Life Happens for 'TEACHERS" too!

Since my last post a few years ago, I had to reflect on what has happened to me as an educator. I seen that I wrote about looking into graduate schools. Art is my passion but with art, you have to creatively incorporate it into your life. A degree will one day enhance this. However, I took my sibling's advice, I invested in technology. Instructional technology this is. Since my last post, I have gotten my masters in instructional technology! Since walking across the stage my professional environment has bloomed like roses in the spring! I am now apart of several PLNs (professional learning communities) as well as trying to figure out exactly have PLCs work and operate. Teaching doesn't just occur with a "teacher and her students". Today, the teacher is becoming more the STUDENT than the lil' ones she/he teaches--and I love it!

Some days it's hard being a teacher...

Today for most is just a Saturday but for me it's a milestone as a teacher. First, know that I teach fourth graders in an urban center in an extremely large metropolitan city. I teach 66 students and attempt to excite, inspire and hopefully get their creative juices flowing. Today however, I just had to be there for a student who lost one of the most important parts of their world: a sibling. For a nine-year old, this can rock their world. I just wanted to record this memory because really there weren't any words exchanged. I was just there in presence and to be a comfort for her in her time of need. When I thought of being a teacher, I never imagined all of the roles we would have. I'm extremely thankful that I could be there and wouldn't change this position for anything in the world!

I'm talking the CHALLENGE...

I'm going to try this. Bare with me. I'm going to blog for 30 days! I'm going to be honest...I'm scattered, chaotic, and a little bit ADHD but what teacher isn't right? So I was checking Google+ and there was this challenge to blog for 30 days straight. Don't read comments or posts but just to write. I think I'm up for the challenge. It's a new year and I really do have a lot going on for a teacher. School starts in a little over 24 hours and I'm working on a few things that just might make 2014 VERY Interesting... Stay tuned for more action!

Follow me in Pinterest!

So, I am looking around for more inspiration to get this school year rolling ans came across Pinterest. Have you heard of it???

Click here to follow me on Pinterest. Teachfactory.com told me about it and everything you can create here is fabolous!

I was told Michelle’s Math in the Middle was hosting a Pinterest Linky Party, well, I knew I had to join. I can’t wait to follow all of the great teachers sharing their Pin boards!

The good news? You can join, too! Follow Me Pinterest Badge displayed on your teacher blog! Then, write a post on your teaching blog about the Linky Party and link the post HERE.

Getting my classroom ready and ORGANIZED!

This is most biggest challenge every school year and this year is no different. Official our first day back to work (teachers that is) is this Thursday but I have been actively working in my classroom to make life more effective throughout the school year since Monday.

So far I have organized book shelves, cleaned and organized old supplies and cabinets and created a visual layout of my classroom for my bulletin boards and workstations.

I have a rather large classroom so layout is important as well as utilizing wall space. This week, I will add photos of the result with photos of how I am laying out my room.

RESOURCES: I have been looking for resources to help me set up my classroom library to is mostly non-fiction (since I teach only Science and Texas History).

If you click here you will see a great source for labels for just about EVERYTHING in your classroom and you can even create your own labels. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page to create the labels yourself.


Another site that I found was from a kindergarten teacher but I visuals are great for all levels. Click here to visit Ms. Kelly's website.

My school supply list

Well, the sales are here and I am shopping. Are you? It's school supply time. I know money is tight but I think it's a good idea to create a school supply list for my students and their parents that will show them EXACTLY what I will need in my classroom.

I know everyone may not be able to get everything but the hope is: everyone will try. Right???

Check out my list and leave a comment on how it looks and am I wrong for creating a little bitty list?

I dunno, you tell me.

Integrating Art in Content Areas

I've been thinking. I really want to get started in a graduate program. I teach...I love art...Why not combine the two! I am looking into A Master's Program that would allow me to do the two things that make me, ME...Stay tuned to the next developments...