I wonder how your students would respond if you requested that they put their John Hancocks on their papers? I can hear them now. “Say whaaaat?” Today, January 23, is the birth date of John Hancock. Today is also National Handwriting Day in the United States. Coincidence? Not at all. Remember John Hancock was the…
Author: Diane Badden
Ten Lesser Known Facts About Michael
Who is Michael? Michael Jackson? Nope. Michael Strahan? Nope. Michael Bolton? Okay, now I’m dating myself. Well, if I really wanted to date myself I could include Michael Nesmith, a member of the pop/rock band The Monkees. But none of these Michaels are the topic of today’s blog. The ten lesser known facts I’ve gathered…
Looking for Sunshine?
Even though Eeyore could be downright gloomy, I love this quote of his: It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine. These are words to live by throughout the year—and I find them especially meaningful in the clutches of a long, cold, and dreary winter. Just thinking about Winnie the Pooh and his friends makes…
Think About This!
What do earmuffs, a Popsicle ice pop, and a trampoline all have in common? The answer is right in your classroom—kids! Each item was invented by a kid. I know, get out! Like many inventions, earmuffs and the trampoline were solutions to problems. Chester Greenwood, the inventor of earmuffs, liked to ice-skate but didn’t like…
Tic-Tac-Toe Return
Here is the scenario: You haven’t seen your students in over a week, and they have a whole lot they want to share with you and with each other. You really want to learn about each child’s holiday; however, you also know there just isn’t time for everyone to share. Sound like your classroom? Then…
A New Year AND a Giveaway!
To be honest, I can’t think of a better way to welcome 2015 than with a First Friday Giveaway! January is Get Organized Month. This may not come as a total surprise. I would guess that getting organized is a popular New Year’s resolution. But here’s something you may not know: according to a survey…
Holiday Traditions
Yesterday, I embraced a new Christmas tradition. Well, let me clarify. The tradition is new to me, but it’s been around for eons. I had just never heard about it. Maybe you know of the tradition: it’s bird-related and from Scandinavian countries. The tradition is to spread birdseed on your doorstep Christmas morning to ensure…
Teachers Are Gifts
You know you’re on Santa’s “extra nice” list, right? In fact, I have it on good authority that Santa, like your family here at The Mailbox, believes without a doubt that teachers are precious gifts themselves. Thank you for sharing your gifts—gifts of compassion, dedication, creativity, generosity, patience, determination, resilience, resourcefulness, and so much more….
Monthly Deliveries?
For years and years teachers have been asking The Mailbox to deliver teaching ideas every month of the year. And guess what? We are now doing just that! All Gold subscribers receive a fun- and skill-filled digital delivery of grade-appropriate teaching ideas each and every month of the entire year—that’s twelve digital deliveries in all….
Would You Like a Cutie?
Earlier this week, I darted into a drive-through to pick up a quick meal. Honestly, I was trying to accomplish too much in too little time, so I wasn’t entirely focused when I placed my order. This partially explains my confusion when I was asked if I would like a Cutie. I was certain I…