Read, Create, Play!
Monday, November 11, 2013
I have enjoyed some books this week:
Einstein the Class Hamster by Janet Tashjian
The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors
Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller
Goose and Duck by Jean Craighead George
Unlikely Friendships: Book 2 by Jennifer Holland
I am currently reading:
Falling in Love with Close Reading by Christopher Leyman and Kate Roberts
Crash by Jerry Spinelli
Next up:
The 13 Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths
Monday, October 28, 2013
It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
I have enjoyed some amazing books recently:
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
Rump by Leisl Shurtliff
Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli
Tending to Grace by Kimberly Newton Fusco
Blueberry Queen by Marci Peschke
Heidi Heckelbeck and the Cookie Contest by Wanda Coven
Diary of a Worm: Teacher's Pet by Doreen Cronin
I Believe in You by Marianne Richmond
Mr. Flux by Kyo Maclear
I am currently reading...
Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller
Next up...
Crash by Jerry Spinelli
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Return to Substitute Teaching
After ten years at home with my daughters, I have returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher. I have truly enjoyed being in the classroom again. I have been learning a lot from the classrooms that I have had the pleasure to visit and have really enjoyed working with the students. Although I feel a little rusty, I have returned to the profession that I love with a growth mindset. Although it has been eighteen years since I was a substitute, I quickly remembered the challenges of substitute teaching...no time to build relationships, lesson plans created by someone else, students struggling with change in the classroom and not being familiar with the daily routines for each individual classroom. I feel like I am starting all over again in this profession. Yet, I know this time things are different. I have a wealth of background knowledge at my fingertips from my years as a classroom teacher and mom of three daughters. I am approaching each day as a learning experience. I am ready to tackle these challenges. I am quickly learning that there are less discipline problems when students are actively engaged in learning. As I continue on my journey as a substitute teacher, I have set the following goals:
* be flexible
* embrace an open mind
* reflect after each day
* research strong instructional practices
* smile as often as possible
* believe in each student
* focus on the positives!
* be flexible
* embrace an open mind
* reflect after each day
* research strong instructional practices
* smile as often as possible
* believe in each student
* focus on the positives!
Monday, August 12, 2013
It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
After a nice, relaxing summer vacation, I am returning to my blog. I have enjoyed the following books over the past few weeks:
Every Day After by Laura Golden
Swindle by Gordon Korman
True (...sort of) by Katherine Hannigan
Joe and Sparky Go to School by Jamie Michalak
Katie loves the Kittens by John Himmelman
Miss Bindergarten has a Wild Day in Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Frog and Fly by Jeff Mack
Substitute Teacher Plans by Doug Johnson
Positivity by Barabara L. Fredrickson
I am currently reading...
Heidi Heckelbeck has a Secret by Wanda Coven
Lost at School by Ross Greene
Monday, July 8, 2013
It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
Wow! I have read some wonderful books recently. During the past two weeks, I read and really enjoyed...
The Critter Club: Amy and the Missing Puppy by Callie Barkley
Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels by Jamie Michalak
Have I Got a Book For You by Melanie Watt
Just Ducks! by Nicola Davies
That Is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems
Only One You by Linda Kranz
Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon
Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess
Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson
Red, White and Blue and Katie Woo by Fran Manushkin
I am currently reading...
Number Sense Routines byJessica F. Shumway
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Next up...
Swindle by Gordon Korman
Monday, June 24, 2013
Teachers Write!
Writers Notebooks
I started a writer's notebook when I was teaching fourth grade. I firmly believe that teachers are better teachers of writing when they are writers themselves. I've continued to write in my writer's notebook while being a stay at home mom. I start my day writing in my notebook while everyone else is still sleeping. I love the warm weather when I start my day writing on my front porch with my morning coffee. Some days I write a few words while other days a few pages. I fill it with observations, thoughts, lists, poems, sketches, and quotes. My second notebook is almost filled up and I am looking forward to purchasing a third notebook. I love decorating the covers. My current notebook is decorated with positive quotes that inspire me.
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