Happy New Years Eve

I don't know about you, but 2009 has brought both wonderful, memorable times as well as difficult challenges. Year after year, we all face life with it's "ups-and-downs"...that's what makes us who we are. My prayer for you is that 2010 will be a year filled with more laughter than tears, with more happiness than grief, with more prosperity than empty wallets, more health than sickness, more family memories than loneliness...God Bless Us One and All!

The year was 1939 and the citizens of the British Empire was on the cusp of another World War. King George VI, not usually a compelling speaker, inspires and reassures his people by quoting a poem:
"I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.'"

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Click on this link or copy into your browser to send a New Year's Card!

http://www.123greetings.com/events/new_year/new_year_wishes/newyear85.html

Good Friends

 

When your best friends are in town for Christmas, what's better than to steal them away for an evening and party??!! Although it was a small group of us, there was no shortage of laughter, talking, food and wine.

 

After the hectic days prior, it's nice to have a relaxed evening. Today some of our friends are travelling home....we pray they have safety on the winter roads. And for those flying home, safety in the air, after that terrorist scare on Christmas Day.

Stress Busters

Stress Busters

Try getting up at least 15 minutes earlier each morning to have some time to yourself. You can make coffee or stretch before anyone else in the house gets up.

Prepare for your next day the prior evening before you go to bed. Waking up in the morning knowing that you are ready helps make things run more smoothly.

Instead of trying to remember multiple things in your head, write them down. " Practice saying "no" to people. No one expects you to be able to do everything, so don't even try.

Keep a journal. Writing out your feelings is a great way to reduce stress. Seeing your problems on paper often times leaves them there.

Think of ways to practice preventative measures, such as making duplicate keys to avoid being locked out of your car or house, and fixing things around the house or classroom that have the potential to breakdown on you.

Prepare meals on the weekends and freeze them to be used during the week. Simple meals can be just as nutritious as extravagant meals.

Know your goals in life and set priorities. Having direction makes situations more worthwhile.

When given a large task to complete, break it down into smaller steps. It won't look so overwhelming if you try this.

Reduce clutter in your home and classroom. Get rid of things that you know you will never use again, or at least find a way to neatly store them away, if you cannot come to throw them away.

Uplift other people in your life. Say nice things about them. This goes a long way in making you feel distressed, too.

Say positive things about yourself. Believe in what you are doing, and remind yourself that you are making an impact on kids who rely on you. You are pretty important, eh?

Take a warm bubble bath to ease tension. " Develop a hobby that makes you feel good. Some people like to read as a hobby, while others prefer to do something with their hands. Find your niche.

Give your appearance a new makeover. Getting a new hairstyle or treating yourself to a new outfit is okay!

Consider joining a gym or practice meditation. Breathing exercises are also recommended to reduce stress.

As long as you are a teacher you will feel some effects of stress in your life. You have to make a personal decision that you will take measures to reduce your stress. The people around you may not change, so you are the one who has to do the changing. Stress is not only a mental factor, but a physical factor as well. Taking care of your body and mind is paramount. Eating a healthy diet and putting optimistic thoughts into your head is certainly beneficial. It takes practice, but you're worth it!

Remember you matter, educators make the world go around!

Cynthia Hughes & Carol Bailus (Newsletter Editors)

Worksheet Library

http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/reduceteacherstress.html

New Year Quotations

New Year Quotations

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. ~John Burroughs

Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

Source and More Quotes: http://www.quotegarden.com/new-year.html

New Year's Theme Resources: http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/newyear.htm

Boxing Day Dec. 26

Boxing Day By: Alecia Dixon

When is it?
December 26th, Boxing Day takes place on December 26th or the following Monday if December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

Where did it come from?
Boxing Day began in England, in the middle of the nineteenth century, under Queen Victoria. Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen's Day, was a way for the upper class to give gifts of cash, or other goods, to those of the lower classes.

Where is Boxing Day celebrated?
Boxing Day is celebrated in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and Canada.

How is Boxing Day celebrated?
There seems to be two theories on the origin of Boxing Day and why it is celebrated. The first is that centuries ago, on the day after Christmas, members of the merchant class would give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude much like when people receive bonuses, from their employer, for a job well done, today. These gifts, given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".

Source and rest of the story:http://holidays.kaboose.com/xmas-around-boxingday.html

Weather Lesson Plan Ideas

Teaching Tip: Specific Weather Lesson Plan Ideas
By: Teachnology Staff

Here are some great ways to incorporate weather in your class.

1. Look at recent storms and the damage they have caused.
2. Track a storm from start to finish.
3. Using the scientific method, have students make predictions about storms.
4. Have students make precipitation graphs for your area.
5. Make windy things- windsocks, pinwheels, weather vanes.
6. Check out live cloud/weather cams.
7. Create a weather station.
8. Track and graph moods and weather.
9. Learn to use a barometer.
10. Compare the weather in areas of the world that have volcanoes to areas that don't have volcanoes.

Weekly Tips for Teachers
Issue 493: December 21, 2009
This newsletter is brought to you by Teachnology.com,

the online teacher resource center.
View it at: http://www.teachnology.com/newsletters/493.html

For More Resources:

http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/weather.htm

Two More Sleeps...

.....until we wake up Christmas morning to check out what Sanat has filled the stockings with.

I hope you all have your Christmas shopping done. I braved the stores just to pic up my meds from Walmart and a bag of potatoes so I can bring mashed potatoes to our family Christmas Dinner.I love Christmas and everything that comes with such a Special Season....family gathering,music, food,games, gifts!!

Christmas Card

http://www.123greetings.com/events/christmas/merry_christmas/christmas65.html


Send this eCard !

Merry Christmas Poem

MERRY CHRISTMAS,
MY DEAR FRIEND!


Merry Christmas, my Dear Friend
I wanted you to know
You make my life more complete
And this I hope does show.

My Friend, you are always there
I give to you my trust
Tears and laughter we have shared
Your friendship is a must!

Yes, God has really blessed me
So this I pray for you
"Merry Christmas, my Dear Friend,
And Happy New Year, Too!"

Jean Bowley-Meadows

http://www.my-tgif.com/Christmasfriend.htm

More Poems and Resources: http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/

Winter Solstice

We have been journeying into the dark for the past 6 months, culminating in this the longest night of the year. It is here that we gather the fierce wisdom to move once again into the light.

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the town,
Not a sign of Baby Jesus, was anywhere to be found.
The people were all busy with Christmas time chores,
Like decorating, and baking, and shopping in stores.

No one sang, "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed."
Instead, they sang of Santa, dressed up in bright red.
Mama watched Martha Stewart, Papa drank from a tap.
As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap.

Then what from the TV did they suddenly hear?
An ad, which told of a big sale down at Sears.
So away to the mall they all flew like a flash,
Buying some things on credit, and others with cash!

And, as they made their way home from their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus? Oh, no, not at all.

Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things,
They had no time to remember Christ Jesus, the King.
There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember the One who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior, they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time to "Shop till they drop!"
On Wal-mart! On K-mart! On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales! A quick lunch at Denny's!
From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall,
They would dash away, dash away, and visit them all!

And up on the roof, there arose such a clatter,
As grandpa hung icicle lights, using his brand new step ladder.
He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed, to Jesus, the Light of the World.

Christ's eyes--how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit--how merry!
Christ's love--how enormous!
All of our burdens--He'll carry!

So instead of being busy, overworked, and uptight.
Let's put Christ back in Christmas, and enjoy a good night.

The Monster Strikes Again

The Monster's name is STROKE!!! Yesterday morning when talking to Mom on the phone, there was silence and then Mom was slurring her words and not making sense. She did get out that she thought she was fine but I knew she wasn't. I called her neighbor to go check on Mom and she confirmed that something was wrong...I called the ambulance and met them at the hospital. This stroke came suddenly, without the terrible neck and headache of the previous two TIAs and has affected her left side. At first unable to squeeze her left hand or raise her left leg, but by late afternoon she accomplished both. She still cannot coordinate hand/eye movements, so cannot eat or drink on her own.
Please pray that with rest and time in the hospital, Mom will be able to come out and only need home-care....right now we just have to wait and see.My Brother saw our Doc this aft and the Doc mentioned that Mom will be in the hospital for a while(very possibly until after C-mas). Doc noticed confusion as well as the fact that she'll need physio. We are also having to consider putting Mom into the Care Home....my Brother and Doc are already working on it, just to be prepared.

40 Best Christmas Resources: Wallpapers, Themes, Icons, Vectors and More

Best Design Resources for Christmas Around the World
40 Best Christmas Resources: Wallpapers, Themes, Icons, Vectors and More


If there’s any we’ve missed, let us know in a comment, we’ll add it in. Merry Christmas in advance.

Source:
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/best-of-christmas-resources-wallpapers-themes-icons-vectors-and-more/

More Christmas Around the World Resources at:
http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/worldchristmas.htm

Tips for Incorporating Christmas Themes in Your Classroom

Top 10 Tips for Incorporating Christmas Themes in Your Classroom

When students come back from their Thanksgiving break, chances are Christmas is quite the topic of conversation. Students who celebrate the holiday may have already started to help with decorating the tree, hanging stockings, or even developed the lists they plan to mail to Santa. Here are some fun ways that you can incorporate Christmas themes into your classroom. If your school does not allow Christmas to be celebrated because of religious connotation, some of these themes can be changed to a winter or holiday celebration.

1. Send a card.

Greeting cards can be used regardless of the religion, whether it is to wish someone a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukah, or just a great New Year. In the classroom, they can help develop grammar and writing skills, spelling, handwriting, foreign languages, art, or even computer skills. Depending on the skills you want to focus on, you can have students draw or use computer art programs for the artwork, as well as practice different writing styles for the message. For instance, they can practice a style of poetry you have been working on, include your winter-themed spelling words, write in a foreign language, or use cursive writing instead of printing. Consider spreading the good cheer by sending the cards to a local hospital, nursing home, or orphanage.

2. Read a book.

Depending on the age level of your students and your core curriculum, there are a variety of Christmas stories available. Older children can read "A Christmas Carol" and discuss the themes behind the three ghosts. Religious classes can delve into the original Christmas story in the Bible. You can even read "The Night Before Christmas" and discuss the poetry and older vocabulary words during that time. For writing assignments, have students write a modern day version of classic tales.

3. Design a budget.

Nearly everyone loves giving and receiving gifts for the holidays, and most children have at least a general concept of money. Use this opportunity to create basic math problems, design budgets for how much they can spend per family member, or come up with computer spreadsheets to track their holiday spending. You can even bring in ads from various stores for children to price compare favorite holiday items.

4. Wrap a gift.

If your students are ready to talk about sizes and shapes or surface area, you can use gift wrapping as an illustration. Give students different-sized pieces of wrapping paper and have them measure the item and paper to see if it will fit.

5. Count the days.

For students that are just learning their numbers, counting can be an excellent way to reinforce the concept. Create a calendar counting down the days until Christmas, the last day of school before vacation, New Year's, or other important winter events. Have students practice counting by 5s, 10s, or backwards. Older students can take this a step further and figure out how many hours or minutes are left.

6. Bake Christmas cookies.

If you have access to an oven, baking can be a great way to talk about measurements and time. Or you can have students bring in a favorite family recipe and talk about how it was passed down through the years. You can even look and see how different flavors came to be used in cookies and where different spices originated from.

7. Deck the halls.

With many houses hanging twinkling lights up for Christmas, or lighting candles for Hanukah, this can be a great way to start a look into basic electricity and how it works. It can also be a jumping off point for safety discussions like how to prevent fires or disaster plans.

8. If the weather outside is frightful…

Then you have an excellent opportunity to talk about weather and climates. You can teach students how to measure precipitation, discuss factors like how cold it has to be to snow, or compare and contrast the climate in different parts of the country.

9. Feed the birds.

If you live in a location that is quite inclement in the winter time, you can use this as an opportunity to discuss wildlife and pet needs. Make bird feeders or treats to hang in the yard. You may also talk about the importance of bringing animals indoors when it gets too cold outside. You can even use this as a discussion how in some areas of the world the farm animals live in the house with their owners.

10. Plan a trip.

For some students, the holidays may be the only chance they get each year to see relatives that live out of state. This can be a great way to introduce map reading skills, discuss different climates, or learn to read airline schedules. Older classes can use the internet to plan imaginary trips to far off countries and discuss flight plans and what to pack for the weather.

The winter holidays can be a great way to incorporate Christmas into your classroom. Beyond the annual Christmas party, these are just some ideas that you can use to make Christmas last the whole month long.

Remember you matter, educators make the world go around!

Cynthia Hughes & Carol Bailus (Newsletter Editors) December 2009

http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/christmasteaching.html

For More Resources, go to: http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/christmaslinks.htm

Meet Mitzi

A phone call from my brother informing he had an early Christmas gift for me. "What the heck??...he has never done that before....what could it be??", I asked myself. I didn't have long to wonder though. When they arrived with a box carrying kitty litter and food, I was still puzzeled until I heard, MEOW!!
Last night they rescued a cat that was freezing cold and hungry and before taking her to the SPCA, thought they'd see if I wanted her. Awwww! She is dark grey and white and has a beautiful soft coat and looks like she belonged to someone at one point. She is shy and just exploring her new home and found a lovely spot under our bed, but I coaxed her out. I think Hubby is just as enamored with her as I am. She doesn't have a collar or tag, so the name we've given her is Mia.

The Christmas Shoes DVD Giveaway!

A Purse Full of Cheerios is giving away this awesome and heartfelt Christmas movie that I love to watch every year! Just click the link to go to her Blog to enter to win this movie :)
A Purse Full of Cheerios: The Christmas Shoes DVD Giveaway!

Maxine says it again....

I've posted this on other years, but it deserves another read, so enjoy :)
'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house...
Not a creature was stirring
since the cat ate the mouse.
My support hose were hung
By the chimney with care.
(I hung them last Christmas
And just left them there.)
My dog, Floyd, was nestled
All snug in his bed,
After watching the cat rip
The presents to shreds.
And I in my long johns
And ratty night cap
Had just settled my butt
For a long winter's nap.
When out on the lawn
There arose such a clatter,
I swore at the window,
"What the (blank) is the matter?"
I tore open the window,
Not a second to tarry,
All ready to throw
The noisemaker a berry.
A bright moon was lighting
The new-fallen snow...
And I had a moon of my own
Set to show.
Floyd was beside me,
Paw pointing the way
Toward eight tiny reindeer
Hitched up to a sleigh...
And a little old driver
So cheery and quick,
I thought for a moment
That I would be sick.
Like a bat out of...you know,
His reindeer they came,
And I whistled and shouted
And called them some names--
"Hey, Hornhead! Hey, Furface!
Hey, Weiner and Turkey!
Yo, Klutzy and Mangy
And Venison Jerky!
Stay off of my porch!
Get away from my wall!
Now hit the road, hit the road,
Hit the road, all!
But as pedestrians before
My old Buick , they fly
And head for high ground
With great fear in their eyes,
So up to my rooftop
The fleabags they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys
And old Fruitcake - Breath too.
And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof
Holes in my new shingles
Made by each tiny hoof.
As I reached for my slingshot
And a marble as well,
Down the chimney Ssst. Nicholas
Tumbled and fell.
He had a huge sack of
Cheap junk on his back
And I whispered to Floyd,
"Be prepared to attack."
His eyes they were squinting,
His toy bag was draggin',
And I felt for a moment
Like I'd soon be gaggin'.
He was dressed all in red.
With a bell on his hat.
And a belt of black leather
To hold back the fat.
A billowing pipe
He clenched tight in his smile,
And the smell was like something
Had been dead for awhile.
He had a broad face
And a little round belly
That shook when I nailed him
With a handful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump,
Well, actually porky,
And I laughed when I tripped him
(He looked pretty dorky).
He was like a beached whale
Unable to budge.
And he tasted good , too,
If the dog was a judge.
I spoke not a word
But went straight to my work--
A noogie, a wedgie,
A cry of "You jerk!"
Until laying a finger
Aside of his nose,
With a loud cry of "Uncle!"
Up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to the sleigh
And dragged in the toys,
Then he cried to the reindeer,
"Get me out of here, Boys!"
And I had to exclaim
As a slushball I tossed,
"Happy Christmas to all,
And to all a Get Lost!"
But then, as I turned,
I saw 'neath the tree
Two gaily wrapped presents--
One for Floyd, one for me.
A big bag of jerky
Turned Floyd mighty chipper,
While for me was a pair
Of brand-new bunny slippers.
I looked out the window,
And hovering there,
Old Santa was winking
>From his sleigh in midair...
"Merry Christmas, Maxine!"
He cried, full of cheer,
"Same to you, Pal!" I answered,
("I'll get you next year!")

Please Pass the Turkey...and Alka Seltzer

The Twelve Days of Turkey

On the first day of Christmas my true love said to me
I've bought a nice fresh turkey and a proper Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas, much laughter could be heard
as we tucked into our turkey, a most delicious bird

On the third day of Christmas, came people from next door
the turkey tasted just as good as it had the day before

On the fourth day of Christmas came relations young and old
we finished up the Christmas pud and had the turkey cold

On the fifth day of Christmas outside the snowflakes scurried,
but we were nice and warm inside, we had the turkey curried.

On the sixth day of Christmas the Christmas spirit died,
the children fought and bickered as we had the turkey fried.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love he did wince
when he sat down at the table to have the turkey minced

On the eighth day of Christmas the dog he ran for shelter,
he'd seen our turkey pancakes and the glass of Alka Seltzer

On the ninth day of Christmas by lunchtime Dad was blotto
he knew that bird was back again, but this time a risotto.

On the tenth day of Christmas we were drinking home made brew
as if that wasn't bad enough, we were eating turkey stew

On the eleventh day of Christmas the Christmas tree was moulting
with chilli, soy and oyster sauce the turkey was revolting

On the twelth day of Christmas with a smile upon our lips
the guests had gone, the turkey too – we dined on fish and chips!

found at Theo Spark.net

Disappointment

I am sad to say that Kitty is not coming to join our family. The owners decided to give him to a relative instead. We were SO disappointed, since we were so ready for him to come. We'll just have to keep searching.
We are certainly into winter now. The snow is getting deeper and the temperatures have dropped considerably. Most of British Columbia has been under Artic air flow and now getting snow. For us Northerners both are to be expected and we're prepared for it. Southern BC on the other hand gets thrown into discordant confusion, while traffic, pedestrians and snow-plows mingle into a cacophony of misadventure. But I can safely say that no matter where in this province you live, children are laughing in glee as they run out in the snow, constructing snowmen, snow forts, tobaggon down slopes with boiterous abandom, unconcerned with the bedlam around them. Maybe as adults we should throw off the frustration and join in the childlike delight of the season :)

New Family Member...

....yes, our family is growing :) We are picking up our Persian cat this evening, so I'm going out to pick up the food and stuff we need for him. Watch for pics.

Ways to Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages

Ways to Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages

http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissaid.htm How "Merry Christmas" is said!

http://www.travlang.com/xmas.html Many Ways to Say Merry Christmas

http://web.archive.org/web/20051126082630/southernpride.com/christmas/ Merry Christmas

http://lifehackery.com/2008/12/18/57-different-ways-to-say-merry-christmas/ 57 Different Ways

http://www.dwarfnet.com/christmas/everything/languages.shtml Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

http://hubpages.com/hub/say-merry-christmas-in-different--languages Merry Christmas

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0877712.html Saying “Merry Christmas”

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2253.shtml Lesson

Hanukkah Themes

Top 10 Tips for Incorporating Hanukkah Themes in Your Classroom

When it comes to winter holidays, unless your school or city with a high Jewish population, Hanukkah tends to get pushed into Christmas' shadow. Here is a look at how you can incorporate Hanukkah themes into your classroom.

1. Achieving the impossible

Hanukkah focuses on the story of keeping a burning light lit for eight days, when there was only enough oil to last for one. Sounds like an impossible task! Have students write about a time where they accomplished something that they had previously thought was impossible.

2. Dreidel, dreidel

Spinning the dreidel is a traditional holiday game. You can have a class competition with the dreidel. Split students into teams to compete against each other, and then have winners compete against the winners from other teams for a class champion. Candy, raisins, stickers, or other small items can be used as prizes.

3. Create a holiday scrapbook

Celebrating Hanukkah in your classroom represents an appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding. Encourage your students to share their favorite holiday memories through a creative scrapbook. Each student can create a personalized page, or you can have them research the important symbols, meanings, and stories behind Hanukkah and create a class scrapbook.

4. Stamping the holiday spirit

Living in America, we celebrate diversity. The U.S. Post Office publishes holiday stamps, including ones celebrating Hanukkah. Have your students think about cultural underpinnings - as well as the style of a stamp design - by asking them to create a unique stamp. They can enhance their communication skills by presenting their design and its symbolic meanings.

5. Make your own wrapping paper

Jewish children receive a gift for each night of Hanukkah. You can have students design a different wrapping paper for each night. If you have extra time, have students use the wrapping paper to wrap up a small homemade gift for a loved one.

6. Cook a feast

For classrooms that have access to a kitchen, you can make up your own Hanukkah feast as a way to introduce students to traditional foods. If you are unable to actually cook, have students look up Hanukkah meals and design their own menus of what they would serve.

7. Make a menorah

Each night of Hanukkah, the family will light candles in a special holder, called a menorah. You can have students model their own menorah out of clay. Have them look at pictures for inspiration. You can even place real candles in the menorah for students to light at home.

8. The gift of giving

Students can learn that giving to others is an important part of any holiday. Consider having them bring in canned goods for the local shelter, or host a bake sale to raise money for the less fortunate. Older students can vote on which charity they feel needs the money the most.

9. A look at oil

Since the story of Hanukkah revolves around lamps burning for eight days, this can be a confusing idea for students who are commonly familiar with electricity. Have your students research oil lamps and how they were used. You can also take a look at how olive oil is made, from planting olive trees to the finished product.

10. Compare and contrast the celebrations

Hanukkah is often considered the Jewish "Christmas," but in actuality the two holidays are quite different. Have students research both holidays and their traditions to see how the two compare. Upon closer observation, they may be surprised at how different the two traditions are.

These are just a few ideas on how to incorporate Hanukkah themes into your classroom. With a little creativity, you can have students see the magic behind this holiday as well.

Remember you matter, educators make the world go around!

Source Credits: Cynthia Hughes & Carol Bailus (Newsletter Editors) at http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/

Worksheet Library Newsletter December 9, 2009

Christmas Books

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

Over the River and Through the Woods by Lydia Maria Childs
Rotten Ralph's Rotten Christmas by Jack Gantos
The Christmas Spirit Strikes Rotten Ralph by Jack Gantos
The Nutcracker by Deborah Hautzig
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
The Biggest Most Beautiful Christmas Tree by Amye Rosenberg
Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Raffi Christmas Treasury illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
Shh! by Julie Sykes
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, illustrated by Jan Brett
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, illustrated by Douglas Gorsline
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Santa's New Sled by Sharon Peters
Wake Up, Bear...... It's Christmas! by Stephen Gammell
Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad by Mercer Mayer
Peter Spier's Christmas!
Hedgehog's Christmas Tree by Kathryn Jackson
The Night Before Christmas In Texas That Is by Leon A. Harris
The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
Santa's Secret Helper by Andrew Clements
ABC Christmas by Ida DeLage
It's Christmas by Jack Prelutsky
Jingle Bells
Who Said Red? by Mary Serfozo
Santa Claus and His Elves by Mauri Kunnas
Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Barbara Shook Hazen
Bialosky's Christmas by Leslie McGuire
The 12 Cats of Christmas by Kandy Radzinski
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
The 12 Days of Christmas illustrated by Sheilah Beckett
The 12 Days of Christmas illustrated by Jan Brett
On Christmas Eve by Margaret Wise Brown
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Joffe Numeroff
The 12 Bugs of Christmas : A Pop-Up Christmas Counting Book by David A. Carter
Jingle Bugs/Pop-Up Book With Lights and Music by David A. Carter
175 Easy-To-Do Christmas Crafts by Sharon Dunn Umnik
The Advent Book by Jack Stockman
Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
Baby's Christmas (Jellybean Books) by Eloise Wilkin
A Bad Start for Santa Claus by Sarah Hayes
The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear by Stan Berenstain
Cajun Night Before Christmas by Trosclair
Cajun Night After Christmas by James Rice
The Chanukkah Guest by Eric A. Kimmel
Christmas Around the World by Emily Kelley
The Christmas Bear by Henrietta Stickland
A Christmas Celebration : Traditions and Customs from Around the World by Pamela Kennedy
The Christmas Crocodile by Bonny Becker
Christmas in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
Christmas Lights by Ann Fearrington
Christmas Tree Farm by Sandra Jordan
Claude the Dog : A Christmas Story by Dick Gackenbach
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Arthur's Perfect Christmasby Marc Brown
A Cobweb Christmas -German Story

Source: http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/decemberfunbooks.htm

Literacy Gift Ideas for Parents

Families often appreciate simple, inexpensive gift ideas
that provide “scope for the imagination”

Here is a list of some gift ideas for your child:

-Magnetic letters – (especially lower-case) to put on the refrigerator
-An art sketch pad and set of thin marking pens
-Magnetic Write/Erase Board
-A large set of Berol Prismacolor pencils (wonderful water color pencils)
-Children’s books (see enclosed lists of favorites) – you can often get real bargains at local second-hand book stores
-CDs of classical music and children’s folk songs – traditional English and Spanish
-Etch-a-Sketch
-Mommy, It’s a Renoir! (art postcards)
-An illustrated children’s cookbook (see sample recipes from Kids in the Kitchen)
-Open-ended building toys: Lego blocks
-Blank journals, notepads, stationery, envelopes, postcards, and stamps
-A disposable camera
-A playdough kit with several colors of playdough, rolling pin, cafeteria tray, cookie cutters, and plastic animals
-Books on how to draw simple animals and objects; a variety of pencils
-Old dress-up clothes (ask Aunties and Grandparents to help gather)
-A collection of different adult hats (shop garage sales and Goodwill)
-A set of Lincoln Logs

Taken from Parents as Partners in Kindergarten and Early Literacy: Family Connections that Multiply our Teaching Effectiveness, by Nellie Edge © 2007. Updated 2009.

This is from the monthly newsletter from the Nellie Edge Excellence in Kindergarten and Early Literacy site. For more information and resources visit http://www.nellieedge.com/ .

Catching the Christmas Spirit

Last night I hosted a Christmas Party for my Ladies Study group. Oh, what fun we had!! The food was decadent...excessively rich, sweet, gooey,crunchy, YUMMY!!! At the strumming of the guitar, our voices rose with Christmas Carols. We exchanged gifts of Christmas ornaments and ended the evening with a loud game of Cranium. And you know what???...it wasn't all about a perfectly decorated home, who brought the most delicious food, who happened to receive the most gorgeous ornament, or who sang with the most pure note....NO, it was about friends sharing the evening enjoying each other's company immensely and end the evening feeling like we are richer for having each other in our lives.
And the VERY best part??...we get to do this all month long :)

Party Games for the Holidays

Holiday Party Games
by Judy Miller at Apples4theteacher.com

When the family gets together during the holidays, anything

is bound to happen. All in attendance get a healthy dose of

food, fellowship, and fun. If your house is the site for this

year’s family party, don’t forget the games!

Games are great for challenging the mind and getting a little
friendly competition going between family members. Choose
games that will work for kids and some for the adults. Some
games will work for both. Here is a list of potential games that
could liven up your family celebration this year.

1. Santa Exchanges – This game is full of fun. The object is for
everyone to bring a wrapped gift and put it in a designated area
like under the tree or on a table. Then each person draws a
number from a hat. In turn, each person gets to pick a gift from
under the tree. When it is their turn, each participant has the
option to pick a gift from under the tree or take a gift from
someone who has already chosen. The catch is that once a gift is
chosen, the person has to unwrap it and show the group. All gifts
should be in the same price range but some will be nicer than
others. Also, the first person to go is the last person to get a
chance to exchange their gift. They get to choose from all the
gifts in the group. This game works best for adults. Younger
children may not appreciate the "exchanging" part of the game.

2. Timed Guessing Games – This includes naming the gifts on
each of the 12 days of Christmas, naming as many Christmas
carols as you can, taking a word and making as many words as
you can from it, and a Christmas word scramble. Kids and adults
are good for this one. You can find tons of printables at
Apples4theteacher.com to use for this game.

3. Family Trivia – Who knows the most about their relatives? Let
each relative write down something that happened to them and
give them to the person in charge of the game. Everyone else gets
a piece of paper. After each question is read, all players write
down whom in the room each is referring to. The one with the
most correct answers at the end of the list wins.

4. Charades – This is a tried and true party game. All of the
puzzles have to relate to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other
winter holidays. Some examples include a cartoon, movie, book,
song, or event. The team with the most correct answers wins.

5. Name that Christmas Carol – This is just like “Name that
Tune.” Sing or play a CD with the first line or two of a
Christmas carol. The family contestant has to come up with the
next line correctly. Start off with easy carols and progress to
harder ones as you go up the ladder.

6. Snowman Scramble - Divide the children into two teams, with
one person from each team as the "snowman". Put the snowmen
at one end of the room, with a box of clothes and other things to
dress the snowman in. You could use hats, scarves, jackets, even
a nose on a string, like a clown nose. Have a relay race to see
which team can completely dress their snowman first.

7. Pin the Tail Variations - there are many variations of "Pin
the Tail on the Donkey" that could be played. Use a picture of
reindeer and play "Pin the Nose on Rudolph". Another way to
play is to put Santa's hat on his head. You could have a package
that needs a bow on top. If you want to make it more complicated,
for older kids, have a picture tree with several decorations that
need to be hung on the tree. Whoever gets the most on the tree
wins.

These are but a few of the great games you can come up with to
keep the family in stitches this holiday season. Enjoy the fun,
laughter and memories that will be made!

Source Credit: Judy Miller at Apples4theteacher.com
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/

More Christmas and Holiday Resources:
http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/decemberfunbooks.htm

Holiday Gift Exchange

From Sandra Brockel, a fifth grade teacher at Grace Miller Elementary School in Bealeton, Virginia:

“This tip will help you plan for the holidays. Many teachers have their students exchange gifts by drawing names. Instead, we ask each fifth grader to bring a gift that can be used by any fifth grader at recess. They bring the gifts wrapped without a tag. At our holiday party, we have the students sit in a circle on the floor. We play holiday music and hand one gift at a time to a student who passes it on around the circle. We continue to add gifts, which are passed around until the music stops. Any student with a gift in hand, when the music stops, opens the gift and shows it all. We continue with additional rounds of the game until all gifts are opened. The students love the gift opening, and even those who aren't able to bring gifts aren't left out. We end up with basketballs, Frisbees, Nerf balls, board games, playground chalk, and even the big plastic tubs in which we store the playground toys. And we use the gifts all year!”

Source Credit: Works4Me December Tips at works4me@nea.org

More Christmas Resources at http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/

I Am a Redneck!!

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up... Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I know I am one of those.

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand when they play the National Anthem...
You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned a Canadian flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

God Bless Canada

1st Day of December

"On the first day of winter,
the earth awakens to the cold touch of itself.
Snow knows no other recourse except
this falling, this sudden letting go
over the small gnomed bushes, all the emptying trees.
Snow puts beauty back into the withered and malnourished,
into the death-wish of nature and the deliberate way
winter insists on nothing less than deference.
waiting all its life, snow says, "Let me cover you."

- Laura Lush, The First Day of Winter

The Giving Tree Lesson Plans

The Giving Tree Lesson

A TeachersFirst holiday lesson based on Shel Silverstein's bookThe Giving Tree.

Synopsis: After reading and discussing the book The Giving Tree, students reflect and write about the gift they would most like to give.

Subject/Grade level: This lesson can be adapted for use in language arts class with students of varying ability levels in grades 2 - 8. This lesson is also well-suited to a multi-age activity with "big buddies" and "little buddies" from upper and lower grades working together. School counselors and emotional support teachers may find this activity helpful for small groups working on social skills, as well.

Objectives: Students will discuss the message of The Giving Tree.Students will write a message about giving to be shared with classmates and others.

Materials: You will need at least one copy of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Ask students to bring in scraps of holiday wrapping paper to use as part of the lesson (non-electronic). Ideally, these should be heavy wrapping paper with a white reverse side.

Credit Source:
TeachersFirst.com • The web resource by teachers, for teachers. For more lesson details, see: http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/givingtree.cfm

Shel Silverstein Lesson plans for The Giving Tree and other works http://www.webenglishteacher.com/silverstein.html

Poetry Notebooks

Poetry Notebooks: Small investment, big benefits!

Memorizing short poems provides powerful support for English Language Development, phonemic awareness, reading fluency and high-frequency words – and parents love them!

Personal “I Can Read” Poetry Notebooks are children’s choice for “read to self” time.

Poetry and songs invite the use of imagery, drama, movement, and Sign Language to enhance and extend comprehension and vocabulary.

When poetry notebooks go home for weekly sharing, parents become partners in the literacy process.

Children’s art personalizes the rhyme and creates pride and ownership of the reading selections.

The Poetry Notebook is an ongoing literacy collection; by the end of the year it becomes a treasured book to reread and recite over the summer with fluency and delight. (Some teachers choose to send home several smaller seasonal collections of songs and poems instead of one large notebook.)

“Pretty things, well said, it’s nice to have them in your head.” – Robert Frost

SOURCE: Nellie Edge - Excellence in Kindergarten and Early Literacy December 2009 Newsletter For more information and resources visit www.nellieedge.com .

More Poetry Resources: http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/poetrywritingfavorites.htm
http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/poetrypoemssongs.htm
http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/poemspoetrymonth.htm

December Lesson Plan Ideas and Tips

Teaching Tip: December Lesson Plan Ideas

By: Teachnology Staff

Here are some great projects and ideas for your December classroom.

1. Make a graphic organizer that compares and contrasts all holidays.
2. Map December holidays around the world.
3. Read a short holiday story. Group students. Each group must identify a part of speech throughout the story.
4. Hold a holiday spelling bee. Only use holiday related words.
5. Hold a multicultural holiday festival.
6. Research traditional gifts offered on the days of Hanukkah & Kwanzaa.
7. Holiday greeting country match.
8. Have students find out how and where their favorite gifts are made.
9. Make a graphing activity based on holiday sales.
10. Engage students with holiday math word problems.

This Week in History
1621: Galileo invents the telescope.
1929: BINGO invented by Edwin S. Lowe.

Weekly Tips for Teachers Issue 490: November 30, 2009 This newsletter is brought to you by Teachnology.com, the online teacher resource center. View source of newsletter and the details at the same link.
For more December resources, go to http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/decemberfunbooks.htm and
http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/ for more seasonal themes and resources.

Graphics: Caleb's Country Corner