A Great Biography for Young and Old: Houdini

If you haven't had the opportunity, you should read Sid Fleischman's biography Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini.  It's an entertaining read from a gifted author.  Fleischman does a fantastic job showing the humor in Houdini's life and letting us get a feel for the over-the-top showmanship that he lived.  Houdini's devotion to his wife of three decades is adorable, and the pictures that show him in manacles and straight jackets and more are a perfect fit with the book.

Fleischman just recently passed away, but his website is still up if you want to take a look at his work.  You can find it here.

Take a breather this summer and enjoy this quick, witty, enchanting biography on the Great Houdini!

Party Poppers Warrant School Suspension?

According to the Associated Press, a 12-year-old girl in Renton, Washington was suspended for the rest of the school year for bringing party poppers to school.  You know, those little plastic bottle-shaped toys that have a loud bang and tiny explosion?  An 18 day suspension for bringing something that is sold as a toy at stores?  I have to ask what the officials were thinking.  Wouldn't a stern discussion on why these shouldn't be brought to school and how they can be thought of as explosives have been better?

If explosives require immediate suspension, why is this particular "explosive" able to be bought without any age requirements.  Common sense seems to be lost here by the school.  Unless their rules specifically state that no party poppers are allowed, they should let the student finish out the school year.  Is it really worth not educating a child for 18 days over this?

Welcome!

Welcome all to Teacherlady's blog. The purpose of this blog is to note interesting happenings in history, literacy and the education world. Please feel free to comment with your own thoughts, especially when it comes to education!