9/11/01: We Will Never Forget...

It's hard to believe that tomorrow will mark 12 years since that most fateful day in America. It truly feels like it was yesterday, as I can remember every detail of that day. Though I did not personally lose anyone in that tragedy, it was still a heartbreaking event. 

God Bless America and all of those who were affected! 

For many of us, we either have young children and/or work with young children daily. These children may not realize the impact that fateful day had on our country. It's important to let them know about the day in the most calm manner that we can. The idea is to inform them of the history, not scare them. Some of the videos and images they may see on TV tomorrow could seem scary. However, if they know the background behind those images, hopefully we can help to reduce the scariness of the situation. 

Whether discussing this in the classroom or at home, I am including many resources to help students and children understand and remember 9/11/01. 

We Will Never Forget!! 

Wonderful Book for Students

9/11 Books for Kids

Free Patriots Day Printables

Talking with Children about 9/11: Ideas and Activities

Brain Pop: 9/11

What Happened on 9/11: For Kids

Informative Questions and Answers for Kids: September 11th

9/11: A Date Americans Will Never Forget

9/11 Attacks (History Channel)

Technology Resources for Talking to your Kids about 9/11

Fun Links & Summer Ideas

Lately I've come across a few game sites and some other fun summer kid ideas that I feel the need to share! We all know that kids can get bored over the summer months, so here's hoping these ideas and links will help out kids of all ages! 

Whether they enjoy technology or hands on activities, hopefully there is something here for everyone. 

Enjoy! 

Summertime Fun: Pinterest Board

Highlights Kids

Watermelon Activities

Room Recess: Educational Games

Online Resources to Help Avoid the "Summer Slide"

As a teacher, one of the big frustrations at the beginning of every school year, is having to reteach skills to students that were taught to them at the previous grade level. 

While it's nice to have summers off, it really can "hurt" students in terms of the academic knowledge that can be lost. 

It's vital to let parents know the importance of reading, practicing basic math facts, etc. during the summer months. The more they engage in these type of activities, the more they'll retain. 

Below are some links with great resources, tips, and online activities to help students avoid the Summer Slide. 

Educational Games & Activities by Grade

12 Great Resources to Keep Math Skills Sharp

Help Your Kids Stop the Summer Brain Drain

48 Summer Websites for Kids & Teachers

Top 10 Tips for Summer Reading

Bullying IS a BIG Deal!

Too often lately, we hear horrible stories about kids who are constantly bullied, yet nothing is done to help them. Bullying is happening everywhere: online, in schools, in the workplace.

 

What can we do to stop this?

 

I say the first thing that needs to occur is education. It is VITAL that all students, employers, and employees are educated on bullying, how to recognize it, and what to do if it occurs. While schools are taking a tougher stand against bullies, it's the workplace that is becoming a bigger issue as well. Just because the bullying is between adults, does not mean that it is okay.

 

Bullying can affect a person's health, mental state, and day to day life. NO ONE should tolerate bullying, no matter what the age or situation.

 

While these links may not give all the answers on what can be done, I hope they give some insight as to the bullying problem that is continuously growing in our society.

 

Please, if you or someone you know is being bullied, REPORT IT! You are important and do not have take that kind of abuse from anyone. You matter!

 

 

Workplace Bullying Institute

School Bullying Outbreak

Don't Be a Bully: ClipArt

Cyberbullying

Bullies Beware

Anti-Bullying Network

Nick: Anti-Bullying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a Puzzler!

Kids love Puzzles!! As an adult, I like them, too. However, what I don't like is all the many, many pieces that I find everywhere from my own kids' puzzles. 

Whether at home or in the classroom, there are still many fun ways for kids to enjoy doing puzzles, without getting all the little pieces everywhere. 

Below are a few fun, online, puzzle sites that I've found. 

Have fun! 

The Kidz Page

Toupty

Jigidi

Jigsaw Online

Coloring 4 All: Kids Puzzles

Quick Side Note

Hello, everyone!!

I want to apologize for the lack of posts lately. We went on a quick road trip for the 4th of July. Then, it's been nothing but MLB All Star Week fun here in Kansas City!

I am an MLB All Star Fan Fest volunteer. It's been a pretty neat experience for this Royals baseball fan!

There have been many freebies involved and there are more to come! I work my last shift (of 3 total) tomorrow, then on Tuesday I am taking my kiddos to the MLB All Star parade. It's going to be a blast! 

I will get back on track after the All Star break. For now, enjoy a few pics from our All Star weekend of fun!

Play Ball and GO AMERICAN LEAGUE!

World Series Trophy

2012 Royals with my Family peeking in the picture

My family and I

My son and I

All Star Logo