Inspiration and Motivation

Archived posts from this Category

Thankful for the Blog

Posted by Sherry McGregor on 10 Nov 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation

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.

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.

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.

Out With Red?

Posted by Diane Badden on 08 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Inspiration and Motivation, Teachers and Teaching

This past summer I gathered a few teaching supplies for my friend, Beth, who was returning to teaching in the fall. Beth expected (and received) assorted publications from The Mailbox Books. What she didn’t expect was a jumbo pack of fine-tipped markers. The pack included a marker for every color of the rainbow, plus plenty of other pretty colors.

You Might Be a Teacher If…

Posted by Hope Spencer on 16 Sep 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation, Life After School, Meet the Mailbox®, Teachers and Teaching

If you're a regular blog reader, you know how much I love teachers. Usually, when I meet someone new, I can tell within a few minutes whether the person is a teacher. Teachers are just special like nobody else I know. What can I say? Who else can appreciate a teacher's job the way teachers do?

The Good Stuff

Posted by Diane Badden on 14 Sep 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation

I love good news; don’t you? My motto is "Bring it on!" I mean, really, can there ever be too much good news? My challenge has always been taking the time to notice the good stuff and then finding the time to share it with others. I still remember the first year I started sharing good news with my students’ parents.

Classy Individuals

Posted by Hope Spencer on 09 Sep 2009 | Posted in: Inspiration and Motivation, Meet the Mailbox®

Recently, a coworker and I were chatting about some magazine spot art. At one point I said, “Yes, I knew that because my dad used to raise guinea pigs,” and I waited for my coworker’s response about the art. But he wasn’t looking at the art anymore; he was looking at me. “Your dad raised…guinea pigs? Are you being serious?”

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