November is National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an internet based creative writing project that was started in July of 1999 by Chris Baty. Each year participates pick a theme of their choice and write at least 50,000 words for the month of November.

In honor of National Novel Writing Month, start a creative writing exercise with your students. Have kids start a story at the beginning of the month and add to it each day in November. Set a word count for your students or just have them write for a set amount of time each day. To get students started, you may want to pick a topic or give a few examples. For some added fun, have your students create a book cover for their novels at the end of the month.

For ideas and resources on NaNoWriMo for young writers, check out the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program at http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/.

Today in History...

Today in history… the New York Stock Exchange crashed on what came to be known as "Black Tuesday", starting the Great Depression (1929)

http://www.holidayinsights.com/history/history10.htm

The history of Halloween

Though October is almost over, there is still Halloween to look forward

http://www.history.com/topics/halloween

Share to WIN on Facebook!

WIN this presidential prize pack for your classroom. With the election polls open and the candidates debating back and forth, teaching students the importance of being the President of the United States should be fun and exciting for them. This prize pack includes books on previous United States Presidents, pencils and material to make a very decorative, educational bulletin board for the kids. It's important to learn about U.S. history and explaining presidency, elections, and voting should be exciting and educational for students. So, how to WIN this presidential package? Visit Teacher's Square on Facebook, "LIKE" our page, once you "LIKE" us, you will see this picture of the prize pack and all you have to do is "SHARE" it (SHARE the picture). A random, lucky winner will be chosen October 30th, 2012. Just in time to decorate for the upcoming election final vote in early November. Good luck! 

Children Helping Children!

Children helping children! Second-graders at West Fallowfield Christian assembled 20 school kits as part of their class theme of "Sharing God's Love with Others." 

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/762812_West-Fallowfield-students-give-school-supplies.html

October 27th is Make A Difference Day

Started by USA WEEKEND Magazine in 1992, Make A Difference Day is one of the largest community service efforts in the United States. Each year 3 million people worldwide join together on the fourth Saturday in October to help make a difference in their communities.

Teaching students to make a difference in their communities can provide many benefits. Students are not only changing other’s lives; they are changing their own. Some of the benefits include: developing social and relationship skills, gaining confidence and learning compassion for others.

Here are some ideas for students to make a difference at their school:

• Have students spend some time cleaning up school grounds so that everyone can enjoy a safe and clean environment
• Start a clothing and food drive for families in need at your school
• Start an after-school tutoring program where students help each other with their homework and school projects

How are you and your students planning to make a difference on October 27th?