The Mailbox
Archived posts from this Category
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.
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...
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!
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!
Establishing Routines
Posted by Hope Spencer on 17 Aug 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Classroom Routines, Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Intermediate, Kindergarten, Planning and Curriculum, Preschool, The Mailbox
I know it sounds cliché, but I just can't believe that it's time to get ready for a new school year already! Preparing the classroom for my students' arrival was one of my favorite things about teaching. I know that establishing a routine can make all the difference in the classroom, so I've scanned the August/September 2009 issues of the Mailbox® magazine to find tips you can incorporate into your planning.
It’s Your Mailbox!
Posted by Hope Spencer on 24 Jul 2009 | Posted in: Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Intermediate, Kindergarten, Preschool, The Mailbox
Now that you've had a chance to read the August/September issue, The Mailbox® magazine editors want to hear what you think! We write the magazine with you and your students in mind, and we want it to be the best it can be—for YOU!
You Have to Play to Win!
Posted by Debra Liverman on 06 Jul 2009 | Posted in: Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Intermediate, Kindergarten, Preschool, Teachers and Teaching, The Mailbox, The Mailbox Books
Have you heard? We’re sponsoring a sweepstakes this back-to-school to celebrate 10 Years of The Mailbox Companion! Join us in celebrating this milestone by entering our sweepstakes for your chance to win lots of great stuff.
Here’s what you can win…
Grand Prize: $2,000 Cash and $250 Gift Certificate for THE MAILBOX Books
First Prize: $500 Cash and [...]
How Did You Meet Us?
Posted by Hope Spencer on 02 Jul 2009 | Posted in: Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Intermediate, Kindergarten, Preschool, Teacher's Helper, The Mailbox, The Mailbox Books
During my second year of teaching, I was across the hall from an incredible teacher named Ms. Dunn. Ms. Dunn shared so many wonderful teacher secrets with me! I couldn't wait to see what she had planned each day. Her students were always engaged in the best learning games, and everything in her room was so organized. People stopped by to see her colorful wall displays, and she knew all kinds of tips and shortcuts. After several months of copying what she was doing, I was convinced that she was the smartest teacher ever!
Summer Is Here!
Posted by Hope Spencer on 26 Jun 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Routines, Grade 1, Holiday and Seasonal, Kindergarten, Planning and Curriculum, Preschool, The Mailbox
Some of my favorite days with students were spent in the summer school classroom. In our situation, the atmosphere was a bit more laid-back. The children and I could get to know each other and, best all, we could take advantage of fun summer themes! I’ve gathered some of my favorite theme-related activities from current issues of The Mailbox® magazine to share with you. Enjoy!
Embracing Change
Posted by Diane Badden on 24 Jun 2009 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Intermediate, Kindergarten, Organization and Supplies, Planning and Curriculum, Preschool, Teacher's Helper, Teachers and Teaching, The Mailbox
Change is good, right? I know it is, but here’s my confession—sometimes change scares the heck out of me. And yet I know I embrace change on a daily basis. I guess it’s the big changes that can throw me for a loop. To this day I vividly remember the afternoon my principal informed me that the following fall I would be changing grade levels. My knees went weak and my head began to spin—and not in a good way!
