• never wore a powdered white wig? • wore what would today be considered a size 13 shoe? • stood at six feet two inches tall? • ran unopposed for the first President of the United States? • was 57 years old when he took office? • didn’t have a middle name? • was the…
In less than a week it will be Valentine’s Day! And what does most every teacher need this time of year? A class valentine list and an idea for a valentine card holder that her kiddos can make. Here you go! Enjoy! Diane Here are two options for valentine lists. Both are programmable. (Click…
If you are reading this blog living in or near Turkey, Texas; Turkey Creek, Louisiana; or Turkey, North Carolina, send us a gobble! But, no matter where you live, keep reading because everyone needs to check out this fun turkey “craftivity” that could be the talk of a Thanksgiving Day gathering. To make the gobbler’s…
I’ve been working at The Mailbox for 14 years, and in addition to managing the preschool magazine, I’ve worked on a LOT of books. I like all of them, but of course, I have a favorite. And it’s now available in eBook format. I’m totally geeked about it! My favorite is Totally for Twos: Art….
Let me preface this blog by saying the topic’s a bit unusual. It may be something that’s never crossed your mind. On the other hand, maybe it has. It hit home with me because I went through a time in my life when I was directly affected. (Suddenly, I feel akin to Sheldon Cooper from…
Process art is the BEST! Why? Because it’s calming. It doesn’t cause frustration like many craft-related experiences. (Think: “I have to cut out all those pieces!?” and “Mine doesn’t look like it’s supposed to!” ) It allows children to explore the senses. And it lets youngsters experience success. Although some children frequently have successful experiences,…
Because March is National Nutrition Month, I could drone on about the merits of healthy eating—or not! Yes, I advocate a healthy lifestyle so long as it includes a bit of chocolate here and there (and here and there). However, today I’m championing painting with vegetables. Check out these two adorable bunny crafts. The craft…
When I was in elementary school, I loved to draw. I was sure that, when I grew up, I was going to be an artist of some sort. But sometime in the seventh grade, I suddenly became aware that other people were much better at drawing than I was. So I remember telling my counselor…
Sure, Mr. Popper is an inquisitive fellow with a great passion for penguins. Sure, he’s the main character in the popular children’s book Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. And yes, Jim Carey did play the character in the movie version of the book. However, just for today, I’m asking Mr. Popper to…
When I taught kindergarten, I didn’t use washable paint. Yes, I was probably nuts, but hear me out. Washable tempera paint just isn’t as vivid as regular tempera paint. (And don’t even get me started on those off-brands that have ridiculously dull colors!) In my opinion, if children are having an art experience, they should…