Cheerios Celebrates America's Teachers with "Send Cheer to Teachers"

Everyone has a teacher they admire and want to thank. In fact, there are currently 6.2 million teachers in the U.S. who work tirelessly each and every day. Cheerios® is making it simple to say thank you to a favorite teacher from your childhood days or your child's current teacher through the Cheerios Send Cheer to Teachers program.

Now through mid-October, more than 14 million specially-marked Cheerios cereal boxes will feature a Send Cheer to Teachers postcard. After cutting out the postcard from the front of the box, families can write a message of appreciation or a simple "thank you" and then share their "cheer" with a teacher they admire.

"Cheerios has a long-standing commitment to supporting and inspiring a lifelong love of learning and reading in children," said Scott Lee, associate marketing director for Cheerios. "This year's Send Cheer to Teachers program is a natural extension of that commitment by providing a simple way to show the teachers in our lives how much we appreciate them."

America's teachers spend on average $398 of their own money on supplies and resources, and 92 percent of teachers use their own money to provide supplies for their students.* Cheerios, together with the Box Tops for Education® program, is offering parents a way to help alleviate this burden with a Send Cheer to Teachers sweepstakes. Now through July 17, 2014, parents can enter for a chance to win one of five prize packages for their child's school; one grand prize made up of 100,000 Bonus Box Tops** and $10,000 worth of school supplies courtesy of Avery®, and Ziploc® or one of four prize packages made up of 30,000 Bonus Box Tops and $2000 worth of school supplies courtesy of Avery® and Ziploc®. Simply enter the unique code from inside the box online at btfe.com/sendcheer to earn one bonus Box Top for the school of your choice and enter for a chance to win one of five prize packages for your designated school. Official rules can be found at btfe.com/sendcheer.

The Cheerios® Send Cheer to Teachers program will run throughout the fall with promotions and events to help inspire people to get involved. To learn more, visit www.Cheerios.com/cheerteachers.


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Book Review - NLP Essentials for Teachers

About the Book
Rediscover the Art of Teaching. Learn how to command respect, gain attention and communicate effectively

NLP ESSENTIALS FOR TEACHERS: The Art of Encouraging Excellence in Your Students shows you how to become an excellent teacher. Does this sound hard to believe? Follow the strategies presented in this book, adapt them to suit your individual needs and make sure you have the right attitude. Are you ready to take CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE?

This self-help manual will empower you to create the results you desire in your teaching career and with your students!

You will discover how easy it is to:

• Have more fun at school
• Master your emotions
• Learn more effective teaching strategies
• Develop greater rapport
• Use effective behaviour management strategies
• Cater for a diverse range of learning styles and for students with special needs
• Foster values and beliefs that promote learning

About the Author
Gaye O'Brien is an Educator, Coach, NLP Trainer, Speaker and Author. She presents seminars and webinars to teachers, small business owners and individuals and is interested helping them become all they can be.

Gaye is author of "NLP Essentials for Teachers:The Art of Encouraging Excellence in Your Students". She is also a contributing author to "Adventures in Manifesting: Healing From Within", and "Entrepreneur Success Stories: How Common People Achieve Uncommon Results".

My Take on the Book
As a father I want the teachers who are educating my children during the day to be top notch and this book provides some valuable tools for any educator. I was amazed at the amount of material placed in only 115 pages and was impressed with the practicality of the text itself. From beginning to end you are building a toolbox that you will be able to take with you into the classroom. I gave this book to my wife to read also (as she is a past teacher) and she loved the book saying that this was a book that she wished to have been given at the start of her teaching career. So whether you are a new teacher or someone who has been teaching for many years, this is a great resource to learn from and to share with others!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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1st Ever All Stainless Steel Kid's Time Teacher Watch!

Pacific-Concepts is introducing the world’s 1st all stainless steel kid’s Time Teacher watch line. The hypo-allergenic stainless steel case and buckle makes the safest and most durable kid’s watch in the market. It is the only one watch being; lead free, nickel free, mercury free, and cadmium free, allowing parents to be 100% worry free!

Each design will introduce children to the concept of telling time, thanks to a crisp and simple to read dial, featuring the most popular kids characters of Disney (Mickey & friends) properties, Marvel (superheroes), and Red Balloon (a poetic collection, where each watch is a journey to the jungle or the garden). Each watch comes with “Time To Tell Time” insert, helping parents to review time telling basics with their kids and the collections range in price from $24.95- $38.50.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Tales Out of School

About the Book
After 34 years in Toronto’s educational system, Linda Arbour has seen it all.

Reflecting on her experience as a student, teacher and administrator in the multi-racial, multi-ethnic, public secondary Catholic schools of Toronto, Ontario, she wrote a memoir.

In Tales Out of School, Arbour offers a critical examination of the culture that exists in many schools in Toronto and analyzes the unconscious as well as theoretical dimensions of this psychological and sociological agenda.

Focusing on these schools, Arbour insists they exist to transmit the counter-cultural values of Jesus to promote inclusion and a place where power is used to enhance the growth of staff and students alike. She also describes the cultural impasse she encountered while trying to realize these values.

Within the structure of the Catholic schools system, she discovered a morass of traditional male privilege, cronyism and a professional culture hostile to the flourishing of women and of teachers in general.

“I hope to challenge future teachers and administrators to gain a heightened awareness,” Arbour says. “I want them to address these concerns within the context of the gospel by imagining a culture that emphasizes the flourishing of everyone.”

Tales Out of School enthralls audiences with a unique and informative perspective on the overall issues facing Canada’s educational system.

About the Author
Linda Marie Arbour, MRE, Med, graduated from the University of Toronto. She spent thirty-four years as a teacher and administrator in the Catholic public secondary schools of Toronto. Now retired, she continues to live in Toronto.

My Take on the Book
This was a personal, intimate look into the prevailing culture that exists in many schools today. The book was honest and shared many of the concerns that I have heard from many teachers, and I know that it is not just a Canadian experience, but instead an overall K-12 education experience that exists today. The book provides a challenge for all current and future teachers to stay vigilant and to not forget the students that they are there to serve and educate. This was a powerful book, and I appreciated the experience and wisdom that the author shared!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - The Great Expectations School

About the Book
When Brown joined the New York City Teaching Fellows, a program like Teach for America that sends recruits into the hardest-to-staff urban schools, he was excited and nervous about meeting his new class, “4-217.” Unbeknownst to him, 4-217 was the designated “dumping ground” for all the fourth-grade problem cases in the school, which was located in the poorest Congressional district in the country.

As he toiled to teach his students desperately needed basic skills—in addition to preparing for high-pressure state tests—Brown found his good intentions and dedication continuously thwarted by a hostile administration, struggling parents, and a nonexistent budget. One day, reeling from the vice principal’s abrasive criticism and a chaotic classroom, he sent his fist through his chalkboard. Yet amidst the tumult, Brown found a love for teaching, and ultimately discovered the positive difference that he had made in many of his students’ lives.

The Great Expectations School is a rare glimpse into what really goes on in America’s classrooms today.

About the Author
Dan Brown holds a Master’s in education from Columbia University. His writing has appeared in the New York Daily News, Boston Globe, New York Post, and Education Week, among other publications. He contributed a chapter to The American Public School Teacher: Past, Present, and Future, published in 2011 by Harvard University Press. He blogs regularly for the Huffington Post and TransformEd, and currently teaches high school English at the SEED Public Charter School in Washington, DC.

Randi Weingarten (foreword) is currently the president of the American Federation of Teachers, which has 1.5 million members. She lives in New York City.

My Take on the Book
With the fact that my wife was a teacher for a number of years in both urban and suburban environments this book does a tremendous job at capturing the first year of a teaching experience in a school that is all too common within the inner-city. The book was honest and true to the experience and sheds much light on the education system and those that are trying to save it one day at a time. There were so many points where the author has shared truly touching stories as well as humorous ones along the way. This book is a treasure and one that should not only be read, but should also be shared widely!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Preparing Your Child For School - Tips from Avenues: The World School

As summer comes to a close, and parents are helping their children transition to go back to school, a common concern of parents is separation: Will my child be able to separate? Will the teacher understand his/her needs? The first day of school brings a mixture of emotions for both parents and children. Nancy Schulman, head of the Early Learning Center at Avenues: The World School, former longtime director of the renowned 92nd Street Y Nursery School, and co-author of several parenting books, shares some helpful and timely tips to make the first day of school a positive experience:


DO:

• ESTABLISH GOOD BEDTIME AND MORNING ROUTINES
• REVIEW TEACHERS NAMES AT HOME
• READ BOOKS TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT BEGINNING SCHOOL
• BE ON TIME FOR ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
• TURN YOUR CELL PHONE OFF
• CONVEY A POSTIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD SCHOOL—SMILE!
• GREET TEACHERS IN A FRIENDLY MANNER
• POINT OUT THEIR COAT HOOKS AND CUBBIES
• TELL YOUR CHILD WHERE YOU WILL BE AND BE THERE
• ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CHILD’S FEELINGS (“I know it’s hard…you’ll be O.K”)
• DURING ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL –FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD. GIVE THEM EXTRA INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND QUIET PLAY TIME AT HOME AFTERWARDS
• SAY A SHORT GOODBYE BUT DON’T WAIT FOR A RESPONSE
• WAIT TO SOCIALIZE WITH OTHER PARENTS WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
• COMMUNICATE ANY SPECIAL CONCERNS TO THE TEACHERS
• BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR CHILDREN—THEY CAN DO THIS!

DON’T:

• TALK ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN IN FRONT OF THEM
• ASK YOUR CHILD’S PERMISSION TO LEAVE
• BRING CAMERAS AND VIDEOS ON THE FIRST DAY-FOCUS ON THE MOMENT
• HAVE MORE THAN ONE ADULT BRING YOUR CHILD
• DON’T CARRY YOUR CHILD INTO SCHOOL
• OVERSCHEDULE YOUR CHILD AFTER SCHOOL
• FEEL GUILTY – YOU ARE GIVING THEM A GIFT!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Start the School Year Off Right & Thank a Teacher

Each summer, 200 elementary school teachers are selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, by applying through SendMyTeacher.com. Parents and students can nominate a teacher in their lives through the site as well; the teacher receives an e-card letting them know they’ve been nominated to apply for the Academy.

Formed through a partnership with PGA golfer Phil Mickelson, his wife Amy, and ExxonMobil, the week-long, all-expense paid professional development program equips teachers with the tools they need to inspire their students in math and science. From learning about volume through boxes made of origami, to force and motion through dropping an egg into a water glass using a broom (Phil’s favorite experiment!), teachers learn new ways to illustrate science’s basic theories to students.

I highly recommend that you go to the site and recommend a favorite teacher to be selected for this great academy! I know that I am heading there as we speak!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Talking money to pre-tweens

April is National Financial Literacy Month. The national epidemic of home foreclosures, bankruptcies and joblessness has created an awareness of how easy it can be to live beyond one’s means.

A new, free digital resource from Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University provides an interactive way for parents to talk with their pre-tweens about money while also supporting Department of Education standards for reading and math in grades 3 to 5.

 Kids Count: The Road to Financial Literacy is available at www.networksfinancialinstitute.org and includes:

• A virtual field trip to the community of Nickelsburg where children learn to differentiate between wants versus needs as they care for Peso the Puppy
• Downloadable activities that reinforce saving, spending, giving and budgeting concepts
• Tips and activities parents can access to integrate money management lessons into family activities

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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The Complete List of 66 Teacher Discounts

Teacher discounts don't often receive the same attention as those specifically for students, but educators need not frown -- there are plenty to be had.

Along with classroom supplies and other learned goodies like books, numerous teacher discounts are offered nationwide, ranging from laptops and Photoshop to museum entry and cell phone plans. Gift Card Granny has compiled a list of 66 top-notch discounts spanning nine categories, both online and off. A sampling:

• The Container Store: The organizational aficionados provide a 15 percent discount on all items through the Organized Teacher Program. Register online for a free discount card to use for in-store and online purchases. If you visit a store, be sure to have your school ID.
• Borders: Register for the Classroom Discount Card, a brand-spanking-new program that entitles librarians and teachers 25-percent off most purchases. The discount is for those who teach preschool to high school and available in-store only.
• The Limited: Show a school ID or valid pay stub when you shop at any The Limited location and snag 15-percent off your entire order. The offer is good for all items on the racks, walls or tables. In other words, everything.
• Bose: The Bose offer is prime, particularly for those in need of sonic stimulation. Variable discounts are available on all music systems and accessories. Call the Customer Focused Development Team at 1-800-353-4027 for pricing and to place an order.
• Cell Phone Companies (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile): This discount is a tad tricky to redeem but can save loads on a personal cell phone bill, sometimes up to 20 percent a month. Visit your providers business or discount portal and input your .edu e-mail address to check if your institution is registered. Example: Search "Verizon business discount" in an engine and click on the first result to check your discount or register.
• National Park Service: Show a valid school ID at a slew of National Park Service visitor centers across the nation and receive 15-percent off any purchase. The discount doesn't apply to park entry or camping fees.
• John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Present a valid school ID at the box office to snag a discounted day pass at the estate-turned-gallery in Sarasota, Fla. The museum, named for John Ringling of Ringling Brothers circus fame, is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road.

The Gift Card Granny list provides information where a deal can be redeemed, how to register for certain reward programs and, of course, the extent of a discount. Rules and conditions change from store to store, yet nearly all of the 66 deals are available year-round for teachers of every brand, including elementary school, high school, university and home school. Download "The Complete List of 66 Teacher Discounts" to sooth these oft-neglected educators with something more rewarding than the routine "apple for teacher."

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GiftCardGranny.com is one of four websites operating under the brand name The Frugals and dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally. Other members of The Frugals family include CouponSherpa.com, MrFreeStuff.com and MrsSweepstakes.com.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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End-of-the-Year Teacher Gift Ideas from Disney FamilyFun

“School’s out for summer” – almost, believe it or not!  Wondering how to tell your schoolhouse staff they rock? Here are seven thoughtful, no-fuss gift packs that teachers are sure to appreciate, hot off the press of the latest issue of Disney FamilyFun magazine.

Stamps of Approval: These sweet stamps let teachers say “great job” with ease, and they come together fast from cork and adhesive-backed craft foam.

    
Favorite Reads Photo Bookmark: thank the teacher for making reading fun with a bookmark that lists your child’s new favorite titles. 

Happy Travels Car Sachet: Stuffed with a sweet scent, this little luxury makes a great gift for a teacher who may be hitting the road this summer.

Painted Thank-You Mug: With the stroke of a paint pen made for pottery, kids can turn an ordinary mug into a useful keepsake.   
   

Fun Fingerprint Stationery: Let teachers know how they made a big impression with a set of (truly) hand-printed cards and envelopes.  Bundled with stamps, this one-of-a-kind gift will make summer correspondence even more fun.    
     

From the Whole Class – Sow Giving Tree or Give a Crate (or a barrel!) of bulbs: Surround a potted plant with a grouping of card stock envelopes shaped like flowers, or pack up a gardening kid for an all-natural way to say thanks for helping kids thrive.

For more great ideas that will make teachers feel special visit http://familyfun.go.com/schools-out/schools-out-teacher-gifts/teacher-gift-ideas-855379/.