If you wish to send someone a condolence letter be sure to do it in a timely manner. You should write the bereaved a letter within two weeks of their loss. This is the time that they are most focused on grieving. They will be dealing with funeral arrangements and preparing for their final goodbyes. If you miss this timeframe or find out about the death months after it has occurred, go ahead and write the letter. There is no need to explain why your card is arriving late. Writing a general condolence letter will not be very comforting to the griever. Be aware that you are writing about the griever's loved one. Be prepared to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. Refer to the deceased by name. For example, you may say something like "I am very sorry to hear about Janie's passing." Each death is different and each person deals with grief in a different way. Avoid telling a griever how to grieve or what to do next. Unless you know and feel comfortable with their religion affiliations, avoid using religious opinions within the letter. Avoid saying things like "everything happens for a reason" or "they are in a better place." Avoid saying things like "I know how you feel." Everyone's pain is different and this will not be comforting to the griever.

Summary: Don't wait too long. Make the letter personal. Be sensitive to their situation.

Third graders will have an easier time studying with tables. This presents all the information out in front of them at one time. In the beginning, let them work off this table in front of them. They can follow the columns and rows until they find their answers. Over time, this will likely lead them to memorization without them even really trying. It's up to you how many factors you want to present them with. A multiplication table up to 6 may be all you want to do right now. However, if you have a particularly bright group of kids, you may be able to get away with a chart that goes all the way up to 12. Show them that 2x3 is the exact same thing as 2+2+2, or 3 groups of 2. This makes it less intimidating since they already know how to add. Emphasize that multiplication is a shortcut. For instance, write down five 2s and then add them together to get 10. Then show them 2 x 5 is really adding two five times. Usually when students learn that there's a short cut, they will take it. Let them use their multiplications tables at first. Then wean them from them gradually. The students who are more math-savvy will get bored quickly with these charts, so give them extra credit questions if necessary. The students who don't catch onto it as quickly will appreciate the crutch and appreciate that you care enough about them to help them through it. In the UK, "Numicon," which shows the numbers from 1 to 10 in blocks with that number of holes, and Cuisenaire rods are popular. However, you can use just about anything that's small, even food. For example, if there are 3 cups and each cup has 4 pencils in it then there are a total of 12 pencils. Show the students that the number of pencils in each cup adds together to a total of the number of cups multiplied by the number of pencils that are contained within them. Illustrate the connection between the math that they have already learned and the math that they are being taught.

Summary: Print out tables. Explain to them multiplication is exactly like extended addition. Use visual and physical aids.

You'll need a US size N/P 10mm crochet hook and 1 6-ounce (170 g) skein of yarn in the color of your choice. The yarn should be 106 yards (97 m) long. You'll also need a large-eye tapestry needle for weaving in the yarn tails. The yarn should be soft and super bulky weight. You can use 1 color or switch colors for a multicolored hat.

Summary: Get out your yarn and crochet hook.

Decertification election to totally remove the union. Deauthorization election to only remove the "union security" clause from the contract election. It has only one purpose and effect, to undo union required payments and membership in the union, but: Keeps the union as the exclusive bargaining representative. Keeps the collective bargaining agreement in effect, except for the required unionism clause (membership or dues become voluntary).
Summary: Research the difference between these decertification and deauthorization elections. Find out about your own kind of union, like "state and local government employees" or "public school employees" who have comparable procedures that may differ from private sector "decertification" processes. Consider "public sector deauthorization laws" -- state laws governing public employees that provide for: