Teacher of the Year 2011-2012

Slow summer mornings, you got to love them.  Soon I will be heading into work full of teacher thoughts. As I reflect on the past year, it has been full of wonderful and difficult moments.  Isn’t it funny when they are the same moment? Rachael going to UT was one of those moments.  Thank you to the makers of Facetime.  Seeing Flat Stanely Rachael almost nightly was my saving grace. Another moment was becoming Teacher of the Year for Decatur ISD in 2012. It was such an honor. I love what I do; helping, teaching, is a joy, although, being in the spotlight made me nervous.  

Summer car!

Summer Vacation

From the mountains to the beach, what a relaxing summer.   It has been fun having all kids under one roof. My favorite moments have been watching the three of them laugh, giggle, and cut up around the dinner table. This year will be my sons senior year in high school and my daughters second year at UT. Soon we all become heavily involved in our own lives again. I am tiring so hard to savor every moment. Oh to be a sponge and soak it all up. 

After seeing a few of the blogs I follow mention Whole Brain Teaching, I became a little curious and did a little surfing. Jackpot! How Simple! I am now watching the eight basic videos. I can't wait to introduce this in my classroom this August. Check it out!

http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/

Rekenrek Rack

In June I went to a workshop called ESTAR: Elementary Students in Texas - Algebra Ready (K-2). The instructor showed us how to make a Rekenrek.  Cool idea! Great tool for learners to see visual models of number concepts and create different patterns. I could immediately see it in use in my classroom. Over the years I have created math tubs for my students. When I introduce or work in whole group the tubs are a huge timesaver.  

Supplies: index cards, 2 colored pony beads, scissors, tape.

To create the Rekenrek: 

1. Create two little slits on each side of a index card.  
2. Be careful not to fold the card. 
3. Choose two colored pony beads.
4. Place 10 beads on a pipe cleaner (5 of each color).
5. Slide one end of the pipe cleaner into the index slits, fold over, and tape down on the backside.
6. Repeat to other side.

I am a huge Pinterest fan. I recently started collecting images for screen savers. From clever sayings to classic art, I can change my phone, ipad, and computer as often as I like. I know geeky, but fun!

ipad app

This past year, I have felt the need to organize my ideas. I have tired the classic teacher planning books, but it wasn't my style. While messing around or in teacher language, while investigating my ipad I found an app.
Chapters - Notebooks for Writing ($3.99).
It is awesome. You can create multiple journals or dairies, so cool. I have notebooks for Anecdotal Notes, Teaching Schedule, and Family Diary, so far. In each diary I am able write ideas down with as much detail as I need. The coolest thing is that I am able to pin photos. YES!! Now I can organize all those awesome Pinterest ideas into a weekly schedule. I can also print it if needed.

As the year ends I am full of regrets.  This year has been a difficult one for me professionally. One of my regrets has been how I used this blog.  I have followed other teachers, collected sites, gone nuts with Pinterest, and gather ideas. My goal however was to create a place to express my thoughts and ideas as well.  If I am to become the out of box thinker I am in my heart, I must be set aside my fears and jump in. Cheers Teachers! Here is to new beginnings.