The Mailbox Blog

Dear Parents…

Amy Erickson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:14:57 +0000

Recently I visited several classrooms without even leaving my office. How did I manage that? By using my computer! I found some great teacher blogs and class Web sites, and I had a wonderful time getting a glimpse of what some teachers and kids are doing in their classrooms.

What’s in Your Inbox?

Hope Spencer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:36:38 +0000

I remember when I got my first email account. I was so excited to open the inbox and find a message! Then I discovered that I could sign up for newsletters and coupons from my favorite companies. I really felt like I was on the cutting edge of technology. When I started receiving photo updates from faraway family and friends, well, I thought email was about the best invention ever!

It’s Groundhog Day!

Sherry McGregor — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:24:45 +0000

So what’s the word where you are? Are you facing six more weeks of winter, or is spring just around the corner? Growing up in the West, I had never heard of the celebrated groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.

It’s Time for a Snack—Who’s Hungry?

Jen Bragg — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:18:54 +0000

As I write this blog entry, the clock before me is clicking closer to 10:00, and that means…snacktime. Every morning I take a short break and refuel. Usually I opt for fruit or a granola bar, but occasionally I give in to my salty cravings and nibble on some chips. When I can, I like to read something light and fun while I snack. It reminds me of snacktime with my second graders in California.

Hooray for Hobbies!

Kim Murphy — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:19:23 +0000

I recently started taking a drawing and painting class. Now let me be clear—I have reasonable fine-motor skills, but no one is going to confuse my work with Monet’s anytime soon.

Help for Busy Teachers

Hope Spencer — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:47:04 +0000

My first two years of teaching were spent in a first-grade classroom. If you know first graders, you know that I was one happy lady. You also know that I was one busy lady! Why was I so busy? I needed to keep those first graders busy! Whew!

A Silly Secret

Diane Badden — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:39:29 +0000

I have a secret to share! First, let me clarify that this secret is 100 percent about me. It has nothing to do with teaching, teachers, or students. It’s an all-about-me secret. So what’s up?

Those Tricky Report Card Comments!

Sharon M. Tresino — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:41:24 +0000

Recently I took my golden retriever, Max, to a new kennel while I was out of town. It advertised all the luxuries of home—soft bedding, TVs tuned to animal shows, playtime, and special treats for snacktime. Although it cost more than I wanted to spend, I decided Max deserved a little extra TLC since I was going to be enjoying a vacation. When I picked him up, the kennel staff presented me with a report card for Max.

My Career Choice

Hope Spencer — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:28:01 +0000

Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a teacher. I think I decided for sure when I was in the second grade. I was in awe of my teacher, Ms. Miller. I thought she was the smartest, prettiest lady in the world (except for my mother, of course). Because of teachers like Ms. Miller, I met beloved book characters. I learned how to work with numbers and learned all about the earth and its creatures. Teachers were role models for me, in life as well as academics.

Morning Routines

Sherry McGregor — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:27:53 +0000

On my way to work this morning, I was thinking about you—about how you make a difference in your students’ lives each day. Wow. I drive by two elementary schools on my short commute, and I often find myself imagining students’ arrival in each classroom.