done!

9 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Yesterday, while stopped at a traffic light, I saw a dancing cow. This cow not only danced; it waved its front legs and pointed its hooves! I have to admit I was “udder-ly” taken in by the heifer’s high level of energy and enthusiasm. The cow’s delightful dance made me smile.

4 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Because my dad was in the air force for 30 years, I changed schools many times. Being the new kid was always a challenge, but I was fortunate to have friendly, understanding teachers to make me feel welcome and help me find my way. And, because my family usually lived on or near a base, there were a lot of other students who understood how I felt.

5 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This

Just the other night, my area of the country got its first heavy frost of the season. The following morning, I picked up my godson to take him to preschool as a favor to his parents. I always enjoy my time with my godson, but this particular morning was extra special.

19 Comments | Subscribe |  Email This