September is Curiosity Month! I have a suspicion that you’re a curious person. Why? Because you’re a teacher and you love learning. And all teachers want to encourage curiosity in their students. It certainly worked with me. Curiosity leads me down the Internet rabbit hole frequently. That’s how I came upon the knowledge that a…
Lane Smith, the award winning illustrator, turns 61 on Tuesday, August 25. What a perfect time to use the activities below that go with one of his most popular book collaborations, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. If your students think they know the story The Three Little Pigs, they just might change their…
Summer is heating up, my teacher friends! Here in North Carolina, it’s so humid outside it feels like you’re trying to breathe mayonnaise. That’s why it’s nice to settle down in the air conditioning with little ones, a popsicle, and some super summer read alouds! Check out these suggestions guaranteed to make children (and you)…
Reading is an obvious way that students can learn at home—and being quarantined at home certainly gives them lots of opportunities! (Personally, I’m working my way through The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin.) That’s why I thought you might like these printables that encourage students to respond to literature. Click here for this book report…
In just a little more than a week, March 2nd will roll around and we all know what that means—it’s Dr. Seuss Day! So what kinds of fun things do teachers do to celebrate the birth of this awesome author? If I tried to tell you, this blog would go on forever and ever and…
November 25th is P.D. Eastman’s birthday! He would be 110 years old if he were still with us. When I think of P.D. Eastman, the first thing that comes to mind is his book, Go, Dog. Go! He illustrated and frequently authored 18 picture books for children that are easy to read and often giggle-inducing….
Drumroll, please. Okay, that was a little weak. Let’s do a second one. Much better!! Today is the unveiling of a Dream Team of Picture Books. During the last two weeks Kim and I have been drafting books for the team. Because there are soooooo many wonderful picture books available, we needed to narrow the…
I’m not a sports fan. It’s just not my thing. Whenever people have a conversation that involves sportzing, I get this glazed look on my face and begin to plan my method of escape. But when co-bloggers Karen and Diane discussed creating a “Best Picture Books Draft,” series of blogs, I decided I could get…
In our office we have a mix of sports fans. Some are extreme, some are so-so, and others are totally oblivious. Those who love sports talk enthusiastically about wins, losses, points, conversions, punt returns, etc. Those of us who fall into the so-so and oblivious groups nod politely, try our best to look engaged, and…
Did I hear a “Me! Me! Me!” Well then, I’ll tell you how you can enter for a chance to win 20 free books for your classroom library. You may or may not know that The Mailbox is on Instagram. Just like on The Mailbox Blog, we have started doing giveaways for teachers on Instagram. You…