Monday, August 11, 2014

Meet the Teacher {Linky}


I am joining Stephanie from Falling Into First for her Meet the Teacher Blogger Linky.  What a fun way to learn a little more about the teachers you follow.

So a little about me before we jump into the Q&A.
I am a 44 year old first grade teacher, wife, mother of 3, and Christian.  I have also taught 2nd grade, kindergarten, and Title One.  My favorite by far is first grade!  It is magic!
My hubby and I.  We will be celebrating 23 years of marriage in October.
Fun Fact:  We met when I was 14 at the skating rink on a DARE.
I have 3 wonderful children.  
Kaitlyn, almost 21, attends UNCC and currently works as a Financial Analyst while in school. 
Zach, 18, will move in to Appalachian State Thursday where I got my Masters in Reading.
Tanner, 13, will have us all to himself next year.  He is my sports fanatic!  
Fun Fact:  I had the pleasure of teaching at the same elementary school they attended.  My husband and I graduated from the same high school that 2 of our children graduated from & the last will.  
 Go Black Knights!
 
We are a DOG family!
Currently, we have 2 dogs.
Cooper - boxer mix most likely with Lab because he chewed EVERYTHING he could up until he was age 2.  He loves to play outside with the boys.
Rascal McGraw - Schnauzer - my lap dog!  Sweetest thing ever.  
This is my first grade team minus one.  Love them! Can't imagine teaching without them!  However, Mrs. P decided to retire!  :(  
My husband and I love to ride the Harley.
It is our time alone & time to clear our heads.


 THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
Mr. Sketch Markers, Diet Mountain Dew, Victoria Secrets Vanilla Lotion, Scrapbook supplies, Brownies, and Dallas Cowboys!

 IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?
2nd grade I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader!
After that I wanted to be a Vet, work at Sea World, and be a Child Psychologist.
But if I weren't a teacher today, I could see myself working in a Nursing Home or working in an Orphanage. 

THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.
 Driven   Kind/Fun   Dependable
 
FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________,  SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"

I would love to schedule your conference for 5:30 on Friday.

Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING?

Dead:   Lucille Ball!   Laughter is the best medicine.

Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?

Life with My Best Friend 
 Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT?
Invisibility - There are just times you wish you could get the real scoop.

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING?
   "A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank...but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child." 
-- Forest Witcraft

Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 
I Can Love You Better - by the Dixie Chicks
(I would be more likely a contestant on the GONG SHOW) 
 Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?
Night Owl!  I despise getting up early!
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RESOURCE THAT YOU'VE CREATED IN YOUR TPT SHOP?
I love my Vocabulary Lessons using popular Children's Literature like Thundercake, Chrysanthemum, Wild Christmas Reindeer, Bad Case of the Stripes, Stellaluna and more.
 They are quick, easy, and fun for your students. I usually complete them over a 3 day period, spending 10-15 minutes per session.
There is really no prep for these lessons. 
Geared K-3.

Q: SHARE SOMETHING WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU!
I was born on my mother's birthday.  We celebrate together every year!
I am a huge Dallas Cowboy Fan & have been since I was 6 years old!

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Friday, April 18, 2014

Seeing Objects With a Poet's Eyes

   Today, we formally began Poetry writing.  This lesson was all about seeing objects with a Poet's Eyes - Looking at objects in fresh new ways.    I read two example poems about the pencil sharpener and the ceiling in the classroom.  Then, I took two regular objects and we began brainstorming.  The first was a hole punch.  It was a little difficult for the students to think outside the box.  BUT, once I brought out the wooden ice cream spoon the ideas started poppin'.  (You know the 3 inch hourglass shaped ice cream sticks you get in school!)  One reluctant writer thought it could be a mask for a puppy.  Another said a mustache.  Another said a diving board for a caterpillar.  The ideas kept coming.

     I placed a bag of objects at each of their tables.

Then, students put their Poet's Eyes on to think outside the box.

I was blown away at some of their creativity.    
A push pin is a candle lighter for a bug.
A push pin is a stinger for a bee.

A binder (clip) is a pocketbook for a Barbie Doll.
A binder clip is a zipline carrier for a worm!
A pom-pom is a cheerleading pom pom for an ant.
A pom-pom is the sun for the Earth.
A Q-tip is a barbell for a caterpillar.
A Q-tip is a baton for a baton twirler.
A tack is antennae for an ant.
A pencil gripper is a cannon for a pirate.
An ice cream stick is a diving board for a caterpillar.
(We currently have caterpillars in the classroom.)
A seashell is a baseball glove for a butterfly.
Glasses are a stage for chipmunks. 
A popsicle stick is a bookmark for the library.
Enjoy your Easter!  
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