Back Off My Series Books!

What’s next – change the movie stars on Anne Frank’s wall to more modern stars that today’s kids can identify with? That would be really stupid, wouldn’t it. Now think about that.

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The Dumbing Down of American Education

Mamacita says: Where did it begin, this ‘dumbing down’ of American education? Because, whether you want to admit it or not, our schools are set up to serve the lowest common denominator, and that is NOT a good thing. There are … Continue reading

How Anne Frank Helped Me Score Free Classroom Novels

Mamacita says:  Every year, for over twenty years, I taught a unit based on The Diary of Anne Frank.  This title refers to the stage play; Anne’s actual diary is titled Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl.  Please don’t … Continue reading

If You Didn't Earn It, You Don't Deserve It

Mamacita says:  The world is so full of lovely, kind, honest people. Seriously, I agree with Anne Frank, who said, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” How is it that in a … Continue reading

Say It With Me: The Emperor is Naked

Mamacita says:  Little wonder that our kids are so confused about what they’re “supposed” to look like. Teen magazines that used to give us ADVICE about our appearance are now telling kids that unless they look like (insert talentless celebrity … Continue reading

You're Not The Boss of Me.

Mamacita says:  I think, sometimes anyway, that it’s when my students get into hot and heavy “discussions” – most of which I jump into as well, that I like my job the best.  The public school discouraged discussion; there were … Continue reading