In this exciting new resource Diane Hodges, best-selling author of Looking Forward to Monday Morning and Looking Forward to MORE Monday Mornings, offers a wealth of ideas, strategies, and tips for kicking off a successful school year. Based on research findings that identify educator needs along with a collection of ideas from educators throughout the U.S. and Canada, the book provides positive, spirited approaches to help head teachers and school administrators create a nurturing culture where teachers are encouraged and appreciated for all that they do. Organized around the seasons, this reader-friendly guide includes: - Preparation plans for the new school year - Fun school ground and community events that prompt everyone to get involved - Seasonal activities, songs, and tips for celebrating special holidays and occasions - End-of-the-year reflections and rewards - Unique original artwork by John Speeter that highlights important ideas and concepts

Presents low-cost and morale-boosting ideas for group and individual recognition, new year starters, fun activities throughout the year, year-end treats, staff meetings, celebrations, holidays, and winter break.

` Diane Hodges' work is for those amongst us who need to show appreciation but need a helping hand with the practicalities. It has dozens of ideas for activities and rewards and covers a range of settings from formal and informal to days out and celebrations. There is something for everyone from teachers and bosses to friends and lovers - although you will have to use your imagination to make it applicable to your own circumstances. Just don't get carried away and remember that rewards must be of value to the recipient - not what you think the recipient wants! And above all, they must be sincere - nothing devalues any reward system faster than cynicism. And the easiest tip from the book is to remember that one of the most powerful ways of showing appreciation is promptly and sincerely saying so! And by being specific about what it is that you like so much' - Nurturing Potential Empower your staff members with a fresh appreciation for their work by nurturing their growth and success! Has Monday morning become a less-than-exciting event for your staff members? Do you wish that you could help them look forward to the new week; that you could provide them with a more tangible appreciation for their efforts? In Looking Forward to Monday Morning, Diane Hodges, a former human resources director and school administrator, shares numerous staff appreciation and recognition activities that can be implemented to promote a positive environment and inspire staff members to look forward to the beginning of each new week. In this insightful text, you will find low-cost, fun ideas that will help staff members: - Experience concrete recognition for hard work and accomplishments - Increase productivity and job longevity - Exercise creativity during meetings, holidays, and lunchtime - Participate in their own success while encouraging the growth and success of others Empower your staff members with a fresh appreciation for their work and transform each day of the week into an opportunity for creativity and fun.

Best-selling author, Diane Hodges, provides a collection of humorous anecdotes, stories, jokes, and student remarks that will surely lighten the day for educators. Laugh Lines for Educators is a great way to bring humor into speeches, staff lounges, bulletin boards, meeting icebreakers, newsletters, and more to promote a fun school environment.

This compact book is a sequel to Laugh Lines for Educators and will provide educators with more laughs, chuckles, and grins. The book contains humorous stories, jokes, and original artwork organised around the following themes: Children, Teaching, School Daze (children in school), and Special Occasions. The book can be used as a collection of ideas for icebreakers, staff meetings, newsletters and written correspondence, cards, speeches and presentations, and as clever, pick-me-up reading posting in the office or teacher lounge.

Praise for Looking Forward to Monday Morning: "If you ever wanted to thank your staff but didn't know how to, this is the book for you. According to Hodges, surveys show that recognition for a job well done ranks higher as a motivational factor than wages and job security. Principals and managers who actively show how much they value their employees build a positive climate that filters down to students. The ideas contained in this book are sure to tickle your staff and build morale." -Principal Magazine, NAESP, Nov/Dec 2005 Praise for Looking Forward to MORE Monday Mornings: "My entire philosophy on staff development and motivation has changed since I read this book, which breathed life into my new-found style." -Dave Woods, Principal, Delhi Middle School, CA Bring fun and appreciation to every Monday morning and all days of the week! In this sequel to the best-selling book Looking Forward to Monday Morning, Diane Hodges, a former human resources director and school administrator, shares a new collection of low-cost staff appreciation and recognition activities that school leaders can implement to promote a positive and upbeat work environment. This uplifting resource for new school leaders or those who want a fresh slate of team-building strategies offers winning activities to use during special school events, staff development meetings, and throughout the workday to easily acknowledge staff members when they do a good job. Dozens of morale-boosting ideas and suggestions are included for: Rewards for specific behaviors such as attendance, classroom cleanliness, positive attitudes, and school achievement Recognition for groups and individuals New year starters and year-end treats Staff meetings Celebrations, holidays, and winter break Looking Forward to MORE Monday Mornings offers leaders the opportunity to give hard-working colleagues a well-deserved "pat on the back" while infusing a light-hearted and inspiring climate into any school setting.