It’s hard to believe next week is the last week of school. My baby has nearly finished kindergarten. My firstborn is practically an elementary school upperclassman. Where has the time gone? Before I begin feeling too melancholy, I want to focus on the positive. What I’m most grateful for this year is not “things”. No,… Continue reading Threads of Gratitude: Pencil Bag Edition
Category: We don’t need no education
Discussions on teaching and the education profession. Everything from teaching strategies, to classroom management, to news stories, to personal experiences and anecdotes.
Lives of the rich and famous
My son is famous. Betcha didn’t know that. He’s a great American, an elder statesman, and a valiant soldier. My son is none other than Colin Powell. Perhaps I should back up and explain a bit. The third graders have been studying citizenship this six weeks and as part of their culminating project they created… Continue reading Lives of the rich and famous
It’s a Zoo!
At least that’s how it must feel to the kindergarten teachers at the end of the year! No, wait…we really DID go to the zoo! The kindergarten classes were schedule to go to the Dallas Zoo on May 8. Everything was all set: forms returned, money turned in, schedules arranged…and then the swine flu hit… Continue reading It’s a Zoo!
The Birth of Valenstein
“You have created a monster, and it will destroy you!” *evil laughter* Well, I’m not so sure about that, but we DID create a monster. Introducing Valenstein, the Valentine-eating monster! The requirement was to create a box to store their valentines. It was to be a family project, fun, and would be voted on by… Continue reading The Birth of Valenstein
Threads of Gratitude: “Sew” Grateful
You know what? I’m really blessed. I’m blessed with a wonderful family. A family that makes me laugh, cry, and pull my hair out. A family that keeps me on my toes and grounds me to this earth. A family that makes my life crazy and keeps me sane. I couldn’t live without ’em and… Continue reading Threads of Gratitude: “Sew” Grateful
Maverick Pride!
It’s always nice when someone admits that you’re right. You see, we’ve always known Trey’s a great kid. We tell people that all the time. We brag on him and take great pride in all that he can do. It seems we’re not alone. This month, Trey was awarded the Most Valuable Maverick award for… Continue reading Maverick Pride!
Back in the Saddle
Today I had the opportunity to do something I haven’t done in quite a while. I was a classroom teacher! I subbed for the first time in Trey’s class. That’s definitely a new experience for me. I’ve been the student with a parent as my teacher before. Several times, in fact. That was my life… Continue reading Back in the Saddle
Punctuation: Theme and Variations
Ain’t punctuation grand? Just think of all the ways we can use those little dots, squiggles, and lines to express a range of emotions. Take this sentence, for example: My husband has cancer. (A declaration of fact, which I learned today.) Now, just by changing that last little bit of punctuation, we can give a… Continue reading Punctuation: Theme and Variations
The Evolution of a Great Day
5:20 A.M. – Wake up for no apparent reason. Not liking the way this day is starting. 5:50 A.M. – Tired of tossing and turning and trying to sleep, finally get up. Not thinking it’s going to be a great day. Try to find a quiet yet productive activity to consume my time while waiting… Continue reading The Evolution of a Great Day
A Change of Seasons
With the beginning of school, we look forward to the end of the hot, dry Texas summer and the cooler weather of fall. While fall in Texas doesn’t last very long (usually no more than 24 hours), the relief is always welcomed and enjoyed before we are ushered into winter’s chill. But this year, the… Continue reading A Change of Seasons