Monthly Teacher's Guide

April is Earth month. We have a tradition every year of putting an article on the cover that addresses some environmental issue. We continued that tradition with our article on the manatees. They are dying at alarming rates. The algae blooms that are causing it are becoming a problem in most states that have major water access.

It's hard to believe it is tax time already again. We have example W-2 and 1040 forms in the paper this month for your students to use for practice. In addition to tax time, ID.me is in the news. Slowly states were adopting this company's solution to online identity proof.

It seems like it wasn't that long ago that we were talking about the summer Olympics in Tokyo, but here we are, ready for the winter games. Some of the vocabulary will be the same between the two games, but some will be season specific.

Our hearts are broken for the families devastated by the storms on December 10 and 11. It is never easy when tragedy like this happens, but it is even harder when it is so close to the holidays. We hope that your families are safe and send our deepest sympathy to those involved.

Greetings and happy holidays! Supply chain issues have been in the news for months, but the stories have increased with the holidays coming. It is important to understand what supply chains are and how they have been disrupted in many ways over the last year and a half. We hope this month's front page story helps with that.

Since last month's COVID-19 vaccine update, there has been so much in the news about booster shots and new treatments that it made sense to have a follow-up article. We also included some information about other vaccine boosters in general. Please stress with your students that it is always important to talk to their doctors about any medical problems or questions.

With the peak of hurricane season falling in September and wildfire season continuing in the west, it seemed appropriate to talk about these natural disasters this month. We hope that you are not in the paths of the fires or dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Ida or Nicholas.

Welcome back to another school year! Our aim is to bring you and your students a great variety of reading and discussion materials each month, extend your students' vocabulary in important content areas, and provide teacher aids that will lower your preparation time and support you as the star you are in your classroom.