This poem book has long been a favorite of mine. I remember hearing the poems when I was in elementary school—and the illustrations bring back vivid childhood memories of fall. So when I taught in schools that had Halloween celebrations, I would always read this favorite aloud. One year, I read a particular poem with…
This Wednesday, July 1, is International Joke Day. Of all years, I think we could use a good joke or two during this one! Laughter is good for the soul—and it turns out that it really is the best medicine, relieving tension and stress plus helping your body produce its own natural painkillers. So in…
It is with a heavy heart that today I post my final blog for The Mailbox. You did not just cheer, did you? Nah, I know you didn’t. We’ve had some really fun times together. And not to worry, The Mailbox Blog will carry on in the very capable hands of Kim and Karen who…
This headline grabbed my attention: “Teacher Finds 2.12 Carat Diamond at State Park.” According to the article, the 36-year-old Nebraska teacher was visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park (I want to go there!) in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, when he noticed a shiny brown stone that looked distinctly different from the others. Yep, it was a diamond….
July is National Ice Cream Month, which isn’t surprising since the weather tends to be so hot! It’s a shame I don’t currently have ice cream in my freezer, but if I did it would probably be chocolate chip cookie dough, which happens to be the fifth most popular flavor in the U.S. What are…
This past week, as I described it to my friends, was Kim Maintenance Week. Some fluke had me going to the dentist for a permanent crown, the eye doctor for new glasses, and the hairdresser for a cut and color all within the same week. Now I feel all shiny and put together. But all…
You’ve probably heard about Katherine Johnson, the NASA mastermind mathematician who calculated by hand the flight path for John Glenn’s orbit of the Earth and the Apollo flights to the moon. The new book Counting on Katherine (Henry Holt) beautifully shares Katherine Johnson’s inspiring story. And even though I hate to let go of my…
This week I’ve gathered up a pile of great books about families. And you could win the whole stack! Here’s what I have: If I Didn’t Have You (Simon & Schuster) The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team (Kids Can Press) Daddies Do (Sterling) The Strongest Mom (Albert Whitman) Bunny’s Staycation (Scholastic) The Best Mother (Abrams)…
I tend to avoid controversial topics here at The Mailbox® blog. Getting everyone riled up is not my goal. But for this blog I’m going to skirt the edge of controversy. It’s really just the edge though…I promise. So last week students all over the U.S. walked out of class to protest gun violence. I…
Who called for a truck full of ducks? Take a much-deserved giggle break and find out. To enter our giveaway, share one thing that quacked you up today. Submit your comment by Wednesday, March 28, and you could be our randomly selected teacher-winner. Good duck—I mean, good luck! Here are some other fun…