Win $15K in Prizes from the THQ uDraw Your City Art Contest!

From historic Beacon Hill, the ageless Green Monster at Fenway Park, fall leaves in vibrant colors, and to crew boats gliding through the Charles River, Boston brims with landmarks that define it.  In fact, unique inspiration can be found in every community, all over the country.

Inspired by this, uDraw Your City has launched a nationwide art contest, in which young artists  ages 6 to 17 years old have the opportunity to share what they love most about their city through art.  Contestants can use a uDraw GameTablet to illustrate what they love most about their city - though entries may also be created in traditional print formats using any artistic medium. 

THQ and uDraw invite kids to embrace their artistic inspiration and to share "what your city, your town, or your community means to you." Maybe it's the silhouette of your favorite building, a drawing of your friends at the park, or a stencil of your favorite local athlete. 

The submission period runs through October 31, and the grand prize winner will receive a package worth more than $15,000, including a uDraw, and a $10,000 cash prize that the winner can choose to apply toward a college scholarship.  Additionally, THQ will donate $10,000 to the winner's school of choice to help support its art program. Entries are judged on artistic merit (based on age group), creativity, and adherence to the overall city theme.
Click here to learn more and enter! 

Playmobil Teacher Grant Program

As if the super-cool, completely furnished Playmobil School Building wasn't enough, Playmobil wants to help real teachers too! Back by popular demand, Playmobil is offering the Teachers Grant Program, of which you can find information here.

This grant program encourages teachers to send in lesson plans that incorporate using Playmobil toys to help teach children. Everyone knows it is more fun to learn through play, and Playmobil is awarding unique lesson plans that focus on imagination and creativity. Be sure to let any teachers for grades Pre-K to 3rd grade know! The deadline is February 28th, 2011.

Growing Tree Toys Discount

For a limited time, Growing Tree Toys is offering $10 off a future order with them just for liking them on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/growingtreetoys.

Arabic and English Notecards

Son and I gave a talk on our Middle East trip that we had taken this summer. To wrap up the lecture, I told son's teacher that I will translate the student names into Arabic. The teacher loved the idea.

I used notecards and a class list.

Credit is given to my husband who wrote the names in Arabic while I wrote the names in English.

Free Greeting Cards for Teachers

Tiny Prints is offering teachers some cards to help with their school preparation. Use coupon code APPLE2010. Offer expires Oct. 31, 2010.

Food For Thought for Teachers

Tonight was Parent Night at my son's public school. Husband, son and I went on a scavenger hunt in son's classroom--which is a great idea for all parties.

There was a lovely quote I thought I would share that was put on all students' desks for parents to take.

"We can learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors yet beautiful in their own way...but they all have to learn to live side by side in the same box." -----Anonymous Quote

Great activity for your class:

Son's teacher printed this quote on card stock with one crayon taped to the paper. On the bottom of the sheet, son's teacher wrote: "Welcome to our classroom...where we are all learning the importance of one another."

Welcome to Crafts and Arts with an Islamic Touch

Image via WikipediaAs a parent and educator, I am always on the constant lookout for crafts and arts with an Islamic touch because the Islamic culture has so much beauty and worth to offer to all lovers of arts, crafts and education.

Here I hope to post some crafts and arts with an Islamic touch made by me, friends and family, students, and others in hopes of giving you inspiration that could be used in your home or the classroom.

Feel free to leave comments and suggestions as well.