Of course I want the obvious, altruistic things for Christmas: 1. World peace 2. End to cancer (and all disease, while we’re at it) 3. Every child well-fed and well-read (I was going to say no child hungry or illiterate, but the rhyming is much more catchy). Today, though, I’m sharing my selfish, silly, materialistic […] Read more…
Inspire Your Kids To Read!
In my latest CHEX Daily segment, I’m chatting with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson about how to motivate and inspire your child to read over the holidays (or anytime!) I’m also showing some great recommendations, whether your child is just starting to read words, or is older and having trouble finding material that interests […] Read more…
My Favourite Holiday Books – Video
Today I’m sharing a video where I chat about my favourite holiday books (from an extensive collection!) My class looked on as I recorded the video and one student even got to play videographer (so my apologies for any shaking, but it was worth it for his experience!) What’s your favourite holiday book? I’d love […] Read more…
The Virgin Mary’s Diary: Kids Write the Cutest Things
I gave my kids a writing assignment: after listening to the Gospel account of when Mary learned she would be giving birth to Jesus, students were asked to complete a diary entry from Mary’s point of view. Here’s one particularly astute entry, shared (as always) with parental permission. Love it! Read more…
Should Schools Enforce Dress Codes? My CBC Radio “The 180” Interview
Last week, I was interviewed by Jim Brown at the CBC Radio show “The 180” about dress codes in schools. Regular readers already know my thoughts, as I’ve written about them before here (which is how the show found me): http://thismomloves.ca/2014/06/03/in-defense-of-school-dress-codes/ When looking at events taking place at other schools (currently being covered in the […] Read more…
The Possible Police: Cute Children’s Title
In “The Possible Police” (written by Wylde Scott and illustrated by Hannah K. Shuping) a child’s dreams are called into question by the eponymous authorities: “You simply can’t, it’s just not done…” “Give up your hope and face the facts!” However, the child knows better, with reponses like: “You have not seen, you do not […] Read more…
Christmas Gift Ideas For Teachers
In my latest CHEX Daily segment, I sit down with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson to chat about Christmas gifts for teachers: Are they necessary? What do teachers really appreciate? (It might not be what you think!) What if you’re on a budget? How can you acknowledge support staff? And (since Mike asks!) what […] Read more…
Hallmark’s New Northpole Collection – with GIVEAWAY!
I’m always excited to find a box from Hallmark on my front steps, and the latest delivery did not disappoint. Inside I found a selection of Northpole goodies, all the way from the enchanted city! My favourites: all of these fun supplies for North Pole-inspired baking! Shown below are Bake Like an Elf Kit with […] Read more…
My Christmas Decor: A Photo Tour
Today I’m giving you a little tour of my home, all decorated for Christmas (except for the tree, which isn’t up yet). A lot of credit this year goes to my creative mother, who came to help me shake things up . We’ve been in our house 11 years now, and I’ve been stuck in […] Read more…
Help Your Kids Get Organized – My CHEX Daily Segment
I love to organize, and I expect organization from my students as well as from my daughters (they’re all getting there). Having a (flexible) routine and an assigned place for everything makes life run so much more smoothly, especially at home with kids. That’s why this topic seemed very fitting for my latest “Teacher, Teacher!” […] Read more…