The Rainbow Loom® craze started late for us—it came as a Christmas present for my daughter. But since then, not a day goes by that I haven’t seen or heard about these colourful elastic creations—at home and at school. The stores love them because revenue is high. The kids love them because it is the [...]
I think I liked last year’s Spring Break better. Last year the temperature was 27 Celsius, the weather was sunny, and our family had an amazing week-long trip to Palm Springs, visiting the surreal landscape of Joshua Tree National Park and sunning ourselves poolside. This year, the temperature barely broke into double digits, the weather [...]
The snow started falling just as the school day was beginning. The forecast was for snow throughout the day, but not enough to warrant sending students home early. After the usual reminders about no sledding or snowballs at recess and lunch break, the students went out to enjoy this relatively novel event—a gift to be [...]
I thought the lesson was going smoothly. I was sharing my brilliant insights on how to best incorporate specific writing traits into a personal narrative, and the students were keenly taking notes, nodding their heads and absorbing my self-perceived wisdom. Suddenly, from the center of the classroom, a loud voice yelled out, “BORING! BORING! BORING!” [...]
Being that this is my second year with a high schooler, a middle schooler and an elementary schooler, my assumption was that adding a Kindergartener would be a breeze. They only go to school twice a week, how hard can that be?! I mean, he doesn't have early morning band practices, no after school sports [...]
Given the name of this blog, Laugh Out Loud, you might think the title of this post refers to the ache you get in your belly from a really good laugh. Alas, that is not the case, though I do know that feeling. It’s a very good feeling. I am thinking more along the lines [...]
In early December, I received a direct Twitter message from a friend that said, “If you wish to grow thinner, diminish your dinner” (a Benjamin Franklin quote). I was somewhat baffled, as this message seemed to be completely out of context. When I went onto Twitter however, the context was made clear. Apparently, someone had [...]
My laugh has been the source of a variety of comments over the years. In most cases, these comments have been positive. Having it referred to as a “cackle,” as is often the case, doesn’t sound very complimentary, though it has been known to make babies cry. I do know the fact that it can [...]
If you haven’t made a New Year’s Resolution yet (which I haven’t), or if you have already broken yours (which if I made one, I probably would have by now), or if you just want to try something new or intentional (which I do!), here is my suggestion for you: Family Game Night. I know [...]
You may already know this, but there is a lot riding on a birthday party. So, when someone says they’re having a party in the ACS gym, I am thrilled. And then, when they tell me it’s a toonie party, my heart almost skips a beat. Why? Well, let me invite you into a moment [...]
