Well, it is Friday, now what?

After a day full of excitement, my evening was full of technology learning, socializing with my neighbors, and the realization that I'm TIRED!!!!  On this beautiful fall morning,  I am reminded that God does call us to times of rest- a very difficult concept for most teachers!  I have been around long enough to know that if I don't heed the warnings that rest is needed, God will help me!  Sometimes, he's helped me rest for long, unexpected periods because I wouldn't take the time to do it myself! 

Let me encourage you today, to grab those moments of rest--- we all need it to do all that God has planned for us! 

Happy Friday and Happy Fall YA'LL!

What the heck is a GOOGLE READER -I asked????

Now, I not only know what it is, but I have subscribed to all of the blogs of my classmates and a few others!  Who knew it could be so fun?  I'm hopeful that I can actually make good use of this to help me so I know when some of my favorites have posted.  I can see this really saving me time and keep me from spending so much time "on the hunt!" Happy reading! 

Social Bookmarking

I think I'm gonna love this new way to keep all of my important things organized!  The knowledge sharing will be a bonus as well, but I am already seeing where the tags will help me find long lost items quickly!  Super smart!

Thoughts about Last Week on another Happy Monday!

Last week I had many classic 2nd grade moments that made me realize why little kiddos are so fun!  For instance when one of my students approached me about spelling a word for her and asked me how to spell attire and I responded with a "Wow!  How are you using that word?"  She replied with, "You know, like the whole attire world!" Later, one of my boys finally landed on a topic he loved. Cars!  He soon came and asked me to add "Cadillac converter" to his dictionary.  The highlight for me was when a non-reader had posted a note on our broken pencil sharpener that stated "do not youse!".  A few days later our custodian replaced the sharpener.  Now, that's purposeful writing!  I'll end with a "first" for me.  Over the years I have received some pretty creative gifts, but the part that always gets me are those that are from the heart of the giver- this week one of my students approached me with something hidden behind her back, and asked me if I liked cucumbers!  When I answered yes, I love them, a perfect cucumber emerged from behind her back!  Don't you just love little kids?

Remind me, why am I a teacher?

Yesterday was one of those days that I asked myself the question!  Even in the moments I couldn't get a word in edgewise and I had every conceivable distraction happening, I came back to the same answer.  I do feel that it's a calling for me.  It's not just my job, but my opportunity to show the love that has been shown to me- even when I don't necessarily "feel" like it!  Today is a new day, and here I am marching on! 

Appropriate or not?

When I first became a teacher often discussions were summarized with the question, is this appropriate for our students or not?  Do you remember those days?  What happened to asking these most simple questions?  Are my students ready for this?  What do they really need to know?  What skills can I teach now that will really be of benefit in the life of my students?

With the emphasis on testing and schools "looking good", I wonder are we really teaching what our students need to know, how they learn, and in the time they need to learn it?  It seems that we are "rushing" through many things and not giving real depth to anything.  It never ceases to amaze me how "easy" something can be for a student when you wait until they are ready to learn it.  You can struggle for months trying to teach a student something like subtraction with regrouping, but when the time is right, the same skill can be learned quickly. 

I often wonder if we, as educators have learned anything? 

My First Thoughts...About Blogging

I know you might have worried by the title that I just now started "thinking", but I promise I have had "thoughts" before now!  I have had a blog for my students for the last 2-3years and I've found it to be a fun way to connect with my students and get their perspective on something quickly and they find it enjoyable.  They think it's much better than writing!  Little do they know, it's the same thing.

As a professional, I have never thought of blogging, but I do see the benefits for me as well.  It has caused me to reflect upon why I use a blog and maybe why I should in the professional realm as well.  I have a friend who is a writer and I've been trying to get her to start blogging her devotionals with the idea that she would get immediate feedback.  Hmm... exactly why I need to think about it as well.  I liken blogging to journaling, just with an audience sort of.

Anyway, I'm excited to think to begin to use this blog for me!

I really enjoy reading Mrs. Cassidy's blog at  http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337