Really, you’re going to talk about birthdays? (Is that what you’re thinking?) The answer is “Yes.” I’ll make it quick. I have just a couple of ideas to share! I love the idea of plotting birthdays on a coordinate graph. I realize this isn’t appropriate for all grade levels, but trust me, kids grasp the…
I love the idea of taking something mundane, like socks, and making them fun. That’s why I fell in love with the My Dogs Are Barking Socks from Teddy the Dog. That sentiment sure does describe one aspect of the first days of school—aching feet! I have FOUR pairs of these super-cute socks to give…
Tomorrow is World Mosquito Day! This makes me chuckle a bit because it sounds like we should be celebrating those blood-sucking little vampires. But after some digging, I found that this “holiday” celebrates the anniversary of the day (August 20, 1897) that Sir Ronald Ross, a British scientist, discovered that mosquitoes transmit the malaria parasite….
Did I hear a “Me! Me! Me!” Well then, I’ll tell you how you can enter for a chance to win 20 free books for your classroom library. You may or may not know that The Mailbox is on Instagram. Just like on The Mailbox Blog, we have started doing giveaways for teachers on Instagram. You…
Bunny’s Book Club meets at the library every Saturday. The forest friends read and use the computer while Bunny swaps book recommendations with his book buddy, a little girl named Josie. When Josie admits she’s nervous about starting school, Bunny and his pals come up with a plan. (Hint: Don’t be shocked to see Squirrel…
I put a post on The Mailbox® Facebook page recently regarding a teacher’s tweet about having a bad day. She was a new teacher and felt like she wasn’t effective, didn’t know what she was doing, and would have to quit after her first year. The comments from teachers were varied and full of good…
Teachers have the best stories! I’ve borrowed two such stories from this site to share with you today. Each one made me smile. Kids are just so honest, funny, and literal. I’m thinkin’ you’re busy preparing for back to school and open house. However, if you’d like to grin with me, take a moment to…
Most teachers love school supplies. The promise held by a newly sharpened pencil, a just-opened pack of construction paper, or a box of crayons with none broken (not to mention that amazing new crayon smell) is universal. So many possibilities! When Pencil Met Eraser (Imprint) celebrates school supplies, friendship, and the power of working together….
I recently read this article about a teacher who was allegedly fired for giving a zero grade for no-show assignments. The school has a 50% policy—even when students don’t turn in any work they will still earn 50%. With 50% policies, are we creating children who expect to get something for nothing? There’s fear we’ll…
This month’s First Friday Giveaway is definitely something to ROAR about! It started with a pack of 18 colorful Expo dry erase markers. Then I went looking for a couple of fun books for back to school. Two dinosaur books would do nicely. Then I found an adorable plush T-Rex—and well, you know what happened…