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,…
It’s Fire Prevention Week (October 7–13, 2018)! This year’s theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The National Fire Protection Association reports that at-home fires are resulting in more deaths than in previous decades. Please take time to educate your students about three basic and essential steps (see below) that can…
Happy October, all! I just love first Fridays, don’t you? This month I’ve rounded up some fab-for-fall goodies to give away. I have colorful leaf-shaped foam stickers, foam cutouts in fall shapes, and a fall-themed craft value pack that includes wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, and pom-poms. There’s also a pack of Thanksgiving-themed activity placemats that…
“A man who never makes a mistake is unlikely to make anything.” –Anonymous Today is Less Than Perfect Day–a day to discuss how we’re all less than perfect and tend to make mistakes. As a child, I was terrified to make mistakes, particularly in front of my peers. That’s a pretty common feeling among…
Yes, this blog is cat themed. This doesn’t mean you need to be a cat person. It just means I have some super cute cat-themed activities for you! You see, September is Happy Cat Month. I almost let this feline celebration slip through the cracks. The good news is that cat-themed activities are appropriate for…
You have to love a guy who spent much of his lifetime planting apple seeds, who loved animals, and who respected Native Americans. This coming Wednesday, September 26, is that guy’s birthday and his name is John Chapman aka Johnny Appleseed. Set the tone for a special day with the following circle time tune. I’ve…
Ahoy, mateys! It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day and I’ve secured ye some booty. Arrr! Since 2002, Talk Like a Pirate Day has been celebrated on September 19. While some folks may not favor the day—it is true that real pirates are nothing to be adored—the day is a fun excuse to add some swashbuckle…
I just had a flashback to my days in elementary school, as a student rather than a teacher. You probably aren’t aware that September is International Square Dance Month (and you probably don’t care either…ha!). Learning this reminded me of when square dancing was part of fourth and fifth grade P.E. I loved every part…