One of the major benefits of being a teacher is being able to spend most days at home with the little ones during summer break. I love being able to spend sun up to sun down with my kids, I really do. Most days don't seem "magical" though. There are fits, lessons in sharing, and … Continue reading Apatosaurus Pinky Toe
MVP (Most Valuable Picnic Blanket)
William Carlos Williams once told us all that so much depends upon a Red Wheelbarrow. Well, at our house we don't have one of those, but we do have a yellow picnic blanket. It has a pocket with a picture of palm trees on the front. It's bright. It has windbreaker style material on the … Continue reading MVP (Most Valuable Picnic Blanket)
Hello Summertime Tee Ball!
I am now the very proud parent of a pre-k graduate. My bigger little excitedly sang her pre-school graduation songs all the while exposing her little pre-school tummy when she performed the song choreography. Think 18 little sets of hands raised above 18 little preschool heads to make 18 little O's all while singing "Oh … Continue reading Hello Summertime Tee Ball!
Some Nights You Hold Them a Little Closer
Checking the mail today I got one of those envelopes that just hits you like a ton of bricks. No, it wasn't a bill. A nice little appointment confirmation and reminders about eating and drinking rules with anesthesia came in for my four year old daughter. I've known this process was coming since what initially … Continue reading Some Nights You Hold Them a Little Closer
What I Learned at Middle School Open House
So last Thursday evening my school opened its doors for parents and families to come and check out their students' classrooms, meet teachers, and make a hectic shop through the book fair. This is the first year since I've been teaching that the middle school did an Open House instead of just a schedule pick … Continue reading What I Learned at Middle School Open House
School: Week One is Done!
This past week was my first full week of my fifth year to teach middle school. Whew! I love teaching middle schoolers. They are such a fun age to be around, energy and angst included. The first week, as any teacher will tell you, is a biggie. You are setting your expectations in the classroom, … Continue reading School: Week One is Done!
Parenting Presence
I do not claim to be a parenting expert. I have many shortcomings including, but not limited to, screen time, getting those veggie servings in, and maintaining patience when it really counts. One of the biggest struggles that I face is to be present with my children. I'm talking about taking in the moment and … Continue reading Parenting Presence
Grit Fit
Over the summer I read this book by Angela Duckworth for a professional development book study through our school. If you are an educator and haven't checked out this book, there are some awesome takeaways for the classroom. Are you all about growth mindset? This is the companion. You know when you're reading a book … Continue reading Grit Fit
Parents are the Heat-Resistant Glue in a Meltdown
Yesterday was yet another "We Gotta Get the Heck Outta this House" day. I'd cleaned, vacuumed, taken a shower, and by the time my hair was dry, it was pitted again. So why not go for a walk, I thought. Let's go for a very long walk, a hike even, that will last all morning. … Continue reading Parents are the Heat-Resistant Glue in a Meltdown
Bulletin Boards and Classroom Culture Shift
I am a seventh grade teacher with a degree in elementary education. If you've had the normal public education experience, you do not look back on middle school fondly. I'm with you there. I was the middle school girl who did not know how to put on makeup, parted her hair down the middle, and … Continue reading Bulletin Boards and Classroom Culture Shift
Child Goose Chase 