I can't believe it took so long for me to be reminded of one of my favorite teaching activities: Scribbles. When we needed a break from the routine classwork, an imagination boost, or just some time of peace and quiet, I always loved to grab my file cards and get the kids coloring. A few days ago, the kids were running wild through the house. It was almost time for me to make lunch and all I wanted to do was cook in peace. I was prepared. I had drawn scribbles on about 15 4x6 cards with a … [Read more...]
Teacher Gift Lists
June 8, 2011 By 1 Comment
When my statistics show my suggestions for teacher gifts posts are among my most popular posts for the week, it's always a great reminder for me that I need to purchase teacher gifts. So... to make it easy for everyone, here are links to some of my most popular teacher gift posts: End of the Year Gifts, the good, the bad and how much to spend Tip: Buy your teacher gifts now More teacher gift ideas 5 things... Not to give as a teacher gift! Blogging it forward: Preschool Teacher Gift 5 … [Read more...]
PTO end-of-year newsletter
June 7, 2011 By 4 Comments
For our PTO newsletter this month, I wrote a thank you to all of our volunteers. It also mentioned advice to parents about the importance of getting involved in your child's school. Finally, I asked parents to reach out to new families to make them feel welcome and share the many ways to feel involved. On behalf of the PTO, I want to thank all of our volunteers for giving of their time, interest and love to support the programs here at SCHOOL NAME. Our school would not be as magical for the … [Read more...]
Classroom Idea: Pencil Lost & Found
January 6, 2011 By 1 Comment
Teachers: need a solution for the child who is always losing his pencil? Parents: want to work with your child to make a useful gift for a teacher? Try this cure for the I need a pencil whisper or whine: a Pencil Lost & Found. Image by velostricken via Flickr Very simply, collect an empty coffee can (a glass, wide-lipped jar works well, too) and decorate it colorfully. Label it "Pencil Lost and Found." Place a few pencils in the can. Whenever a pencil is found without its owner, place … [Read more...]
Should schools and PTOs be encouraging children to eat fast food?
October 21, 2010 By 10 Comments
Image by Downing Street via Flickr Last week, I heard of an elementary school fundraiser entitled McTeachers. It seemed that teachers would be working the registers at a local McDonald's and "a percentage of all sales" would go directly to the school. (Note the word "a", and not a number. We have no idea if this was 50% or .25%). In a time when Jamie Oliver is hosting a top television show teaching families to eat healthy and changing our schools to serve non-processed foods, and schools and … [Read more...]
Melvin: He just acted like a tough kid
September 3, 2010 By 2 Comments
All these bullying and wimpy kid stories have brought back quite a few teaching stories for me. Today, I want to tell you about Melvin*. Melvin was a tall, African American boy. He transferred to our school in the middle of 3rd grade. He had a "tough guy" attitude and while I was often the teacher that most of the African American parents requested, he wasn't in my room in fourth grade. I'll admit to being pleased about that. Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to have known him at … [Read more...]
