Fabulous February Freebies

February 5–11, 2009, is Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week. Mark the event with free resources from virtual field trip provider MeetMeAtTheCorner.org. You’ll find kid-led interviews with authors and illustrators, standards-based activities and questions, and more.

Do something a little different this summer! The National Endowment for the Humanities Division of Education Programs offers teachers opportunities to study a wide variety of topics at summer seminars and institutes. Teachers who are selected to participate receive a stipend to help cover travel costs, books, and living expenses. To learn more, visit www.neh.gov/projects/si-school.html. Postmark applications by March 2, 2009.

Ever wondered who designs the special seasonal graphics on the Google search page? It could be your students! This year’s Doodle 4 Google design competition challenges K–12 students to use Google’s logo to convey the theme “What I wish for the world.” The winning student’s design will be featured on the site in May. Register your class by March 17, 2009.

Arthur, D.W., and Buster are looking for a new friend! Students ages 6–12 are invited to dream up a new character who can show that having a disability or a unique ability or trait makes life different but no less fun. Kids send a drawing and a description of their character. The winner and his or her character will be featured on the show and will get a visit from Arthur creator and author Marc Brown. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2009.