Reading to build relationships

Check out Cathy Puett Miller's guest post on the Motherhood Later blog!

A seasonal note from Publisher Julia Graddy!

Welcome to the holiday season! That crazy time when - if we take a moment to pause and remember - life can be full of more than shopping and to-do lists. Maybe it's the weather, but this time of year also tends to cause us to take stock of blessings and reflect on the passing year's joys and sorrows, as well as its lessons. For me, one of the greatest joys has to have been the opportunity to meet so many teachers at conferences. Your support and continued confidence mean more to me than I could possibly express.

So, here at Maupin House, we are taking time this holiday season to say "thank you" to our wonderful, extended professional family - you, the educator. I hope
you can do a little shopping for yourself this season as we thank you for your business and your support during the year. Our special 30 percent discount includes free shipping and extends through January 3. Just use coupon code ENews1209 when you order online, by phone (800-524-0634), or by fax (352-373-5546).

Whether you are a new primary teacher or an experienced high-school teacher or something in between, we have something for you that will hopefully make your job easier and better in the coming year.

I hope you enjoy your holiday break, and that you fill it with dear friends and family, sharing the most treasured gift you can give: your time and love.

Best wishes for 2010!

Julia Graddy, Publisher
Lucy the mastiff, Resident Office Dog

Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom

Jose Picardo's video provides a practical list of ed-tech strategies you can start using in your classroom today. For more great tips and videos, check out his Technology and Education - Box of Tricks website.

Talking Story

The latest issue of "Talking Story," a monthly e-newsletter from authors Joyce Moyer Hostetter and Carol Baldwin, features reviews of Giggles in the Middle and The Chortling Bard by Jane Bell Kiester. Check out the newsletter and subscribe here.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for Grades 7-12

Thanks to Carol Baldwin for passing on this award announcement. Good luck to all who apply!

THE SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS FOR GRADES 7-12
Deadline: January 10
The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers invites students in grades seven to twelve to participate in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2010, the nation's longest-running, largest, most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers in the literary arts. Scholarships are provided from a pool of $3.25 million in tuition support, the largest source of funding for teens in the arts. The top five writing portfolios submitted by graduating seniors are recognized with Portfolio Gold Awards of $10,000 each. For more information, visit http://www.artandwriting.org

The K5

Hey parents! Are you looking for quick, fun videos that give you tips on learning, activity ideas, and news relating to your elementary-aged child? The K5 has some great videos, a blog, and a helpful Q & A section. Check out this video on improving reading comprehension with your kids. If you're a teacher looking for more reading comprehension ideas and free downloads, browse some of Maupin House's best resources here.

"What Do Teachers Make?": An email worth forwarding

UPDATE: Thanks to blog reader retemirabile for pointing out that this email is based on a perfomance by slam poet Taylor Mali. Watch the video here.

Maybe you've seen this email floating around the Web. Well, we think it's worth sharing as a reminder of the immeasurable value of teachers and the important work they do.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He
argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best
option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher,
Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You
want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents
can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and
every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.. Keyboarding isn't
everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given
brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to
know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we
live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were
given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.
(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money
isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention
because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A
DIFFERENCE. What do you make, Mr. CEO?"

His jaw dropped; he went silent.

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER, EVERY CEO, EVERY PERSON YOU KNOW.

Even all your personal teachers like mothers, fathers, brothers,
sisters, coaches and your spiritual leaders/teachers.

A profound answer!!!

Real Teacher Reviews: Giggles in the Middle

North Carolina teacher Rebecca Quick discusses Jane Bell Kiester's Giggles in the Middle: Caught'ya! Grammar with a Giggle for Middle School.

The Recovery Act at work

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has awarded $100 billion to fund new investments in education and has reportedly saved or created at least 325,000 jobs, according to state data and information from the Office of Management and Budget.

The Recovery act will provide stimulus funds to support staff development, pre-K programs, parent involvement, tutoring, summer school, and special needs programs. The goal of the plan is to provide short-term assistance that will lay the foundation for long term success in education nationwide.

Find out more about the Recovery Act by watching this short video detailing how the Recovery Act is providing aid to schools in Tennessee and Nevada.



As parents and teachers, it's important to know how and where stimulus funds are being used in local schools. Visit the Recovery Act's website to track Recovery Act spending in your state!