Relax & Smile

I don't know this little girl, but she looks an awful lot like me when I was a little girl.  

   

It's that time of they year when we can all get a bit stressed and overworked. Take a minute to relax, smile and do something nice for yourself.  I know you deserve it.

#raesblogchallenge

#blogchallenge

So...you want to become a teacher?

I have learned so much on my journey to becoming a teacher.

I feel like I've never had it easy when it comes to getting a job as a teacher.  At the time I got my credential, there wasn't a teacher shortage like there is now.  I had to sub for 5 years before I got my job.  In the meantime, my temporary credential was expiring because California expects you to get your job by then.  I learned a lot of patience in those years.

Fast forward 5 years, I have taught 4th grade for 4 years and currently I'm an Instructional Coach for 2nd and 3rd grades.  I love my job, and I never take it for granted because I had to work so hard to get it.

• My advice for students wanting to become teachers is to make sure you realize you will never be 100% ready.  Each year you teach is a learning opportunity for you.  Reflect on what you think went well and what you think you could improve on.  There is always something that could go better or smoother.  Know that it's OK to say, "WOW, that lesson did not go as I thought it would."  You can plan and prepare forever, but you will never predict how a lesson will go.  The best thing you can do is reflect on why it didn't go as planned.  Don't be afraid to admit that you might have been the problem for the lesson tanking. Teaching is all about reflection, learning and improving.

• Have an open mind when it comes to listening to what other teachers have to say.  
• Soak up all the in class experience you can get.
• Try all different grade levels.  I never thought I would love 4th grade as much as I do.
• You have a big job to do.  Never take it for granted.
• Always keep learning and improving your craft.
• Have FUN! 

I'm Thankful for...

There are many things to be thankful for this time of year, but when I think of technology I'm thankful for Google Docs, email, and a mobile device.

Google Docs is amazing. I love being able to create a document and then have the ability to share it with someone. It is easy to use, kid friendly, and so convenient. I use it everyday. 

Email is also equally amazing. I can communicate with lots of different people at a push of a few buttons. It comes in handy when I want to send quick reminders, check in with a teacher or chat with past students. 

Whether you have a phone, tablet, iPad or laptop, you have the world at your fingertips. I have been following conversations our coaches and colleagues have been having via my phone. But I'm writing this blog post on my iPad. Checking emails and working all the while hundreds of miles from my home.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Be thankful for all the wonderful things in your life. (Technology and your loved ones around you.) 

Donors Choose Project

My Donors Choose Project

I am so excited to share that I have posted my first Donors Choose project!  Thank you +Knela Newton for all your help.  Let's hope that it gets funded soon.  I can't wait to use the items with our new beGLAD strategies.  If you donate within the next 7 days with the promo code SPARK they will match your donation.

Fall CUE Gift

I heart CUE!

My colleagues/friends went to the #CUERockstar Fall Conference recently and I had to say behind.  I was very sad not to go, but this is the gift I got when they returned.  Thank you +Nicole Cochran I love my shirt!

I'm a GLAD Certified Teacher

We did it!  Made it through our GLAD training and we have hit the ground running.  With the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) on the horizon, GLAD comes at a perfect time.  It gives us an idea on how to tackle those standards without adopted text books.

I'm excited to help teachers implement the strategies they have learned.  Although I do not have a class of my own, there is one thing I can take back to the classrooms I visit right away.  I am going to make myself a BIG set of literacy reinforcements.  Literacy reinforcements are cards with academic language, a definition, and a picture to match the word.  They are used to reinforce good behavior.  I will let the kids know there is a full set they can collect from me.  My hope is to come into rooms and kids want those cards to be the first student to collect them all!

BeGLAD Training

     Our district mandated that all the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers attend BeGLAD training.  #BeGLAD is Guided Language Acquisition Design.  In my opinion, BeGLAD is amazing strategies to use with kids.  My 2nd and 3rd grade teachers had to make sub plans for 6 days and be prepared to be out of their classrooms.  I know it is very stressful for them to be away from their kids for so long.  We also have a shortage of substitutes, so that was something else on their mind.
     I have 5 pages of notes on the training so far and it's only the first day.  Our trainers have been very entertaining, engaging, and have made learning fun!  What a concept that is?!  Thank you Jabbar and Noshaba!  I think teachers will think this training is worth the stress of being away from their kids for 6 days.  I know they will have SO many different strategies to use with their kids when they get back.