Teacher of 25 years

Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat!  I have lots of time right now and I am working on the best way to use that time wisely.  What would you do if you stepped out of the teaching arena after 25 years?  Oh...and also moved out of the mothering phase now that our children (22, 21, and 20 years old) are out and about.  About the time that both of those jobs were "done", I actually feel like I finally know what I am doing.

Now what!?

I have experience that took years to build and polish.  I had some great ideas.  I had many "that sounded better in my head" moments too!  I learned from so many people who willingly shared their time, resources, and efforts.  I do not want to put it all in a box and pack it away.  I want to share what was invested in me, over the years, with people who want to know what to do to keep things fresh and exciting.  I found it best to keep things short, sweet, and simple.  

This is the place where I will unpack the boxes of 25 years that are sitting in our basement and share tips and tricks for those that are looking for ways to implement ideas using simple resources to make learning fun.  You will only come here if you are asking questions about "What can I do...?"  I only ever shared ideas, tips, or tricks with someone when they asked.  A teacher should always have a teachable attitude and should never stop learning!  Practice what you teach, teacher!  You want your students to learn the lesson, ask yourself, "What can I do to make them want to learn the lesson?  How can I engage them?  How would I want to learn this lesson?"  Use all the senses and "Voila!" learning happens.  Keep your students so busy and engaged that they are sad when the lesson is completed that day.

Each year, assuming you stay in the same grade level, should look a little different from the previous year. For the teacher's sake, keep things fresh and exciting!  Do not get "old, stale, and set in your ways".  The students will sense that, turn you off, and no willing learning will take place.  You will most likely struggle with behavior issues and classroom management as well.  Plan to use the same items for each year, but seek for ways to use them in different ways to accomplish the same learning scope and sequence standards for the grade/school expectations.  Teachers can be frugal.  Parents love to help by donating items.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

So...welcome to this little spot of unadvertised short and sweet tips and tricks for ways to make learning fun for you and your students.  Add a special touch to the day and hear them say, "This is the best day ever!"