Teachers and Teaching

Archived posts from this Category

It Takes a Team

Posted by Hope Spencer on 06 Nov 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation, Meet the Mailbox®, Relationships and Team Building, Teachers and Teaching

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!

Wardrobe Made for Work

Posted by Jen Bragg on 04 Nov 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation, Teachers and Teaching

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!

A Dancing Cow

Posted by Diane Badden on 02 Nov 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation

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.

Welcoming New Students

Posted by Hope Spencer on 28 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Classroom Routines, Teachers and Teaching

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.

Kids Say the Funniest Things!

Posted by Sharon M. Tresino on 26 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation

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.

Who’s the Teacher?

Posted by Hope Spencer on 23 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation, Teachers and Teaching

Recently, my husband, Brent, and I went to Minneapolis to visit my brother and his family. My four-year-old nephew, Charlie, was happy to act as our tour guide. For the price of a frosted doughnut, he showed us around the local grocery store.

Old Classics and New Favorites

Posted by Kim Murphy on 20 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Kindergarten, Literature Connections, Preschool, The Mailbox

Have you ever read Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak? Why, of course you have! It’s a classic! I always try to tuck classics into The Mailbox® magazine because you undoubtedly have them in your classroom. You know them well, and you have probably built units around these deservedly popular books. Of course, I also enjoy tucking more recent books into the magazine---ones that may, with time, become classics as well.

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences

Posted by Sherry McGregor on 16 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Routines, Teachers and Teaching

When I was teaching, our district set aside one week in the fall and in early spring for parent-teacher conferences. During those weeks, we taught in the mornings and met with parents in the afternoons. Before each conference session, I set two chairs and a small table or desk outside my door. Despite careful scheduling, [...]

Spooooky Times

Posted by Hope Spencer on 14 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Grades 2-3, Intermediate, Planning and Curriculum, Teachers and Teaching, The Mailbox

Boo! I'm back with great seasonal ideas from the current grades 2-3 and intermediate editions of The Mailbox® magazine! Enjoy! Ready to Order To prepare this seasonal center, write each sentence of a step-by-step description on a different sentence strip...

Repeater Names

Posted by Jen Bragg on 12 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Teachers and Teaching

In high school, I was one of seven Jennifers in my physics class. That’s right---seven. Some of us went by Jen, others by Jenny, and a few, like me, were known by our first and last names. To this day, when I talk to a friend from high school or college, I’m addressed as "JenBragg," as if it’s one word. I guess I don’t really mind, though. There’s never a question which Jen or Jennifer a person means; I always know it’s me!

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