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Welcome to February! There may still be a winter chill in the air, but there will be lots of warmth generated from the celebrating that will be done in February. The whole world will be celebrating together the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This month's newsletter will be taking a look at some of the celebrations. In addition to this newsletter, keep checking Vital Picks. We have been highlighting resources teachers will find useful for the classroom. We have also been highlighting accomplishments of teachers and urge you to nominate teachers for our Vital Award. This month we also have a special gift awaiting you and your students in the Activity section of Teacher's Corner. Check it out, and if you have activities that you would like to share with other teachers, please send them along. We'll make sure to post them immediately and to give you credit. Send your ideas to teachers_corner@vitalknowledge.com "Angels are students in Heaven and teachers on Earth."
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With only a few days left before the 2002 Winter Olympics begin, you may want to have your students look back at the previous Olympics to see how they have evolved. The Olympic Torch continues to winds its way through the states heading for the opening ceremonies on February 8th. Follow its journey and meet some of the torchbearers. Check into the official web site of the 2002 Winter Olympics for updates on the news and events. One new event that has been added is the skeleton. Meet Powder, Cooper, and Coal, the Olympic mascots, print off some pages for coloring, and try your luck with the Olympic puzzles. The 2002 Olympic Education site helps teachers incorporate lesson plans and activities into the curriculum. |
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Not a One! Little Chad was a shy, quiet young man. One day he came home and told his mother that he'd like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, "I wish he wouldn't do that!" because she had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other. But Chad was never included. Nevertheless, she decided she would go along with her son. So she purchased the paper and glue and crayons. For three weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made 35 valentines. Valentine's Day dawned, and Chad was beside himself with excitement. He carefully stacked them up, put them in a bag, and bolted out the door. His mother decided to bake him his favorite cookies and serve them nice and warm with a cool glass of milk when he came home from school. She just knew he would be disappointed and maybe that would ease the pain a little. It hurt her to think that he wouldn't get many valentines - maybe none at all. "Mommy has some cookies and milk for you," she said. But he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: "Not a one. Not a one." Her heart sank. And then he added, "I didn't forget a one, not a single one!" From: Short Stories |
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Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week will be celebrated in Canadian schools from February 10th - 16th, 2002. Canadian Home and School Federation and its provincial associations share the theme "Teachers and School Staff….their care brightens lives!" A lot of excitement surrounds the celebration of Valentine's Day on February 14th. Kids Domain takes a look at the history of the day. Also check out the history of chocolate, which many of us love to give and receive on special occasions. Kara Chocolates provides more details about the history, but also about the harvesting of chocolate. Learn what conching is. Visit Billy Bear! He has many online games and puzzles. He also has a storybook called "The Valentine Mystery" that can be downloaded and personalized so students become the star of the book. Have the students make an online greeting card that they can send to their family or relatives. The birthdays of Presidents Abe Lincoln (February 12th) and George Washington (February 22) are celebrated in February. The site on President Lincoln includes the Gettysburg Address. The site on George Washington includes the history of the White House. Visit Mrs. Payton's first grade class website on Abe Lincoln. Try the online quiz or class activities. The third Monday of February is recognized as President's Day and combines the celebration of all American presidents. Check out these social studies Lesson Plans for grades 6 to 12. If you looking for resources to celebrate other days in February, visit Family Crafts. |
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Many students build long lasting friendships in school, however some students may find themselves being bullied. Lesson plans for addressing this sensitive issue called Coloring a Peaceful World, Kids Bullying Kids, PlanetX, and Reacting to Conflict can be found at Education World. This site talks about some of the myths associated with bullying and how to tackle bullying at school. Bullying of gifted students and students with special needs is also addressed. Visit the Maine State Project Against Bullying site. You will also find a grade 3 survey form already prepared. Here are a few ideas on what doesn't work with bullying and a few tips and strategies to prevent bullying. KidsPsych has great interactive games for understanding each other and ourselves. Finally, check out this award-winning site on bullying. You will be impressed with the student submissions you find there. Bullying Factsheets may also be useful to you. |
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February is International Friendship Month. With the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, we have a little look into the window of nationalities from all over the world. These athletes, their families, and countries all have the same wish in common, to bring home the gold. Not just through sport do we have many beliefs in common, but also through everyday events as well. Building strong friendships at home and throughout the world is important for building tolerance and peace. Here are some ideas to celebrate. Create Friendship bracelets with these easy to follow instructions. Try this art and science activity for building a friendship mobile. Students can have their own friendship gallery. Teachers can check out how students can become pen pals through Intercultural e-mail classroom connections. Visit this school in Ireland who would like to hear from you. Have your students send an e-greeting using these friendship cards. |
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Teacher: Billy, I hope I didn't see you copying from David's work. What would you get if you crossed a dog with a valentine card? What did one light bulb say to the other? Why did George Washington have trouble sleeping? Teacher: "John, do you know Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?" From: Scatty.com |
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