Back to School!

By: Colleen | August 20, 2008 | Category: General

In the immortal words of Billy Madison, "Back to school, back to school, to school busprove to Dad I am not a fool..."

Hard to believe but it really is that time again. You can nearly hear the collective groan of kids packing their book bags and dashing to the library to finish up the summer's required reading list.

Back to school isn't just about the kids though. Parents and teachers need to be ready to get "back to business" as well. For kids just starting school, parents should be sure their children's immunizations are up to date and they get back into a normal bedtime routine. Thinking farther ahead, other parents might want to start thinking about saving for their kids' college education.

Teachers are always looking for new ideas and materials to use in the classroom. For educators, Kids.gov has a whole section just for you! Check out "Teacher to Teacher," a great site where teachers can share information electronically using e-mail, pod-casts, or other technology. Some states will even accept these online workshops as career development credit. Federal Resources for Educational Excellence is another great place for resources from federal agencies.

Any special tips for getting your little ones (or yourself) back on the school bus and ready for another year?

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Help for Teachers

By: Colleen | February 13, 2008 | Category: General

Amongst my group of friends, I am the oddball. This has a little to do with my taste in music, but more so that I am not a teacher. While it's not ENTIRELY the case, it sure seems like all of my friends are teachers.

My best friend commands a tribe of 5th graders. My high school partner in crime teaches middle school English (a feat that deserves a medal—battling the awkward braces years and all). My college accomplice? 3rd grade. Next door neighbor/sandbox buddy? She's also holding down the 5th grade. And finally, my roommate—kindergarten and first grade.

Because of these relationships, I am privy to the daily trials and tribulations that come with life when one educates the youth of America. Some of my favorites?

  • Weekly battles to secure the "best" times on the lamination machine user schedule.
  • Highly contested space on hallway bulletin boards

I had little insight or potential solutions to problems of this realm until recently.

Due to the frigid weather we've been experiencing lately, the kids have been denied their typical outdoor recess. 25+ kids trapped inside for playtime is taking years off my poor roommate's life.

Finally able to help her out, I talked to her about Kids.gov. This super cool site is filled with games and activities—perfect for indoor fun. All of the 1,300 links are federally approved, so parents and educators can be assured they are safe and appropriate. It also offers homework help. I wish I had the "Ask Dr. Math" site when I was a kid. Could have saved my parents and sister a few headaches (or gray hairs)!

Besides fun and educational information for kids, Kids.gov has a full section specifically for teachers. It has tons of lesson plans, activity ideas, and helpful tools for the classroom.

Once they have the kids entertained, teachers can also find useful links at USA.gov. It's a great resource to mix up straight from textbook lessons, or add some spice to a topic that can be a bit mundane. Like free stuff? Check out the cool posters, printed materials, and lesson plans from Pueblo.

Go forth and mold those young minds!

| Comments [2] | envelope Email This Entry | Tags: colleen   education   help   kids   teacher