“Reading rockets”- Author Laura Elliott

Cut out large sized paper hearts, mix up pink, red, and white paint. Let children paint and decorate a heart to hang in the room. “Love!”

This is an exciting educational site that celebrates the power of words.  This month, Children’s Author, Laura Elliott (A String of Hearts), teaches students how to write poetry using a sampling of styles.  Laura Elliott displays a variety of handmade hearts and shares some of her ideas and poetic styles of writing.  Discover the power of words to help us eloquently celebrate Valentine’s Day!

 http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/valentine/

• Family or Classroom Teachers- Discover how to make a “String of Hearts” e card with your child/students!

http://www.readingrockets.org/content/e-cards/setup.php?photo_id=28

Love

It arrived with a flutter of angel’s wings,

Tip toeing into my heart

Stealing the key

Locking the door.

Now it’s your turn!  Enjoy playing with words!

x0x0

The Gratitude Jar

There are so many versions of this brilliant idea- to encourage us to be grateful for all that we have, to remind us of the beauty that surrounds us, the “special,” precious times we share.  This year, I have started a Gratitude Jar to remind myself of the beauty that surrounds me.  Choose a jar, basket, or JOURNAL.  Each day, take a moment to reflect on the day.  Did someone offer to help you?  Perhaps, someone shared a smile with you.  Were you praised or inspired by someone’s meaningful words? Did you help someone?  Print your “gem” onto a small piece of paper.  Place it into the jar, basket, or JOURNAL.  When you need a reminder that the world is a beautiful place, take out a slip of paper, read it, and smile!

Fill your jar with positive notes!

 

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year!  May this be the year that we reach out to help one another through a smile, kind word, hug.  “Give back” in some small, yet meaningful way. Hold a door for someone, offer a helping hand, comfort a friend, make a new friend, bake some cookies to share, … The possibilities to spread “goodness” are unlimited!

Do you have a suggestion to promote goodness? Share on the blog!