I brought my own supplies to work today, and it brought back memories of when I was in the classroom! I noticed that we were out of gray tempera paint here at The Mailbox, and I needed it to transform a paper plate into a hippo. (When I say things like that, it makes me…
Organization and Supplies
A Sticky Subject
I don’t remember eating paste as a child. I’m not saying that I didn’t eat it, but if I did, the taste was so traumatic that I completely blocked it from my memory. I do vividly remember paste in the classroom though. It came in those jars with the brushes attached to the lids. And…
When Students Are Absent
Ah-choo! It’s that time of year, or at least my nose thinks it is! Isn’t early December about the time students begin missing school due to wintertime illnesses, such as the cold and flu? No teacher wants her students to be sick—well, wait a minute, there was a student or two…:0) But seriously, an absent…
Not Just Office Supplies
Are sticky notes office supplies? Or are they classroom supplies? Well, here’s my opinion—who cares! Teachers definitely have a knack for transforming ordinary office supplies into teaching tools. Paper clips, envelopes, binder clips, sticky notes, pushpins, tape dispensers: the list goes on! Our editors are eager to find out how you use ordinary office supplies…
Fun Classroom Finds
Did your summer include some fun classroom finds? You know the type—a $1 roll of duct tape in a bargain bin, a 75% discounted pillow for your reading nook, or some dirt-cheap pencil pouches for storing word sorts. Maybe you found some green gloves that can become frog puppets! I actually did find a one-buck…
Bulletin Board Border
I’ve got a question for ya this Monday morning! Have you discovered new ways to use bulletin board border? There are so many colorful designs available! Of course, you probably want to put newly purchased border around a bulletin board, but what about the border you used last year or the year before? Has anyone…
Fingerprints
Isn’t it interesting how something can catch your eye and you’re off and running with an idea? This happened to me. I recently read that July 28 is the day the first fingerprint was taken. I tried to verify this bit of trivia but couldn’t. However, I just can’t let go of the whole notion…
Don’t Throw It Away!
Teachers, y’all are the very best at finding practical uses for familiar items. Check out this adorable fire-breathing dragon from a recent issue of The Mailbox magazine. Those impressive scales were made by painting bubble wrap with dark green paint and then pressing the painted material on light green paper. Maybe you have ideas for…
Favorite Teacher Gadget
Okay, I know you’ve only been in school a month or so—maybe not even that long. But I just have to ask. What is your favorite teacher gadget at this point in the school year? Eager to hear! Diane
Keeping Things Simple
Happy August everyone! Did you know the first week of August is Simplify Your Life Week? I sure didn’t—at least not until just a few minutes ago! The way I see it, the timing of this special week is perfect for teachers. After all, when school begins, doesn’t every teacher wish his or her life…