Thursday, February 21, 2013

Have You DEAR'ed Lately?


            D.E.A.R. is an educational acronym that stands for Drop Everything and Read.  It’s much frothier than the dated S.S.R. – Silent Sustained Reading, which sounds a bit torturous to even the most avid reader. 

            This week I will be celebrating Nashville D.E.A.R. Day at Rose Park Magnet School where we will honor books, authors, and reading in general.  April 12th is the official National D.E.A.R Day.  It is the birthday of the beloved author Beverly Cleary who created one of my all-time favorite childhood characters – Ramona Quimby.  On National D.E.A.R. Day, families are encouraged to read together while promoting books as an integral part of daily life.

            So how will you be celebrating D.E.A.R. Day?  Fun activities to do with family, friends, or an impassioned book club include making bookmarks, reading favorite passages, and acting out scenes.  Character charades, anyone?  While April 12th is official D.E.A.R. day, every day is a great day to Drop Everything and Read!  So – drop those agonizing bills, turn off that vapid reality TV show, and get your read on!  




Monday, February 11, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day...How to Snag a Hottie by Lucy and CeCee


Need a sweetie for the (gasp) big day?  Follow these tips from Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School...

  • Find a good candidate starting with someone who likes you for you. Other quality traits to look for in a guy are sweet, funny, and genuine. And let’s face it: cute doesn’t hurt, either. Stay away from boys who ego trip or only think about themselves.
  • When talking to him the first few times, you may be a little nervous. If so, ask him questions about himself or his classes. Here are some good questions to ask:
§  What are you listening to on your iPod?
§  Do you have (name a teacher)? How is your project coming along?
§  Are you going to the football game on Friday?
§  Do you know what time the bell rings?
  
  • Try to be friends first and get to know him in a casual setting. This will make the going-out stuff less awkward.
  • If you want to ask a guy out, approach him when he’s alone—not when he’s hanging with “the guys” and absolutely not when he’s talking with another girl. If the coast is clear, pop a breath mint, take a deep breath, and go for it!
  • Do a little recon investigation, and find out what your dude is into. If he likes sports, talk about a local or state team; if he likes music, chat up tunes and bands.
  • Don’t talk too much about yourself. For most guys, this is a turnoff.
  • If he makes a joke, laugh. Guys like to think they belong on Comedy Central.
  • If you’re apt to blush when you gush, don’t fret. Most guys think this is cute.
  • Make signs that you like him and are interested by smiling, making eye contact, lightly touching his arm, and the like.
  • It sounds dorky, but practice talking to your crush in the mirror. When the time comes, you’ll be a silver-tongued smoothie. 


Helpful Hint #1: Don’t be a stalker.* Guys are pretty simple to figure out. If they like you, you’ll know it. If they don’t, move on. 

Helpful Hint #2: Don’t have a friend tell his friend to tell his friend that you like him. Do your love work yourself! It shows confidence!


 Happy Valentine's Day!!!





Thursday, February 7, 2013