Oh, how I envisioned creating this post three, four, even five weeks ago. But life got in the way. So here it is: eclipse 2017 resources for families--even if you're last-minute, like me. Unless you've been living in a cave, you know that on August 21, we'll experience a total solar eclipse. I am going to hit you quickly with everything we're doing on the big day so that you can do it, too. Grab a friend or two, a few other neighbors or families, or your students if you're back in … [Read more...]
say NO to teen smoking: Right Decisions, Right Now
When I was asked by the good people at Right Decisions, Right Now and We Are Teachers to share information about teens and smoking with my readers, I shook my head in disbelief. Kids are really still smoking? Is cigarette smoking still a thing in 2017? Which kid are really pressuring others to try smoking? My kids better not ever try smoking. Heck, my kids' friends better not pressure them into anything. But really--smoking is indeed still a thing, and young people between the ages of … [Read more...]
teacher appreciation gifts for all of your kids’ teachers
Friends. Teacher Appreciation gifts can sometimes break the bank, and I know that can be hard. But being a teacher myself, I can tell you that really, sometimes simple and heartfelt is a much better way to go. Teachers appreciate hearing 'thank you' any day of the week. Really and truly. Having three kids in school and about a million teachers to recognize, I know it can also get super expensive to give gifts to these important people in your children's lives. Here's a sweet and … [Read more...]
top 5 must-read books for kids: babies through teens
Over the years, many readers and friends have asked me the about the must-read books for kids. Every few weeks, I get asked the million dollar questions: What books should my kids read? What are the best books for 5-year-olds? Which books will my 12-year-old love to read? Please tell me how to spend my book money--which are the must-have books for kids? We're heading to the library. Which books should I pick up? I've had the conversation over and over and over again. So … [Read more...]
talking to tweens about drugs: it’s time to start now
Sometimes when I actually stop to think about the fact that we have a 12, 11, and 9 year old in the house, I cannot even believe it. I absolutely cannot wrap my head around it. I can't believe that in two years,we'll no longer have a child in elementary school. I can't believe that in four years, we'll have a middle schooler and two high schoolers. I can't believe that in less than ten years, we'll have three kids in college. I honestly can't believe that all of those 'big' … [Read more...]
pat on the back notes for kids who are trying their best
Let's face it, friends. Life for kids can be pretty tough. It's hard to be a kid these days--harder than it was for us. School was hard enough for me way back when, even without all the new pressures of social media. I can't even imagine how the presence of Instagram, Snapchat, Musical.ly, and everything else would have colored my middle school or high school experience. I don't even want to think about it. So honestly, any time we can give our kids a pat on the back for trying … [Read more...]
say something week: prevent violence or suicide in YOUR child’s school
Did you know? When it comes to violence, suicide and threats, most are known by at least one other individual before the incident takes place. In 4 out of 5 school shootings, the attacker told people of his or her plans ahead of time. 7 out of 10 people who complete suicide told someone of their plans or gave some type of warning or indication. I had no idea. Really and truly. But it makes sense. Imagine how much tragedy could be averted if these individuals said … [Read more...]
cool halloween costumes for tweens (costumes inspired by great books!)
Halloween is sometimes hard for our tweens. They still want to go out and Trick-or-Treat, but they're starting to feel a little funny about it. So why not help our bigger kids out with the costume dilemma by suggesting some cool, book-inspired Halloween costumes this year? Let's celebrate some of their favorite characters, themes, and ideas from literature this Halloween. I've hunted down a ton of cool Halloween costumes for tweens, and each costume is inspired by some great … [Read more...]
make free ICE [In Case of Emergency] cards for your kids
![make free ICE [In Case of Emergency] cards for your kids](https://teachmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/make-ICE-in-case-of-emergency-cards-for-your-kids-teachmama.com-2-360x200.png)
Friends. I've shared that this month is National Preparedness Month. Have you checked it out? Have you created your Emergency Prep Kit? Your Go-Bags? Your ICE Cards? It's okay. I know you're busy. We all are. But take two minutes today and create ICE [In Case of Emergency] Cards for your kids. ICE Cards are super easy to make, and the whole purpose of them is to keep your kids safe. Thanks to Save the Children's site, you can make these cards in two minutes. Two … [Read more...]
save money and time this school year: 7 classroom hacks for teachers
Back-to-school season isn’t just for students, my friends. As thousands of schools have been opening their doors, teachers have been working tirelessly setting up classrooms, preparing lesson plans and printing materials for their students. In a school spending survey, almost 80% of teachers say they use their own money on material supplies in what amounts to a $1 billion annual spend for their classrooms. That is a LOT of money. And many teachers don’t have the extra to … [Read more...]
how to make back to school fun for kids: 10 tips from a 12-year-old who knows
This week marks the official end to summer, but if your kids are unusually cranky, maybe it's not all because of the school bell. Maybe it's because you, as a family, neglected to do one of these ten 'must-do' things. (I'm kidding. Kind of.) According to Maddy, my now seventh grader (unbelievable!), these ten things are what kids really want. And they're what she believes will make back-to-school totally awesome, top-notch, and fab for kids. Because that's what we want, right? … [Read more...]
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