These days it seems that we hear more and more about the lack of art instruction in schools, or the idea that art is extracurricular rather than part of everyday education. This year, my two nephews began attending a school with a particular focus on visual and performing arts. The arts are integrated into the … Continue reading An Education in Creativity
Wait! Don’t throw out that icky, old glue stick or empty glue bottle; you can recycle it. Better yet, use the sticky mess to open a discussion about going green or greener. We are all aware (or should be) of the recycling potential of glass, paper, and plastic, but there is so much more we … Continue reading Going Green
The spring and fall of 2009 have been trying times for California teachers. Even those with several years of experience entered the month of March on an anxious note, with their jobs in jeopardy amidst news of statewide budget cuts. As the temperatures of summer rose, so, too, did the number of pink slips handed … Continue reading There’s No Substitute for Being Prepared
You might already be aware that Senate Resolution 310 declares October 20, 2009 as the National Day on Writing. I read the whole resolution (you can read it here). The part I particularly like reads, “the National Day of Writing highlights the importance of writing instruction and practice at every educational level and in every … Continue reading National Day on Writing