It may not be raining where you are today. In fact, it could be snowing! April weather is full of surprises, that’s for sure. One thing that is fairly certain is that April showers will make an appearance at some point. I’ll let you decide whether you’ll be singing in the rain showers or singing…
Author: Diane Badden
“Reach for the Stars” First Friday Giveaway!
Have you ever wished for a star of your very own? The young boy in How to Catch a Star wishes he had a star all his own and sets out to catch one. The story, by Oliver Jeffers, is super cute and can inspire lots of learning opportunities such as a science-related study of…
What’s Your Crayon Color?
Here’s some crayon trivia for you. The smell of crayons is the 18th most recognizable scent for adults in the United States. I love the scent of crayons. For me it’s a scent that brings about fond memories. Even today there are occasions for me to retrieve my box of 96 colors from my desk…
Something on a Stick Day
Yeppers, you read that right. I’m telling you about this special day in advance so you can prepare to celebrate with your kiddos. The official date of Something on a Stick Day is next Thursday, March 28. (Just so you know, the day is always celebrated on March 28.) When I first read about this…
It’s all About Perspective
The next time you think teaching is unbearable, I encourage you to bring to mind this photo. Yipes! This past Tuesday five loggers (lumberjacks?) were in my backyard removing three trees that had thankfully stayed upright this past winter. I hated to see the trees go and at the same time I’m relieved they’re gone….
Reading Takes Me Places, How About You?
March is National Reading Month so I’m going to blab briefly about my love of reading. Not too much, just a little bit. Reading for me is inexpensive adventure. I’ve wiggled my toes in the sandy beaches of Australia, hiked the Pacific Coast Trail (where I tangled with a bear!), sprinted down dark alleys, and…
A “Moose-tastic” First Friday Giveaway
Yes, there’s a moose on the loose here at The Mailbox. He seems to be happy, however I’m sure he’ll find a classroom setting much more enjoyable. I will warn you—he does like to be the center of attention! To enter for a chance to win this adorable moose, a book that was written about…
Cover Your Ears—I’m Talkin’ Teacher Evals
Each year around this time your peeps at The Mailbox fill out self-evaluation forms. The form includes things like quality and quantity of work, initiative, dependability, and so on. Goals are also addressed—how well you met last year’s goals and what you hope to achieve in the coming year. Then of course each peep meets…
Have You Seen This Poster?
Isn’t this Helpfulness poster adorable? It’s just one poster from a set of twelve kindness posters that is available to download FOR FREE from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. The foundation has also provided printable monthly calendars like the one you see below. And yes—they are FREE too—and can be found below the middle…
Pop Quiz!
Here’s your question: What do tater tots, toothaches, pizza, umbrellas, valentines, presidents, sticky buns, pets, kindness, margaritas, dog biscuits, tortilla chips, chili, clam chowder, and polar bears have in common? Need a little more time to think? Okay, here’s your answer. Each one has a special day that’s celebrated in February. I’m sorry to say…