Posts

From One Teacher to Another

Image
I am laying in bed typing this out; wide awake and anxious for tomorrow. It is okay to feel the way you feel. It doesn’t make you any less of an educator for wanting a few more day of break.  I still have missed and thought about my students every day over break.  I have worried about their safety over breaking, knowing school may be the only stable environment for them.  I am excited to see my kiddos tomorrow!  I love my job!  However…… The holiday season is a busy and chaotic time. We as humans do not get to go on “break” just because we have off from work. Life happens, and there are other stressors we have to take on during those times.  This is just a reminder that it is OKAY, to be reluctant to go back. We do not have to be “ready” to go back. Within these thoughts - we need to remember that we are still the amazing teachers we are, who love our students and doing what we do! 
Post a Comment
Read more

Miss Z's Corner

Image
      I was recently introduced to a YouTube Channel called " Gracie's Corner ."       This was mentioned to me by one of my students. First off, she was so excited to teach me something new about technology, so that motivated her immensely. She immediately started singing some of Gracie's songs to me and telling me how they can help our learning as a class.      I decided to try it out. After only 1 minute of a letter sound song, my students were singing along with Gracie and enjoying practicing our sounds. Typically this is a boring activity that my students HATE. But now, they were engaged, participating, and moving around in their areas having fun! Gracie's Corner has so many different videos that you can incorporate into your lessons. From letter sounds to counting, being a good friend and calming, as well as diverse holiday songs; I strongly recommend adding Gracie's Corner to your tool belt.
Post a Comment
Read more

Using Interactive Math Tools

Image
       Teaching math online can be quite challenging. Math is a hands-on class where students need to be able to use manipulatives to explore and problem solve. One website that was a life saver to me when I was leading online math instruction, was using the interactive online resource  Math Manipulatives , from Toytheater.com. This is something that I still use with my students today, and I have them bookmark this website for easy access.      Some of my favorite tools to use with my elementary students are:   Classroom timer  Spinner Counters Number line Hundreds chart Two color counter ten frame Base ten blocks      Be sure to click on the hyperlink above titled, "Math Manipulatives" to explore, and see what you can use in your own classroom or at home!   References: Virtual Manipulatives | Mathematical Modelling | Toy Theater . (n.d.). Toy Theater | Learn • Create • Play. https://toytheater.com/category/teach...
1 comment
Read more

'Twas the Week Before Break

Image
 'Twas the week before break, when all through the halls All the teachers were stirring, and not only at their house. The doors were decorated with engagement and care In hopes that admin would see they weren't bare. The children were excited all snug in their classrooms, While their teachers had visions of all the fun to come.      The week before break is hectic for everyone; teachers, parents, and even our\ students. Everyone is trying to ensure this magical time is memorable for all. Activities are well thought out and planned to engage students and make learning fun. A common "Week Before Break" activity is decorating Gingerbread Houses out of milk cartons. An alternative to this that I have found just as memorable, and is a fun way to switch things up, is decorating a Holiday tree.       Each student will get a sugar cone that they will "glue" to their base with frosting. Then, with green frosting they can bring their tree to life. Now, stud...
2 comments
Read more