Tuesday, August 26, 2014

First week went too fast...

So the first week went too fast because I ended up sick. Can you believe it and my sweet, sweet firsties were so kind and loving.  Just love the firstie friends! Here are my TOP 3 favs for the moment and I have more pictures to look through so check back because there might be more than 3 favs before the week's end.
#3 Journal writing and sharing is the best way to start out the day.  Better yet the parents have a year long journal at the end of the year to treasure.  When I went to introduce journals on the very 1st day of school I showed them Carson's journal and this year he went to middle school.  I had to hold back the tears remembering how my cutie man wrote like a big boy and all his favorite moments were captured in that journal. My favorite was when he wrote about losing his 1st tooth and I wanted it.  He said no way it was too special and he got a whole $1 for it!-just love that kid!
 #2gonoodle.com is the favorite part of the day and if you don't believe me ask you kid about walking up the stairs! Too cute for words! Maximo is a close favorite but they are still talking during yoga so maybe I should dim the lights so they get the hint.  They are all falling over themselves-balance not so much but we will get oh so better before it Christmas I bet!
 #1 Come on doesn't this picture say it the best? Who doesn't like playing with every piece of science equipment a teacher can fit into a Rubbermaid container? They had the best time and EVERYONE passed the science tool assessment with flying colors.  They are scientists for sure!
There are so many things to share make sure to follow our class Twitter and Instagram to get the latest.  Until next time...

Sunday, August 17, 2014

New Friends 2014

Meet the Teacher was Thursday and it was an exciting time!  I got to meet all 16 of my new friends. I even had one that brought me homemade chocolate chip cookies!  Super sweet and yummy because you know I ate every last one of those guys!  There were smiles and siblings and parents ready for the school year to start.  I have to say I am excited to see what these new friends bring to the classroom and to one another.  I know they will make me a better teacher because I can already tell by their awesome personalities in the short time I got to talk to them.  All I can think of is the "Everything is awesome!" song from the Lego Movie.  I quick sent them a video message this evening and I read the Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing.  I will admit I have butterflies and right now I can't fall asleep just thinking about what the new year will bring...

I did some thinking, reflecting this summer and while talking to my hubby, came up with the Wright's Rippers motto: Be the I in Inspire! I can, I want, I will, etc.  Which brings me to my challenge.  Everyone that is anyone in the tech world will be gathered at @MiamiDevice in November. I WANT TO GO TOO!!! These people must think I am their stalker @techninjatodd @kleinerin @techchef4u 2 guys and some iPads, and @tonyvincent!!! I have been all over Twitter, listening to podcasts, and reading blogs to get the info I need to take our school to the next level.
We have worked the past year and half on raising funds to purchase iPads and we have 2 sets of 20 iPad minis.  In all my searching I have hooked up with incredible teachers willing to share what they do and I then pass that on to my firsties.  It doesn't stop there we then teach others and I mean 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and even 5th graders.  We have taught them how to use Pic Collage, create tutorials using Explain Everything, and even create pages for class ebooks.  There is so much more to learn and I need to get to Miami Device!  Hopefully they will see my excitement and bring me to Coconut Grove so I can hang out with the coolest tech people in the world! Inspire to be better, inspire to learn, Inspire others...