After many conversations and views all over the web, I've decided to give it a go!
I'm not so much the "blogger" type. I love to chat, but am one of the many voices out there that truly have always felt I don't have much to bring to the table. Then I started thinking...what does that really matter? This will be a great place to share and learn from others. If there is one thing I have learned in the past eight years of teaching, it's the power of collaboration. I am fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with an outstanding group of teachers. I believe sharing is such a key element to the way we learn. It is a skill that we want to instill into our students, but sometimes forget to do as educators.
A Little About Me...
I teach 4th/5th graders at Highland Ranch Elementary in San Diego, CA.
I am married to my amazing husband Randy and have two spirited kiddos, Logan, 4, and Kensie, 14 months. I graduated from San Diego State University with my teaching degree and then graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2009 with my Masters in Elementary Administration. I love to learn and truly feel that every child and adult, for that matter, has a passion that can drive their reason for learning.
Why Blog Now?
As I said before, I have truly been inspired by the world of educators around me. My voice is small, but it can still be heard and that is a message I would like to share with everyone.On another note, I am working in a district that has begun a transformation of sorts and I am THRILLED about it. I am fortunate enough to work in a district that drives change and is looking forward to the future of education. With that, I have been so motivated to change what school looks like at my school site.
Over the summer I have been working with different teachers from my school, discussing ways that we can teach smarter. We are still in the brainstorming stage and making rough drafts of what this will look like with four 4/5 classes, flipped math and science instruction, and PBL. This will be something to get out there and blog about!
Last, but certainly not least. I have been selected as one of Scholastic's Top Teacher Bloggers this year, which is an opportunity BEYOND my wildest dreams! I am ecstatic about this opportunity and will be sharing all about this adventure as well.
Are you a blogger? If so, what is your site? Are you thinking about blogging, but not sure where to start? What are your thoughts?
What's Next?
Who knows? I'm excited about the journey and hope to inspire others like myself. The process was seemingly pain free and oh so easy! I'd like to send a special thanks to Erin Klein, @KleinErin, kleinspiration, her kind words and amazing talents have changed me forever!In the Mood to Read?
I try my best to read a few books over the summer. Some to inspire me and some to put a smile on my face. Right now I'm in serious Professional Mode. I have read nothing but books that will help me grow as an educator. Here are a few that I would suggest to you: |
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Learn about the benefits of the flipped classroom, a powerful approach to teaching that helps “students to become learners who can learn for themselves and by themselves.” In this model of instruction, students watch recorded lectures for homework and complete their assignments, labs, and tests in class. The Flip Your Classroom book guides you in creating a relationship-rich environment that personalizes learning, increases student-teacher interaction, and leads to greater student understanding of key concepts. Two experienced practitioners of the flipped classroom explain what a flipped classroom is, why it works, and how to flip a classroom in any subject, grades 5–12. Discover how their approach helps students who struggle to learn during class time, students who are so busy with extracurricular activities that they miss out on course content, and students who "go through the motions" of learning but never get the deeper objectives of your class. Drawing from their experiences with flipping their high school science classes, the authors introduce you to the flipped mastery model and explain the logistics of conducting a flipped classroom—from the equipment needed to create videos, to what to do during class, to how to get administrator buy in. Find out how flipping your classroom can lead to real differentiation of instruction and increased opportunities for classroom formative assessment.
While having a discussion with the incredibly talented Top Teachers for Scholastic, Brian Smith, @dad2ella, shared this amazing book. It is filled with habits that every child can live by.
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Description
Donalyn Miller says she has yet to meet a child she couldn't turn into a reader. No matter how far behind Miller's students might be when they reach her 6th grade classroom, they end up reading an average of 40 to 50 books a year. Miller's unconventional approach dispenses with drills and worksheets that make reading a chore. Instead, she helps students navigate the world of literature and gives them time to read books they pick out themselves. Her love of books and teaching is both infectious and inspiring. The book includes a dynamite list of recommended "kid lit" that helps parents and teachers find the books that students really like to read.
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Description
For the Seven Oaks friends, there is always something to do. Whether they're singing along with Pokey Porcupine's harmonica or playing soccer with Jumper Rabbit, everyone is having fun and learning all sorts of things. These seven stories show how practicing the 7 Habit makes this possible for the whole Seven Oaks Community.
From learning how to take charge of their own lives to discovering how balance is best, the Seven Oaks friends have tons of adventures and find out how each and every kid can be a happy kid!
Wait just a minute... I did start reading one book that isn't so professional based. One of my awesome students this past year purchased this book for me. We read The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963 and I shared a little bit about The Little Rock Nine. Amber found this book and wanted to share her excitement with me. I would like to do the same for all of you!
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Description
As twelve-year-old Marlee starts middle school in 1958 Little Rock, it feels like her whole world is falling apart. Until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be: she's brave, brash and always knows the right thing to say. But when Liz leaves school without even a good-bye, the rumor is that Liz was caught passing for white. Marlee decides that doesn't matter. She just wants her friend back. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are even willing to take on segregation and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.
What about you? What are you reading right now? Do you have suggestions on any summer goodies? I would love to hear your feedback!
Until the inspiration hits again, this is farewell.
Thank you for reading.
Smiles!
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