TBA Fan

Have you ever heard about the great educational blog called Teaching Blog Addict? When I first started blog stalking, this page was one of the first I came across. It was chalk full of information and I began following immediately through email, Facebook, and Pinterest. I especially enjoyed that I could search for ideas by…

Read Full Post

Preparing for 3rd Grade (and beyond!)

Have you ever had that freak out moment when you realize your new group of students are not ready for what you have planned? You’re suddenly stuck and begin thinking, “Do I move forward with my lesson? Or do I back up and ease them into the concept?” Unfortunately for me, the freak out happens…

Read Full Post

Encouraging Words

It is always a good idea that when things get really busy in our lives that we don’t forget to take a moment and smell the roses; especially in the classroom. Your students work hard each and every day. Sometimes a particular student shines. That’s when you need to stop the roller coaster called LIFE,…

Read Full Post

Readicide

As End-of-Grade testing scores were released, I was very pleased with my class’ performance in Math. However, I was a bit bummed in Reading. I decided to reflect on what I could have done better to prepare my students-and no, not test prep wise. Our school still utilizes a reading textbook organized by theme. Our district…

Read Full Post

Are you a "Teacher in Training?"

As a child did you ever say, “__(So-So)__ is a great teacher?” What made you make that statement? [fun!] As an adult did you ever say, “__(So-So)__ is a great teacher?” What made you make that statement? [communicates openly, honestly, and frequently] As a teacher did you ever say, “__(So-So)__ is a great teacher?” What…

Read Full Post

My "All-Star" Read-Alouds

As the summer begins, I am brainstorming my next year’s AMAZING classroom components! haha One thing I know without a shadow of a doubt are the read-alouds I will be using with my class. I read many books to my class, but these two are my favorite novels I weave into each school year. They…

Read Full Post

Write On!

          Need some ideas for those last few days of school? Writing prompts have been my best friend! I gave my students the writing prompt: “_[insert name]___ lived in a castle in a far away land.” Students chose their main character’s name and copied down this sentence. They then added one…

Read Full Post

A Hard Good-bye

This week is so bittersweet. I am forever grateful for this year’s experiences, from my wonderful principal to my amazing class. My room parents were the best I have ever had, my classroom was outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and had ample space, and my teammates became great friends. I am so blessed to have had…

Read Full Post

Summer Plans

I love how everyone thinks teachers have “off” in the summer. Not only do I have to work another job, but I am never truly “off.” I am always thinking of how to do things better, how to reach all of my children, and how I can mix things up to keep it fresh. Many…

Read Full Post