May
26
2010
The last week of school deserves special planning and sensitivity so that children experience both closure and an understanding of where and what they will be doing after their last day of school. Even if it requires phone calls to each child’s home, it is necessary for the teacher to be as informed as possible so that he/she can help each child to be ready and to feel confident about his/her next step in life’s journey. During this week, it is important for boys and girls to review the 2009/2010 school year, help pack away books and supplies, and say goodbye to each other, support staff, and other teachers. It may be a grand time to celebrate children’s birthdays that occur during the summer months, have the kids create Father’s Day cards/gifts, and write/dictate stories about their favorite or least special school experience. It is also a wonderful time for the teacher to spend a few minutes with each of the children in order to praise his/her accomplishments, applaud his/her trials, express confidence in future endeavors, and relay at least one memorable incident that occurred during the year. If you are able, it would be awesome to send a class picture home with each student and would be super to include a little note expressing how fortunate you feel to have been their teacher.
Some favorite stories to read this week include:
- Margaret the Magnificent by Donna B. Mavrides
- Only One You, by Linda Kranz
- Thank you by David Milgrim
- I’m Thankful for Each Day by P.K. Hallinan
- That’s what a Friend is by P.K. Hallinan
- Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
I look forward to hearing from my readers this summer as I enjoy, relax, and plan for the upcoming school year. If you would like to purchase The Magical Moments Curriculum Guide or any of my picture books, please let me know and your selections will be mailed directly to you.
Happy summer to all,
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
Nov
09
2009
November seems to be the beginning of the holiday season. There is a chill in the air, Halloween has come and gone, the kids are comfortable in their school routines, and the buzz amongst friends is what will you be doing for Thanksgiving and have you begun your holiday shopping? Well my friends, as the joys and the beauty of the holidays begin, let’s be sensitive to those who find this particular time of year a challenge. The challenge may involve memories and pain of lost family and/or friends, an on-going battle to beat a disease or injury, the ever-growing pressure of finding a job, the fear of becoming unemployed, and of course the scary status for our men and women who are fighting for world peace.
Regardless of religion, gender, status, ethnicity or age, please try to approach the holidays with an increased awareness. An understanding that your smile, simple greeting, phone call, gentle touch, and/or enthusiastic hug can be the difference between someone having a lovely or a sad day. Our behaviors and attitudes on the “joys of the season” teach our children to grow up with empathy and love in their hearts and souls.
Be Joyous and Have a Happy November!
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
Oct
30
2009
I hope that everyone has a joyous and safe Halloween. Reading age appropriate stories adds to the excitement of the season as well as gives families opportunities to discuss what is real and pretend. The list for great stories is endless, so,I have selected several of my own favorites to share with you:
- Go Away Green Monster, Ed Emberle
- The Witch next Door, Norman Bridwell
- Little Witch, Deborah Hautzia
- Princess Baby, Karen Katz
- Put Me in the Zoo, Robert Lopshire
- Who Said Boo? Nancy White Carlstrom
- Little Critter’s Halloween, Norman Bridwell
- Too Many Pumpkins, Linda Lloyd
- Shake dem Halloween Bones, W. Nikola-Lisa
- The Very Hungry Monster, Andy English
- Five Little Monsters, Rozanne Lanczak Williams
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
