Six Simple Things to Smile About

1. The excitement in a classroom when reading "The Gingerbread Man."

2. Reviewing student reading progress on Raz-kids.com.

3. Listening to the kids explain the routines and expectations for independent work time.

4. Joe bringing three small packages of gummy bears to Lunch Bunch. One for himself, one for me, and the third for Miss Gilbert.

5. Receiving a box of books from Scholastic. I love passing out the books and seeing what titles the kids choose to build their home library.

6. Being offered a book for read aloud time by a former student. I'd love to read it to my class next week Dehne!

A Great Idea...

This week I've been doing my best to fight off a nasty cold. I even took a sick day on Wednesday, this rarely happens because I don't like missing school. It eased my mind knowing that Miss Gilbert was there to teach and that our daily routines would continue. I've been resting, drinking hot tea, and poking around on Pinterest.com (my social networking guilty pleasure). Today I found the most adorable idea that I want to pass along to all parents. It's a gift for you to give your child at their high school graduation, but at the end of 8th grade could be fun too! Click here for a link to the original post.

Start by getting a copy of "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. At the end of each school year, have your child's teacher write a note and sign the book. Then at graduation this is a special gift and a fun way to remember all their hard work throughout the years. Someday I hope to remember this idea and do it for my own kiddos too!

If you are a former parent and would like to backtrack a book like this for your child, just bring it in. I'd be happy to sign the book and write a nice note!