Getting Started

Today, I spent some time reading the kind-hearted comments of my new followers.  I am up to four!<3 I think that's pretty special, since I haven't really even gotten my feet wet yet. :)  I will respond to each of you soon!  Thank you very much for your support.

I started this blog because I have been so inspired by teachers around the country who share what they do every day to enrich the lives of their students as well as their global colleagues.  I really wanted to be a part of this special group.  To get myself going, I began looking for ways to make my work stand out and be worthy of that of my newly found community.  I began educating myself about the use of clip-art and other images.  I  quickly found that it can be expensive to subscribe to different sites, and that I may not really find what I am looking to incorporate into my work.  Then, I stumbled upon a wonderful site, http://www.mycutegraphics.com created by Laura Strickland.  She has generously granted us permission to use her graphics in our work.  I feel a bit silly, because I am probably sharing something you all know already, but if not, click on over.  Her graphics are terrific, and her support of teachers is amazing.  Thank you, Laura.

I hope to have some items to share soon.  No doubt, they will include Laura's graphics.

Like so many of you, Common Core State Standards will be fully implemented in my state beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. In preparation for that, my district has created a report card based on CCSS. We have also been making gradual curricula changes for the last two school years.

 As an elementary school teacher, that adds up to a lot of changes! I know I am not alone when I express my concern for how to make this all happen for my students. This blog is intended to be my outlet for expressing and sharing my journey as I strive to be the best educator I can be for my students.

 I have also recently fallen in love with Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers. If you are unfamiliar with these sites, drop what you are doing and check them out now. I have gained a wealth of great ideas and resources, many at no cost,  for my classroom this year. There are so many talented and giving educators out there.  Thank you to all who contribute.  One other amazing resource I have found is an online lesson plan book at Planbook.com.  It is extremely user-friendly and comes complete with a CCSS drop down menu board for all of your planning needs. It is a super easy way to keep track of all those standards we need to incorporate into our lessons.  You can try it for free!  I highly recommend it.

Thanks for stopping in.