Teachers and Teaching

Archived posts from this Category

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!

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.

Spooooky Days

Posted by Hope Spencer on 06 Oct 2009 | Posted in: Grade 1, Holiday and Seasonal, Kindergarten, Preschool, Teachers and Teaching, The Mailbox

I always look forward to fall; don't you? It's the relaxing time right before the busy holiday season kicks in. The weather is cooler but not too cool. The excitement of a new school year is still in the air. And, of course, Halloween is on its way! When I was a child, I spent the whole month of October planning my costume for the big day. I would change my mind three times a week until it was finally time to get dressed. What fun!

Advice for Teachers

Posted by Sharon M. Tresino on 30 Sep 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Teachers and Teaching

Just recently I had the opportunity to recall the best teaching advice I’ve ever been given. And, surprisingly, it came while I was babysitting my godson. I have spent tons of time with him and his parents, but this was the first time I had him all to myself. I looked forward to it all week. I planned games, picked out books to read, and bought a new box of crayons. I was all set!

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You…

Posted by Hope Spencer on 28 Sep 2009 | Posted in: Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Literature Connections, Teacher's Helper, The Mailbox, The Mailbox Books

Hollywood is at it again! This time they have chosen to make a screen adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I'll admit it: I cannot wait to see what the moviemakers do with this rollicking story. I have wonderful memories of Max and his wild pals. My mom read this story to me again and again. I read it to my younger brother and then, years later, shared it with my students. This is one you just can't keep to yourself!

It’s Fair Time!

Posted by Sherry McGregor on 24 Sep 2009 | Posted in: Life After School

While I was watching TV last week, commercials for a community fair reminded me of the county fairs I grew up with. The county fair is a pretty big deal in my hometown. Everyone goes. As a kid, going to the county fair was the highlight of the fall.

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