One Crazy Year

This school year has been ... lets just say it has been an eventful year. My school district consolidated with another district and it has been interesting.

I knew coming into the school year that I would be back on the School Leadership Team and that I would be in charge of the annual Christmas production. These things never change. However, what I didn't count on, was that I would also be designated as the Assistant School Test Coordinator (ASTC). Would you like to know how I found out that I was the ASTC? The School Test Coordinator called a meeting of all certified staff after school one day and as I sat down and looked at the agenda......yep...there was my name listed as assistant. What a rude way to find out you have another hat to wear! Oh well....just another step.

Due to testing, I think I have been out of my classroom as much or more than I've been in it this year. My students haven't gotten nearly as much accomplished as in previous years. All this testing is overkill....if you ask me...which no one did!

On a happier note, My students are learning about civil rights and using primary source documents to do it. I am so proud of them. They jumped right in after having the process explained to them and began to analyze photos from the 1940's - the 1960's.

This is something they have never been asked to do...but they have risen to the occasion and I am a proud teacher!

Just look at them go!!

OK...now that I have bragged about my kiddos...guess I will sign off for now. I look forward to seeing you next time!


Dee

My Absence From Blogging

In the past when I would have a long period of time between blogs, I would always say that life just got in the way. Usually this just meant that I didn't take the time to do any blogging. However, this absence has been different. Oh...life or rather death did get in the way. You see, my sweet husband lost his battle with cancer in July. Let me tell you, even though you know its coming....it isn't any easier. You think you are prepared....but you aren't! The past 6 weeks have been extremely tough and I know this process they call grief isn't done.

This post is a tribute to my husband of almost 22 years. We had some good times, we had some not so good times....but we had more times that were absolutely AWESOME!!! I am so happy that we met and fell in love! He was and is the light of my life! My soul mate and I miss him terribly!!!

 

This photo was taken in September 2012 on Chesapeake Bay while he was visiting our daughter. We were a year into the cancer treatments at this time....if you didn't know he was sick....you couldn't look at him and tell.

I love you Sweetie....all the days of my life!!!

Dee

Showing Off My Stuff....well the beginnings of it...anyway!!

Truthfully, I was having a hard time getting going this summer, which is unusual for me. So, I am really late getting started....especially since we head back to school on July 31. Yeah....that soon! I know some of you just got out for summer.

But....now that I've gotten into the swing of things.....Christina, over at Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge is having a SHOW OFF YOUR PILES Linky Party and I am joining in on it.

Keep in mind....that I just got my "school" on yesterday....so my "stuff" is in short supply right now....at least what I have physically in my hand.

I made a short trip to ....Dollar Tree today....because I wanted some baskets for my new color scheme to go in my library. I got 4 of the 5 colors that I wanted....that isn't too bad....is it? Here is my color scheme....short one color....the orange.

I know....I know....this isn't nearly enough baskets for the book in the library....but thanks to another friend of ours out here in bloggy land...Sara over at Smiling in Second Grade....I will be taking a trip about 45 minutes away to visit.....you got ....the Big Lots store. Maybe they will have some orange baskets, too!!

 BTW....I also made a stop at the Wal Mart here and picked up these little journals for my student's shared journaling. Now I just have to decide (1) what the journaling topics will be for these books, and (2) how they will get decorated....you know they will be decorated in some fashion.The orange journal will give you an idea of the color orange I want for my color.

Now, I'm thinking I want orange and white chevron curtains for my two windows...but I haven't totally decided on that aspect yet. What do you think???

 

I did purchase one other item today while I was on my shopping spree and I will tell you that it has something to with Tara over at Fourth Grade Frolics and her Monday Made It posts. That is ALL you are getting out of me on this one until Monday. Here is the item.

 

 Can you guess what I might be using them for????

 Dee

My "To Do" List That Needs to be Finished Before July 30

I have been procrastinating doing all the things that need to be done before going back to school. So....I have decided to link up with Lorraine over at Fabulous Fourth Grade Froggies for her To Do List Before School linky.

I do have a disclaimer to add before listing my "To Do" List....and that is......this list is only for the items that I need to have done for school. There truly is a larger list for home and then there is my personal list as well. Oh Well....there just isn't enough hours in the day or days in the week to get everything done. Thank goodness for "To Do" lists and Lorraine's Linky party.

So.....here is my list: (Well...actually...it isn't the whole list but what I deem most important right now)

1. Make a Back to School To Do List.  (OK...I really felt the need to have something to mark off)
2. Complete Donors Choose grant for library books.
3. Create PowerPoint and brochure handout for teacher professional development on gifted/talented.
4. Plan Curriculum map and begin lesson plans for units.
5. Make a class schedule.
6. Print and assemble my Teacher's Notebook (I created my own...you can find it in my TpT store)
7. Purchase library baskets in class colors. (as soon as I figure out ...which colors)
8. Make T-shirt pillows for library.
9. Plan room arrangement
10. Create a Reader Biography packet
11. Decide how Reading will be incorporated into my classroom (since I teach Gifted/Talented students.. we don't teach reading, per se...but I have a passion for reading and so it is highly stressed in my classroom.) We did Reading Olympics last year...so I'm thinking....100 Book club or something. Any help with ideas for this would be greatly appreciated.

These are what I consider the most important on my list that is 40+...so I will not bore you with the rest.

Seriously....if you have any ideas for how I can incorporate Reading this next school year....please comment and let me know!!

OK...now that you have seen my list...why not hop on over to Fabulous Fourth Grade Froggies and link up with your own list.

Dee

Understanding Gifted/Talented Children Series - Pt III - Social/Emotional Issues

First of all, let's get one thing straight. The needs of a gifted child is the same as those of other children. They go through the same developmental stages, just usually at an earlier age.

There are some unique social and emotional issues that gifted children face. It is important to recognize these issues and help our children deal with any problems they may face as a result of their giftedness.

Generally, gifted children seem to be better adjusted than most children their age, are very independent, and usually know exactly what they want.

However, gifted children are usually very aware of their differences as related to their age-mates, and for some finding real friends can sometimes be a difficult and disappointing task because of the differences.

Gifted children are sometimes introverted and like to spend time alone, but at the same time they are eager to have contact with friends their own age. Becoming active in social interests such as sports, music, art lessons, or some other interest activity outside of school will help the gifted child develop relationships with other children who share their interests and talents.

It is not uncommon for gifted students to relate their self-worth to their success in school. Because of their tendency toward perfectionism, this can result in a feeling of low self-worth. If this should happen, we need to help them set reasonable goals for themselves and create opportunities for them to feel more positive about themselves and their talents.

Children often experience and internal "tug-of-war" between themselves and being what they think everyone wants them to be.

To help your gifted child be sure to:

• nurture and encourage your child's unique talents
• help your child set reasonable goals
• encourage friendships with other children who have common interests and abilities
• accept your child as an individual and openly express that acceptance
• be flexible without being too permissive
• if you notice problems....communicate them with the school/teacher and let's solve the problem together!

You can access the previous posts in this series below:


Understanding Gifted/Talented Children series - Part I - Characteristics of Gifted Children

 Understanding Gifted/Talented Children series - Part II - Encouraging Creativity


Dee

Monday Made It - sort of...and the Winners from Last Week

OK...here is the problem. My dear, sweet hubby hasn't been feeling well the past week so I didn't get my Monday Made It finished. However, I am linking up with Tara at Fourth Grade Frolics because I also has a giveaway going in conjunction with my Monday Made It post from last week.

So...after you check out this post...hop on over to Fourth Grade Frolics and check out all the Monday Made It posts that have linked up with Tara.

OK...I am working on something...but it isn't even close enough to being finished for me to give you a sneak peak. But...I will tell you that it is a companion piece to the item I showcased last week. That is right...I am working on the Sub Binder Organizational pack and really hope to have it finished by next Monday along with another project that is floating around in my head.

OK...now let's get on with the winners of the Teacher Binder Organizational pack from last week. I promised to give away 2 of the packs.....and the winners are....................

Gina

&

Cheri

Ladies....be on the lookout....this will be showing up in your email very soon. I hope you enjoy the pack and it helps you stay organized throughout the next school year!

Thanks to everyone that commented and played my little game to try to win the pack.

Dee

  

Understanding Gifted/Talented Children Series - Pt II - Encouraging Creativity

It is time for my second post in the Understanding Gifted/Talented Children series. Today will be all about encouraging creativity in our children. While I am focusing on the Gifted/Talented children, of course, this really goes for all of the children in our lives.

A lot of this post will be focusing more on ways parents can help to encourage their children's creativity. However, much of the information overlaps and is also pertinent to the classroom teacher as well.

Creativity is defined as "the ability to make something new" - this is a characteristic that is often found in the gifted child. As parents, we often see these characteristics long before our children enter school. Some children may exhibit some behaviors at a very early age that indicate they are a highly creative child. The following list is by no means a complete list but rather a sample of behaviors parents might observe.

• adventurous
• attracted to the unknown
• curious
• spontaneous
• open to new ideas
• attention to detail
• rich fantasies/good imagination/daydreams
• loves storytelling

What can a parent or teacher do to encourage and help further develop creativity in a child? There are many things that can be done. Check out this list. Again, this list is not complete, but it is a good start!

• value and encourage expressions of creativity
• stress openness
• share your enthusiasm for life
• be playful and imaginative with the child
• allow relaxation time (Don't have every minute of everyday scheduled with activities.)
• encourage your child's interests
• have a sense of humor
• respect your child's ideas and interests
• have some "family fun"
• put emphasis on achievement, not grades (I know we have to have the grades..don't emphasize all the time.)

Specific Ideas for Encouraging Creativity

All of the following ideas are great for parents to use in the home and some of these carry over to inside the classroom. So teachers, you aren't being "let off the hook" so to speak!

• give your child a place at home where they can have works "in progress"
• provide materials for making things (this can be as simple as tape, scissors, aluminum foil, empty boxes, recyclable materials, etc.)
• provide opportunities for lessons in music, art, drama, dance, etc. - BUT - make sure this is something that your child WANTS to pursue - not you
• take trips to museums, concerts, shows - arrange for your child to meet the artist/performer
• display your child's work proudly
• look for after-school and summer programs
• model and teach that hard work, practice, and perseverance are all part of being creatively successful - BUT please be careful NOT to pressure
• model your problem-solving (think aloud)
• praise your child's creativeness in a genuine manner
• allow your child to have "quiet time" for when he/she needs time to think, write, read, draw, practice, etc.

Again - I know some of these suggestions seem more geared toward parents. But, TEACHERS - you can certainly turn some of these suggestions around and make them work inside the classroom setting as well. Lets be sure to encourage the creativity of our children.

If you would like more information on encouraging creativity:  Growing Up Creative: Nurturing a Lifetime of Creativity by Teresa Amabile.  

You can find the first post in this series located HERE.

Please share your ideas and suggestions about how to encourage creativity in children in the comments section. I am always looking for new ways to help my students.

Dee