Do you want to enjoy the holidays, but you’re not where to start? I’ve created a holiday bucket list, brimming with activities that are fun for any age, but will especially appeal to teens. Most events can be solitary or with others. Hey, invite a …
Snow is falling outside your window. But you’re warm inside. There is a mug of hot chocolate on your desk, next to your favorite pens. You’re wearing the softest blanket. The chill music playing in the background and the calming scent coming from your candle …
“Do you think a 5-year old would like this toy? Or maybe this one instead?” I was chaperoning a trip to Target with dozens of teenagers. Homerooms had spent weeks raising money and now the kids were spending the money on Christmas gifts for needy …
“Ms. P, Merry Christmas! These cookies are for you!” My 8th-grade student then spent 5 minutes describing the weekend he spent with his mom, baking all their family favorites. He clearly loved the tradition and spending time with his mom. Remembering his excitement made those …
In my favorite Christmas movie of all time, Clark Griswold wants nothing more than an “old-fashioned family Christmas.” Though he and his wife try their best to make the perfect holiday, it quickly goes off the rails and shenanigans ensue. Now that I have kids, …
We all know that 2020 is a year for the history books. One of the groups that have seen the biggest change in how they work is teachers. Like overnight. We owe our teachers big this holiday. Luckily, I have some awesome gifts for remote …
High school and college in 2020 certainly look different than in years past. Students are learning remotely or attending classes just a few days a week. Many extra-curricular clubs and sports are canceled or only meeting on Zoom. So many teens are isolated from their …
I walked into my classroom and found a chocolate milkshake on my desk. There was no note and my students were too interested in their phones to notice who dropped it off. Who was this delicious milkshake from? As I taught, the question kept going …
I love the holidays – I send Christmas cards, bake cookies, decorate the house, bake cookies, sing Christmas carols, watch holiday movies, and bake cookies. However, along with all the fun comes the expectations. That you will attend holiday events, buy Christmas presents for everyone …
“Ms. P – are you ready for Ugly Sweater Day?” When my student came up to me after class, this was not the question I expected. It turns out that this school had a long tradition of Ugly Sweater Day. The day before Winter Break, …