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February 2008
Vol 5 No 2
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Teachers.Net Gazette Vol.5 No.2
February 2008
Cover Story:
Rethinking Homework
By Alfie Kohn
Daily homework is the rule in most schools. Why not make it the exception?
Columns

»Coaches Are More Effective than Mentors
»Sources for Below Grade Level Reading
»To Promote Responsibility, Elicit Rather Than Impose
»The Busy Educator's Monthly Five for February
»Filtering the Web: Mission Impossible?
»Hot Tips to Stay Healthy; High Speed Sub Plans
Articles

»Fighting "February Slump"
»Make That Presentation a Winner!
»Sports Done Right
»Celebrate Dr. Seuss with Read Across America
»Maslow - Alive and Well in the Classroom
»25 Ways to Obtain Children's Attention
»The Year of the Earth Rat - The Chinese Zodiac
Features

»Featured Lessons: February 2008
»The Lighter Side of Teaching
»Book Review: Three Cups of Tea
»Video Bytes: NCLB, Whiteboard, and More
»Creative & Critical Thinking Activities
»Editor's Pick: Travels With Music
»Apple Seeds: Inspiring Quotes for Teachers
»Teachers.Net Craft Favorite: Picasso Faces
»Today Is... Daily Commemoration for February 2008
»Live on Teachers.Net: February 2008
»Chatboard Poll: Do schools need to change, and how?
»Preparing for Your Student Teacher
»Newsdesk: Events & Opportunities for Teachers

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Columnists & Writers: Alfie Kohn; Harry & Rosemary Wong; Cheryl Sigmon; Dr. Marvin Marshall; Barbara & Sue Gruber; Marjan Glavac; Dr. Rob Reilly; Barb S. HS/MI; Ron Victoria; Brian Hill; Leah Davies; Susan Rismiller; Hal Portner; Karen Hawkes; Emmy; Tim Newlin; Chuck Brickman; Barb Gilman; Grace Viduna Haskins

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Tim Newlin

TIMTIM.com
Archive | Biography | Resources | Discussion

The Year of the Earth Rat - The Chinese Zodiac

Tim Newlin of TimTim.com celebRATes the Chinese New Year with his essay about the Chinese Zodiac Calendar and the much-maligned mascot of the Year of the Rat. And he's created a Valentine especially for YOU!
by Tim Newlin
Regular contributor to the Gazette
February 1, 2008

In Russia the pet stores are running out of rats, mice, hamsters and even gerbils! The reason: the upcoming Chinese New Year. Russia's main religion is Christian Orthodox, but Chinese astrology is a popular pastime. Feb 7, 2008 marks the beginning of the first of 60 cycles of the Chinese zodiac calendar, and that starts with the year of The Earth Rat.

The western astrological zodiac calendar has 12 phases per year, each with its own symbol. The Chinese zodiac has a new symbol each year for a 12-year stretch, and that repeats itself 5 times - once for each of the elements of WOOD, FIRE, EARTH, METAL, and WATER. In China, all 12 symbols are animals (rat, ox, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, dog, and rooster).

In the west we believe rats to be nasty, dirty animals. People who are "rat-like" are ugly and suspicious. We swear "Rats!" when we are mad and we talk about our stressful lives as the "rat race". Rats are a big city problem and getting bigger as our city garbage cans fill with junk food and waste. We see rats as living in our sewers and causing diseases.

In ancient times the rat was welcomed as a symbol of property and wealth. So Chinese parents are all hoping that their babies come this year. A child born in the Year of the Rat is fortuned to be a hard working, successful leader with creative and honest traits. That explains the run on the pet stores for pet rats.

Could it be that this year we will see an increase in RATatouille dishes served? Will the little known Italian comic strip, RATman have a revival? Will women begin to RAT their hair again as they did in the 60's? Will crime syndicates begin to RAT on their friends? Will we see decorators using more RATtan furniture for their interiors? Will the US and China finally RATify the new climate agreement on CO2 emissions?

Whatever happens, one thing is sure - the RAT populations of the world will be celebrating The Year of the Rat by breeding throughout our major cities!



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About TIMTIM.com...

TIMTIM.COM is a free-use site of thousands of color and B&W cartoon-style drawings organized by more than 50 different subjects ranging from holidays, jobs, nature, animals, transportation, computers, religion, environment, health, travel, geography and more. The site is recommended by the American and Canadian Teachers Federation and use of the drawings is free for non-commercial purposes.

Visit Tim's Features by Tim Newlin at http://www.timtim.com


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