It’s that time of year when teachers (and parents) are ready to pull out their hair for one reason or another. If your kiddos’ attention spans and brain waves have been intercepted by the upcoming Christmas holiday, try this. Grab a bag of cotton balls and a glue stick. Then print a copy of the…
Do you know the Christmas song, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas?” The singer proclaims that only a hippopotamus will do—not a crocodile or rhinoceros. Well, I couldn’t find a hippo, but I did find an adorable rhino decked out in a winter scarf that I’m pretty sure will do for this month’s First Friday…
What can 1,800 pounds of butter; 2,925 pounds of brown sugar; 7,200 eggs; 7,200 pounds of all-purpose flour; 1,080 ounces of ginger; and a few other ingredients create? A giant gingerbread house, that’s what. The 21-foot high house, which was built in 2013 to help raise money for a trauma center, covered an area about…
I feel certain there’s a lot of trash talking taking place today given that there are a bazillion football games being played. It’s Black Friday after all. There’s sure to be some pushing and shoving on and off the field too. Shoppers searching for super-duper deals can get a bit aggressive! But I’m talking trash….
“Over the river and through the wood, to Grandfather’s house we go.” Those are the first two lines of the traditional Thanksgiving poem titled “The New-England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day.” That was back in 1844. Over the years the poem was set to music. The title was changed. The destination became Grandmother’s house. Oh,…
Has being kind to others become unfashionable, unhip, or uncool? Sometimes it feels that way, doesn’t it? It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the pressures of daily life that being kind to others slips through the cracks. However, when kindness becomes a habit, it doesn’t slip. It becomes something you do without even…
Happy November all! Did you know that November is Picture Book Month? I love this celebration for many reasons. I love me some picture books. I love holding picture books. I love reading picture books. I love the artistry of picture books. I love sharing picture books. (Yes, I could go on and on…) More…
You’ve heard of Puxatawny Phil, the groundhog that supposedly forecasts the coming of spring. But have you heard of the woolly worm, or woolly bear, as it is sometimes called? Last week two colleagues of mine discovered some woolly worms hanging around outside our office. Just so you know, woolly worms aren’t actually worms at…
October is a great time to let a few monsters into your classroom. I’ve rounded up three of my favorite monster books along with a few of my fave monster activities from themailbox.com. Wishing you a monstrously great time! Diane
Next Wednesday, October 17, 2018, is National Fossil Day. Now I’m talkin’ about the remains or impressions of prehistoric organisms, not cantankerous old fossils. I’m sure today’s youth view me as an old fossil, however, hopefully not a cantankerous one! In celebration of National Fossil Day, I’m hooking you up with some nifty resources. Fortunately,…