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| The Farmers' Almanac: More Than Just Weather |
| In eight years, The Farmers' Almanac will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. How did this book predicting the weather endure for so long? For one thing, according to its official website it has been uncannily accurate. For another, it features "tons of curiosity-driven articles, helpful hints, weather and gardening advice and much more."
History, recycling tips, trivia... Might be a worthy book to check out of the library and share with students; you may even be able to create an ongoing 'research' project wherein students track the Almanac's accuracy, taking turns giving oral reports from week to week. Visit: Farmers Almanac
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| People may be cutting back on what they spend on gifts this year, but one area where you don't have to skimp is on gift wrapping. You don’t need the most expensive ribbons to make pretty bows or the finest paper to let a gift recipient know how much you care.
In fact, handmade wrapping paper speaks volumes when it comes to creating a festive mood! Check out all kinds of gift wrapping techniques here.
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| Tips for Educators Who Want to Make the Most of Days Off |
| With their built-in vacations, education professionals are often envied by non-educator family and friends. People who don't work in education don't realize that there are many disadvantages to being locked into traditional, repetitive school calendars, from inflated costs to the inability to have some child-free time or oneself.
Not to worry! Joanna Moorhead has plenty of suggestions for handling those disadvantages in her article entitled, "The Kind of Holidays Teachers Dream of."
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Happy Holidays from School Announcement
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| "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." ~ Unknown Author
When I saw that quote, I immediately thought of how it applies to you and to everyone in education whose words, actions and intentions so profoundly affect our children. Whether you are an administrator or a teacher, I know your job is far from easy. Thank you for all you do, both seen and unseen! Can you believe 2009 is coming to a close -wow! We're on the threshold not only of a new year, but of a new decade as well. It's a time to look back, celebrate our accomplishments and plan for what we'd like to do differently in the months to come. This issue of School Pro Quick Tips features links to all kinds of resources designed to inspire you with positive perspectives and ideas.
Speaking of good ideas, this is an outstanding time to take advantage of our current School Announcement special offer. Our reliable, high-tech, high-touch messaging is perfect for both emergencies and for everyday communications with parents and staff. Right now we are offering a package through which your school or district would be charged only $250 for 2,500 calls -for emergency winter messaging! This offer will be good through February 1, 2010, and the calls won't expire until Feb 1, 2011.
For information, you know you're always welcome to call me at 401-243-8415 or to email me at tracy@schoolannouncement.com. I'm starting and ending this note with a thank you. Check out this "standing ovation" just for you, then pass it on to people you know who you'd like to thank with some good cheer: http://www.playfair.com/standingO/standingO.htm
Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Tracy Duncan
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| How to Calm Classroom Holiday Havoc |
| Bright lights. Joy. Anticipation. Ever notice how some of the very qualities that make the holidays special also create stress for children and adults alike? Of course you have! With that in mind, here are some tips that teachers, parents and anyone with children in their lives can try out to maintain some sanity amidst the celebrations:
• Let them vent! It's easier than it sounds. "Keeping Kids Calm Through the Holidays" provides some ideas to get you started.
• Preparation, transition and familiarity. Karen Plumley's article "Holiday Celebrations and Autism: Helping Autistic Kids Cope with Classroom Parties and Special Days," offers advice excellent advice that can be applied to all children.
• "Classroom Lessons Deliver Holiday 'Presence" This article features seven lesson plans to help you harness the energy of the season into constructive learning time. Great stuff!
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| Put New Year's to Good Use! |
| Want to create a positive change in your life or your classroom? Want to refresh yourself, revitalize your classroom, redirect your students? If so, then make the most of New Year's! Do some journaling, chat with friends or colleagues, or visit some of the abundant online resources on this subject to hone in on one thing you are willing to commit to, and one thing you can do to pump up the positivity in your classroom. You'll be glad you did! These articles can help with your brainstorming:
• In the article, "Teacher New Year’s Resolutions: Attainable goals for teachers and college professors," Naomi Rockler-Gladen offers sound, kind and do-able suggestions to help you wash your slate clean and refocus your educational efforts.
• Want New Year's themed worksheets, games or activities for your students? Get them here and here
• Children and adults alike are more receptive to learning when they are feeling positive. Use keywords like "positive psychology children" to search for articles on this fascinating topic.
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