#LoveTeaching

After reading a post from someone in my #compelledtribe, I became inspired to write about why I love teaching.  First off, with Valentine's Day I can't help but think of what or who I love in my life.  With PARCC, Terra Nova, OAA… whatever the acronym is for your grade level, it seems that everyone is under a lot of pressure right now.  It is the perfect time to reflect on why we teach.

I love teaching because….

1. I get to work with children.  Primary (K-3) is the place for me and I love their enthusiasm.

2. Relationships- Getting to know the staff, students, parents, and community.  It is all about the people.

3. Teaching is never boring.  Everyday is a new challenge and opportunity to make a difference in a child's life.  

4. I am a lifelong learner and love growing as a teacher and person.  Thanks to my PLN for always stretching my thinking.

5. Guiding students to become lifelong learners.

6. I love using my creativity to inspire my students with engaging lessons.

7. Observing student growth is so rewarding.  Knowing I contributed to their growth is the best feeling.

Taking a trip down Memory Lane...

I found this on my desk at the beginning of the school year from a student.  So sweet!  Makes my teacher heart happy to see how much my students love school.

This was the class gift to me in December.  Each student decorated a flower with their picture.  I love the "thank you for helping us grow" part- making a difference in my student's lives.

Stay positive!  What do you love about teaching?

Classroom Loves Linky

I am linking up with Primary Powers for their Classroom Loves linky.

I have really enjoyed using Google Docs this school year. Google Docs is very user friendly.  Best of all, everything automatically saves.  We use it to document our team meetings and record our agenda.  Since principals and assistant principals obviously cannot attend every team meeting, this is a simple way for administrators to see what we have been discussing or working on at our meetings each week.  My district also has the students becoming Google users.  So many possibilities!  

My students love Readers Theater!  It is a fun way for students to practice fluency, expression, and phrasing in addition to working on those speaking and listening standards.  Ever since I had one of my low reading groups do this, everyone has been asking when their turn is.

If you don't already use Go Noodle in the classroom you need to create a free account now.  With all of the indoor recess this winter, these brain breaks are a great way to get kids moving.  This year Go Noodle created brain breaks specifically for indoor recess.  I also use brain breaks throughout the day for 2-4 minutes of movement.  I even have students that created an account at home because they love it so much.