The Power of Distraction

If you've been a parent to a young child for any length of time then you probably already know this. But I am just amazed at how "distraction" has been my saving grace time and time again...

Everyone Is a Genius - Tip #7

Albert Einstein once said, "Everyone is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid."

Each week, I give my students a quote, like the one above, to write about and apply to their life. In my classroom, I'm not just preparing my kids for their next test. I'm preparing them for their future, so I like to give them nuggets of wisdom they can take with them wherever they go...

Building Relationships Outside the Classroom

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm one of the coaches for our girls' running club at my school.

The experience so far has been well worth it! Girls and coaches get together twice a week and talk, and run, and have fun. We get to build relationships outside of the classroom and talk about things that are on a girl's mind...

Do You Mean "Peculiar"?

I'm turning the tables on Buddy Roller.

I wrote last week about how he's been teaching me a few things, and now I'm giving him a dose of his own medicine...

I Hope This Feeling Never Dies

I hope this feeling never dies...

This school year, my passion for teaching has been re-ignited.

There's a flame burning that I hope never gets snuffed out.

I'm happy, and I feel like I'm making a difference.

The kids love me, and they look forward to coming to my class.

As a teacher on my team told me, "You're their rock star!"

I feel it too.

Don't get me wrong.

I'm still exhausted at the end of the week.

This is still a tough job.

More parents need to get involved.

Too many kids are still slipping through the education cracks.

But...I'm leaving each day still full of life, energy and promise.

I'm also assisting two other teachers with coaching our girls' running club.

I'm happier and more fulfilled.

And even though I'm at my same Title I school,

Three things are different.

I'm teaching 6th grade, regular ed students...and I don't have a co-teacher.

It's just me and my 6th graders.

The last several years it was 7th graders with a collab teacher.

Change is good.

I hope my flame keeps burning.

This light keeps shining.

I hope this feeling never dies.

Tip #6 - Let Them Help You

Almost every class has one. They are willing and able, and they want to help. And this brings me to another tip from a so-called veteran teacher...

Going Grey?

Unless you're my mom who's over 60 and has never had to worry about coloring grey hair...she has none (okay maybe like three strands that you can't even see!)...you're probably like the rest of us unlucky people who are either going or are completely grey!

I'm in my early 40's, and I never thought I would have to worry about this....

Chalk Talk - Do You Mean "Finished"?

I'm learning a lot from my six year old son.

And for the past several days, I've been interrupted, many times, with just these words...

Weekend Getaway

A few weeks ago our friends asked us to go away with them on a weekend trip to Chattanooga, and we said yes!

So over the long weekend we took in some of this city's most notable attractions.  We visited Ruby Falls and did a ropes course and some zip lining.  We took a ride on the Incline Railway, stopped at the aquarium, went to Rock City where we overlooked Lover's Leap and saw seven states. And if that wasn't enough...we ended our third day at the children's museum. We did a lot in three days!

Chattanooga is a kid friendly city and great for families looking for a quick getaway in just under two hours from nearby Atlanta. Here are more photos if you'd like to see...

Tip #5 - Plant a Seed

Now that we're well on our way into the fourth week of school, it's time to plant some seeds.  Not literally.  But metaphorically speaking.

Which brings me to tip #5 from a so-called veteran teacher.  Inspire your students...