Now that Sam I Am has tried green eggs and ham, he wants his friend Brice S. Twice to try fried snake and rice. I’m serious! What could be more fun on Dr. Seuss’s birthdate, March 2, than getting a little crazy with words. I believe the great author would be proud! Little ones can…
Teachers and Teaching
Tooth Fairy Revelation
It’s been a long time, and I mean long time, since I’ve had a visit from the tooth fairy. Yet I can still recall the excitement that accompanied an anticipated visit from the winged wonder. Since next Saturday, February 28, is National Tooth Fairy Day (and February is National Children’s Dental Health Month), I decided…
Terrific Timers!
How many of you use a timer of some sort to manage your classroom? I used mini sand timers. I had one that ran for three minutes and a second option that ran for five minutes. My students loved them so much they actually played with them during free time! I think there’s something incredibly…
This Will Make You Smile
Today’s blog is a true tale. It’s a typical Monday morning. The kindergartener has been coaxed out of bed. Dad is helping her get ready for school, and Mom flies downstairs to throw together a quick breakfast of juice and cereal. The family dog, tail wagging, meets Mom at the bottom of the stairs. Then…
My Fault?
Hindsight is 20/20 they say. And that’s never so true as when I look back on my time teaching. It makes me realize how certain discipline issues in my classroom were actually my fault. Yes, indeed! Did I do what I should have to prevent Student A from having a meltdown? Did I give Student B…
Where Should You Teach?
If you’re looking for the most financially stable place to teach, where should you go? The answer is (drumroll, please)…Columbus, Ohio! Who knew? And the worst place financially? Newark, NJ. Check out lists of both the best and worst school districts here. Of course, we all know that being financially stable doesn’t guarantee a happy…
Ditch the Chart?
Do you use a behavior chart? I admit that when I taught, I used one. It was the typical chart where my students used green, yellow, and red cards in little pockets. And the system generally worked pretty well. But more and more, I’ve seen random articles and teacher blogs condemning behavior charts. (Although if…
Are You Having Fun?
Guess what day it is? Well, yes, it is hump day. However, the day I have in mind is recognized just once a year, yet what it promotes hopefully occurs a whole lot more often. Confused? Here’s the answer: today, January 28, is…drum roll, please…National Fun at Work Day! Now this doesn’t mean you can…
Tic-Tac-Toe Return
Here is the scenario: You haven’t seen your students in over a week, and they have a whole lot they want to share with you and with each other. You really want to learn about each child’s holiday; however, you also know there just isn’t time for everyone to share. Sound like your classroom? Then…
A New Year AND a Giveaway!
To be honest, I can’t think of a better way to welcome 2015 than with a First Friday Giveaway! January is Get Organized Month. This may not come as a total surprise. I would guess that getting organized is a popular New Year’s resolution. But here’s something you may not know: according to a survey…