A Bouquet of Wishes for
Secretaries Day
This poem is a nice humorous gift for
a school secretary and a fun way to say Happy Secretaries Day, thanks
for a great year, happy retirement, etc. (On poster board glue a
seed packet of the flower mentioned by each stanza; embellish with
colorful flower graphics or cutouts)
A bouquet of wishes for Secretaries Day
Our caretaker of many from August to May
Before our eyes she begins to bloom
Good…"Morning Glory" we all chime in tune
But something happens as the "Phlox" gather near
She begins to wilt and the smile disappears
Our instincts tell us things are looking slim
As those "Snapdragon" buds begin to dim
We see her "Impatiens" grow by the hour
And we know that something is going sour
What a relief when "Four O’clock" rolls around
And our poor secretary can split these grounds
Its home to her husband we see her flee
To cuddle and snuggle and be his "Sweet Pea"
Written by: Diane Pollitt
PartyMerchant.com
http://www.partymerchant.com
Class
Party
Room mothers or parent volunteers will appreciate these quick and speedy tips
for classroom party games to use for classroom holiday parties or end of
year school parties.
Simple, Home-made Educational Games
These ideas may work for classroom incentives or at a holiday party to
keep kids entertained and amused. Try these classroom party ideas, tips, and games
in the classroom or at your next school party.
Contributed by: Inez Haythorn buffy@christianfamilytreasures.com
Christian Family Treasures http://www.christianfamilytreasures.com
After teaching for many years, I have learned several ways to use games in the classroom.
Games are a good way to get kids motivated to practice skills, and they hardly realize
they are learning. These can also be used at home with your own kids. They can be used
with any subject and require a minimal amount of materials. Usually the only materials
needed are paper, index cards, construction paper, markers or crayons, pencils, scissors.
Sometimes dice and game markers are also used.
None of these games are my originals. They are well-known, common games that I have
adapted to classroom use.
BINGO
This can be used with math facts, spelling words, vocabulary words, or just about anything
else you can think of.
(Any number of players. If only two players, take turns calling.)
1. Make a 5x5 grid on paper. The blocks should be no smaller than 1 square inch. Make
grids for every player.
2. Each player puts the answers at random in the blocks, making sure to label the free
spot in the middle.
(This way no two grids are alike.) There should always be more answers than spaces. If
not, everyone will win!
3. Cut out small pieces of paper for markers. At school I pass out colored construction
paper. We make markers to go with the colors of the season, such as red and green for
Christmas.
4. Make a master list of answers. These could be words or math problems.
5. The caller says a word or a problem.
6. If the players have that answer, they cover it.
7. The first player to have 5 spaces covered across, up and down, or diagonally, is the
winner. That player gets to be the next caller.
(Variation: Have a smaller grid with only 3x3 spaces. This would be better for younger
children.)
Optional games:
Bingo Cage Set
FOUR SQUARE
(Two players or two teams.)
1. Draw a master grid on a large piece of construction paper or
tag board. It should have
25 blocks, 5x5.
2. Make markers out of construction paper in two different colors.
3. Create a list of words, questions, or math problems.
4. The caller asks a question. Player #1 answers. If he is correct, he/she gets to place a
marker anywhere on the grid.
5. Player #2 is asked a question. If he/she is correct, he/she places a marker of the
other color.
6. The object of the game is for one color to get four in a row, while at the same time
preventing the other team from getting four in a row. It can be across, up and down, or
diagonal.
7. The first person or team to get four in a row is the winner.
(Variation: Make a smaller version of the game by using a tic-tac-toe grid.)
Optional games:
Bean Bag Toss
Pooh's Playtime Game
CONCENTRATION
(Two players. Can be used with spelling words, math problems, or any other subject.)
1. Each player makes 20 cards out of construction paper. Plain or colored index cards may
also be used.
2. With a marker or crayon, write a word on each card. Make sure the word doesn't show
through on the other side.
3. When both players are ready, they shuffle their own cards and place them face down in 4
rows of 5 in front of them.
4. Player 1 picks one of his cards and one of the opponents. If they match, he keeps both
cards. If not, they must be placed face down exactly where they were.
5. If the cards match, that player may keep picking until he misses.
6. Player 2 does the same thing.
7. When all the cards are gone, the player with the most cards is the winner.
Optional games:
Automatic Bingo Cards
BOARD GAME
(2-4 players.)
1. Get a large piece of construction paper or tagboard.
2. Draw a game board pattern of anything you would like on it. It could be a pathway of
squares or a curved path.
3. Number the blocks on the path from 1 to 50. But at random, place an "x"
instead of a number. There should be at least 10 "x's" on the board.
4. Have a prepared set of questions, words, or problems. Players need a marker and a set
of dice.
5. Caller asks player 1 a question. If she answers it correctly, she rolls the dice and
moves that number of spaces.
6. The same procedure goes for player 2.
7. If a player lands on an "x", they must go backwards to the last
"x".
8. The first player to reach the finish block is the winner. They must have an exact roll
to land on the finish or stay where they are.
Optional games:
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
I hope your children enjoy these games. They are tried and true in the classroom. My
students are always asking me to play these games. We use them to practice math facts,
spelling words, and to review for tests. Learning can be fun and games!
Inez Haythorn is a Christian wife, mother, elementary school teacher, pianist, and
freelance writer. She is the publisher of Christian Family Treasures, a website full of
resources for women, moms, parents, and families. Her goal is to glorify and honor God,
and bless and help others. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.
http://www.christianfamilytreasures.com
This article provided by the Family Content Archives at:
http://www.Family-Content.com
Optional games:
Inflate Octopus Ring Toss Game
Limbo Poles & Games
Fiesta Limbo Game
Luau Party Game
Moms: 7 Tips to Organize Your School Kids
by Barbara Myers - barbmyers@adelphia.net
Getting Organized Saves Time http://www.ineedmoretime.com
1. Place near the door a rack for outerwear and a shelf or mat for shoes. Have kids
deposit their coats, hats, gloves, shoes upon entering. Each evening, they replace with
tomorrow's shoes and jackets.
2. Have kids empty their backpacks when they arrive home. Provide a basket in which they
can place anything for parents' review.
3. Make sure your kids have a well-lit place to do homework. Teach them to use in/out
trays to ensure no homework is missed.
4. Give them chores. Teachers report that kids who regularly do chores at home are more
responsible in the classroom.
5. Help kids manage their time. Teach them to list all their responsibilities (chores,
homework, soccer practice) and how much time each will take.
6. Prepare each evening. Pick out clothes and shoes. Pack lunches. Set out breakfast.
Place backpack by the door.
7. Make an out-the-door checklist. Note everything they need to take to school. Post it on
the door.
Barbara Myers is a professional organizer and author of The Complete Guide to Organized
Parenting. FREE "50 Ways to Manage Your Time" Tips Booklet. Visit
http://www.ineedmoretime.com
This article provided by the Family Content Archives at:
http://www.Family-Content.com
