We have not had a sunny spring as of late. In fact, it’s been downright rainy, with lots of thunderstorms, hail, and the occasional tornado watch. To be honest, I love rainy weather, but the mud on my shoes is getting to be a bit much. Let’s put out some sunny vibes with this spring…
This Wednesday is St. Patrick’s Day, a day celebrating Ireland’s patron saint. We know some facts about St. Patrick, but many of us have absorbed a lot of misinformation as well. For example, did he chase snakes out of the country? It isn’t likely. Ireland’s climate is not snake friendly. Did he wear green, as…
March is supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, but this week has been gorgeous here in North Carolina. Honestly, I’m a little concerned about the end of March. Would Mother Nature throw a snowstorm our way just for fun? I wouldn’t put it past her. Whether you have…
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a day to commemorate the goals and achievements of this great man. It isn’t easy to teach about MLK at the elementary level without oversimplifying racial inequality (or going overboard so that the lesson goes over their heads). My favorite “lesson” about race wasn’t even a lesson I prepared at…
Living in an area of North Carolina that rarely gets snow means that when snow is forecast that news is pretty exciting! I’m originally from Michigan where snow in the forecast is greeted with a sigh, but I’ve lived down here long enough that I’ve adopted a very North Carolinian view of the weather. So…
We made it to 2021! 2020 was definitely an unusual, heartbreaking, and stressful year. But for me it was also punctuated by moments of beauty and kindness. I hope you felt those moments as well. That’s why I think it would be interesting to do this activity with your students: Sum up 2020 using a…
So I got to thinking—if the classic song, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” could be remade with teacher-related lyrics, how would that go? Hint: There are no partridges or pear trees. Keep in mind that I couldn’t put everything in here. (For example, “enthusiastic support from administration,” wouldn’t fit the…
Tomorrow, December 15, is one of those totally random “holidays,” that pop up celebrating odd things. What is it we’re observing? Why, it’s Cat Herders’ Day—and it spotlights exactly what you think it does: trying to control something that is clearly uncontrollable. Finally, a holiday that is obviously for teachers! Do you feel like you’re…
Shouldn’t I be making cookies right now? It’s the beginning of December and this month is usually filled with cookies and candy, but these are strange times and I don’t have the usual parties that require cookies. Are you doing your normal cooking and baking for the December holidays? While I decide whether baking is…
Have you decorated your house for the December holidays? I’ve noticed this year people have started decorating earlier than usual. And why not? If it brings you joy, I say go for it! I’ve already plugged in my pre-lit tabletop tree. (It’s high up on a bookcase because I have a herd of attack cats.)…