Today is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, and we all know him for his history making achievements: leading our nation through the civil war and abolishing slavery. Presidential accomplishments aside, he was also just an interesting person. Check out these facts about our 16th president: Abraham Lincoln was 6’ 4” tall with a size 14 shoe! He…
In my opinion, February is less challenging than January. Why? January lasts FOREVER. It seems like it has 72 days instead of 31. Also, January is lacking in exciting celebrations, themes, and occasions. February is full of goodness! We’ve got Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Black History Month….
I taught in Michigan before moving to North Carolina to work for The Mailbox®. One of my southern coworkers once asked, “What did you do for recess on days when there was snow?” She seemed surprised when I told her we went out for recess every day unless the wind chill was more suitable for…
Do you remember when you were young and couldn’t read cursive writing? I have a distinct memory of being with older friends, viewing someone’s handwriting, and saying, “I can’t read cursive yet.” Cursive was a secret language and I was so excited to learn it in third grade! Currently 21 states require that students learn…
I just took down all the holiday decorations in my house, and everything is looking a little blah. That’s the problem with January: It can feel like a letdown because the holidays are over. Pep up the post-holiday season and motivate positive behavior with this engaging idea! Write fun but uncommon activities on separate index cards….
According to our local forecast for tomorrow, we’re supposed to get freezing rain. It’s not a surprising forecast because, after all, it’s winter—but it sure is messing up my plans! My husband and I were having friends over tomorrow evening, but we don’t want them driving on potentially hazardous roads. I have a few words…
The new year sure does roll around quickly! Didn’t we just do this? Welcome, 2024. It’s time to reflect on the old year and look forward to the near year. With that in mind, this is the perfect worksheet for January: verb tenses (reflections and resolutions) for grades 4–5. Click here to print out the…
Tuesday, December 19 is Holly Day, a day set aside to celebrate that lovely and prickly bush we all associate with this time of year. The red berries and green foliage are a traditional Christmas time decoration, but holly also has interesting mentions in folklore. In the past it’s been used for everything from avoiding…
I’m about to tell you something you might find shocking: I’ve never made a gingerbread house—not even one from a kit! The realization was so startling I actually went online to see about ordering one, but I looked at the images and thought, “I don’t have time for that!” Also, I have four cats and…
It’s December—that means it’s time for children in your classroom to lose their minds and forget the behavior rules they had down pat before the holidays. I totally get it because I’m a little squirrely in December as well! My office has a festive tree in it and I may or may not have had…