I was recently looking through a box of items from my childhood. There were lots of cool things that took me down memory lane: a hat my grandmother knit for me, my kindergarten diploma, and even my first spelling test. (I’m not quite sure why my mother saved the test!) But the item I was most excited to find was my favorite childhood book, The Sweet Smell of Christmas.

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I sing a lot—not because I have a great voice (I don’t) but because my three-year-old daughter learns so much through songs. Grace and I sing about nearly everything (and I mean everything) from routine tasks like brushing our teeth to skill-based topics such as letters and numbers. I’m amazed at how quickly she catches on to new vocabulary and concepts through songs.

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Ah, December! There is nothing like it. Everywhere you look, there are colorful displays and wonderful sights and smells. Isn't it fun to bring all that seasonal goodness into your classroom? Kids can make red-and-green chains; cotton ball–topped stockings; and all kinds of wreaths, stars, and ornaments.

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Last night I had a real treat. I made contact with a former student while on my favorite social networking Web site. (Yes, I admit it—I have become addicted to this site! I have made connections with long-lost high school friends, have shared photos of family and friends, and just can't get enough of my virtual farm and fish tank!) I'm always thrilled when I find a former student, but this one was extra special.

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Don't you think kids are the easiest people to work with? They will tell you when you have stuff in your teeth or if your shoes look odd to them. They are honest about feeling sad or bored. Sometimes they will hug you for no reason at all. But my favorite thing about kids is that they love to laugh!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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