Free 2010 Blogging Calendar

Don't you just hate it when you really need to update your blog and draw a blank? Well, one of the best ways to jump start those creative juices is to simply look at the calendar. How simple is that?

Every month, week, and day, there are some really strange, fun, and downright funny holidays and observances celebrated everywhere. In fact, you can even make up your own 'holiday' to celebrate on your blog with your readers - that's how easy it is to come up with days of posts at a time. But you don't have to make it up yourself. It's hard enough coming up with a post. Here's a blogging calendar I found that feature some of these holidays. The other nice thing is, it has room to jot down your own ideas and you can use it to literally plan out the year's content - or just a month or two ahead if you're not the planning type. This really helps keep your blog going without rushing to write last minute posts.

Download and check it out for yourself. I bet you can find a couple of posts just off those dates you can write about. In fact, you can write about them right away and schedule them. Your readers will have fun and marvel at how you are so on top of the holidays and seasons.

Stress Busters for Busy Parents

Always have a 'Plan B.'
Make copies of important papers.
Praise other people.
Look at a work of art.
Quit trying to fix other people.
Keep a journal.
Ask for help when you need it.
Watch a good movie.
Kiss your child.
Eat a meal by candlelight.
Clean out a closet.
Learn something new.
Make duplicate keys.
Get enough sleep.
Have a support network.
Talk less.
Smile.
Prepare for the morning the night before.
Feed the birds.
Have realistic goals for yourself.
Be a better listener.
Avoid negative people.
Plant a flower.
Repair something that doesn't work.
Find the "silver lining."
Dance.
Avoid tight fitting clothes.
Be gentle.
Remember you are human.

Originally written for Parents Page, Fall 2003.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week
First Full week in May

National Teachers Day
First Tuesday in May

Teacher Appreciation Day & Week
Tuesday, May 5, 2009/May 4-8, 2009

The Teacher Gets A+

(Name of teacher),
I look forward to your class
When I come to school.
You're an awesome teacher;
I think you're very cool.

You're smart and fair and friendly;
You're helping all of us.
And if I got to grade you,
From me you'd get A+!


Number One Teacher

(Name of teacher),
I'm happy that you're my teacher;
I enjoy each lesson you teach.
As my role model you inspire me
To dream and to work and to reach.

With your kindness you get my attention;
Every day you are planting a seed
Of curiosity and motivation
To know and to grow and succeed.

You help me fulfill my potential;
I'm thankful for all that you've done.
I admire you each day, and I just want to say,
As a teacher, you're number one!


A Teacher for All Seasons

A teacher is like Spring,
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts.

A teacher is like Summer,
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent.

A teacher is like Fall,
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere.

A teacher is like Winter,
While it’s snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide.

Teacher, you do all these things,
With a pleasant attitude;
You’re a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my gratitude!


Candy Bowl

Get an inexpensive bowl from the dollar store and write Teacher Appreciation Bowl on it. Everyday I put a different sign in it:

On Monday the sign said "You are lifesaver to our kids! Thank you for all your hard work." Then fill the bowl with individual wrapped lifesavers.

On Tuesday the sign said, "You plant the seeds of knowledge in our children." Then fill the bowl with individual bags of sunflower seeds in it.

On Wednesday the sign said "Because of you our kids are not DumDums." Then fill the bowl with DumDum lollipops.

On Thursday the sign said "Hugs and Kisses for everything you do." Then fill bowl with bags of Hershey's hugs and kisses.

On Friday the sign said "You deserve a "Carefree" week-end. You are a much appreciated group of teachers and staff!" Then fill the bowl with Carefree gum.


There are lots of other ideas that you can use such as Smarties candies and 100 Grand candy bars ("You are worth a grand."), etc.


These are the cards I made for the teacher whose classroom I volunteer in and for my kids' teachers.

Mix Learning and Independence Day

Want a fun way to mix learning and Independence Day?

Give your kids a quiz. Make it fun and award a prize to the one who gets the most answers right. You can use questions like: "Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? Who sewed the first American flag? And, who was the king of England during the Revolutionary War?" Do you know the answers? Well, to get them, and to find more questions for your own 4th of July quiz, check out the Internet. It’s a great way to teach your kids the facts behind the fireworks.

Remember your family first.