After the snow, there's always Five For Friday!

Hello there!  Welcome to my weekly edition of:

Morning Messages

Well, the groundhog saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter, and now we are having QUITE THE WINTER!  Last week we got over a foot; a few more inches today (Saturday), and now they're predicting another foot of snow Sunday night.

Virtual Visit With Author Maria Dismondy

A huge thank you goes to the vivacious and entertaining author Maria Dismondy!  I won this virtual visit on Instagram, and the third graders enjoyed every minute of our visit.  Check out Maria's "spaghetti on a hot dog bun" hat:

Click on the hat to visit Maria's web site!

The book, Spaghetti on a Hot Dog Bun, has even been made into a musical!

Maria even read her new - only available by preorder - book to the third graders:

Click on the image to read more at Amazon.

This book tells the story of two children who bicker/argue/disagree all the time.  When they realize their lonely neighbor has such a quiet life, they invite her to their home for a dinner party.  This neighbor teaches the children how to make paczkis ~ Polish donuts.  By the way, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday (February 27th) is Paczki Day (you can read more here.)

Maria also shared that she was a teacher for twelve years.  During her teaching career, she had a student who spoke no English.  She tells the story of this students in Chocolate Milk, Por Favor.  Maria actually started writing books because she couldn't find books that met her needs as a teacher. Now she's an amazing and famous author!  WOW!

TIGER ( (Theater Integrating Guidance, Education, and Responsibility)Assembly

Plymouth State University has a non-profit theatrical group that performs a variety of feel empowered programs for students.  Check out this information from their web site:

TIGER offers original exciting professional productions created from the writings of children from across the state to your K-8 school.  I’ve Got Your Back, Just Between Friends, Let Your Star Shine, and Alex’s Story.  Each production is designed to help children deal with the difficult social issues faced in schools today through music, theatre, puppets, dance and lots of positive, affirming messages.

The kids were thoroughly engaged throughout the whole program which involved audience participation, singing and role playing.  Click on the picture or here to learn more!

Give Me Five Adjectives!

This is one of my favorite activities of the year ~ Hand Adjectives!  I saw this idea at a Haitian High School in Delray Beach, Florida, many years ago.  Of course, I borrowed it and made it my own.  You can download it for free here.

First, the students list five positive adjectives about themselves and give two reasons to support their adjective choice.  Check out the finished product:

Each hand is totally different.  Plus, this project boost self-esteem!

Tieks Giveaway!A Rafflecopter Giveaway!

I've saved the best news for last.  I'm participating in a $200 Tieks Rafflecopter giveaway!

Click here to read more on the Conversations in the Classroom blog or on the above image to enter this amazing raffle!

 Good luck!