I like smart. I think there’s nothing better. One common indicator of smart in some circles tends to be the advanced degree. I’m not saying it is an accurate or fair measure of smart. It also could be a measure of perseverance or foolishness or uncertainty, right? Not long ago, however, teachers began to be…
Ideas
40 Years of Change
As you’re no doubt aware, The Mailbox is celebrating 40 years of helping teachers by delivering creative ideas and activities that engage students and help meet Common Core standards. In the early days, we were known for our creative teacher workshops. Today, it’s our books, magazines, mobile apps, and digital and online resources. We’ve come…
Speaking to the Class
I don’t know why, but I am a big fan of the oral presentation. When I was a kid, I hated them, at first. Standing in front of all my friends to talk about something? Ugh. No, thanks! Or at least that’s what I thought. Despite clear memories of being underprepared and nervous with nearly…
Going to the Gallows! Yippee!
My previous post was about one kind of humor—the lighthearted humor or inside jokes you can use in an established classroom setting to get students feeling comfortable and open to new ideas and new learning. Today’s post is about another kind of humor—gallows humor. The definition of gallows humor from Merriam-Webster online is “humor that…
The Importance of Being Funny
Laughter is the best medicine. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that expression, I’d be able to hire every stand-up comedian in America and have nightly performances in my living room. I’d never get sick or even grow old. Laughter is also a great prescription. Studies show that laughter, almost universally…
History Without Standards
I went looking for a different kind of standard. We have the Common Core State Standards, which cover mathematics and language arts. We also have the Next Generation Science Standards, already adopted by six states. But what about history standards? (And the arts? And civics? And common sense?) What I found was the National Center…
A School Year in Review
Let’s review, shall we? During the last school year, I touched on a wide range of subjects, both serious and not-so-much. On a few of them, I received many comments. On many of them, I received none. Good or bad, I think some of them are worth revisiting. And the passage of time may mean…
A Few of My Favorite Things
Over the last several years, I’ve enjoyed working closely with the other editors here at The Mailbox to create, edit, and share a slew of great ideas for upper grades teachers. Just for fun, I’d like to share a few of my favorite ideas for your consideration. “My Page” – Sure, kids these days are…
If Student Test Results Determine Your Future
Is a student best summarized by a test score? I would give you a minute to think about that, but I know I don’t have to. You answered right away. Whether you’ve taught for just a year or you’re on the verge of retirement after a long and fulfilling career in the classroom, you know…
End-of-June Randomness
It’s tough to write a blog for teachers in the final days of June. Some of you have been done with your 2012-2013 school year for almost a month. Some of you are looking at your last few days. Retailers are blatantly guilty of starting their back-to-school promotions. And we will not give you even…