Teacher Steals and Deals

Evening Peeps,

Usually I'm pretty reserved about signing up for every gimmick out there, but I totally took the bait on this one and it paid off big time. On Naeir website you have to work at a non-profit organization, i.e. teacher, to be able to sign up to shop online. Kind of like an online Costco for teachers or other non-profit. Here's the catch. The resources they have are all donations and the handling fee you pay is minimal.

For example, I purchased six post-it dry erase surfaces for $3.00 each thinking they were 12x12 inches. I know I totally didn't read the description, but don't even play like you've never made that mistake. Holy-moly was that a great mistake. I received six huge rolls of this miracle dry erase contact paper that turns any poop brown 1980's board into small group magic.

Drawback is that, it took me three months to get approved. But hey, it's not like we don't spend money on supplies all year. 

In the words of Maui, 'You're welcome'! 

Night y'all!

And here I have documented for you, my very first time dumpster diving for a retainer for a sweet little girl who was going to get the 5th degree for losing it... again. Unfortunately, we still use styrofoam plates, is there anything else.... uggghhhhhhhh!

Maui, You're welcome!

When a Picture is Worth More than a Thousand Words

When a Picture is Worth More than a Thousand Words

What is the value of a picture?
What worth does it hold?
Jammed in boxes in the bottom of your closet,
sealed in envelopes never opened.
Filed away till after someone's death,
or maybe laying dormant in some sleeping file on your computer.
Stashed away on a disk inside your camera on the top shelf,
or hidden among thousands on your phone.

What is the value of a picture?
What worth does it hold?
Is it worthless never to be thought of again,
Or does it hold the secrets of the past?

The value is much more than a thousand words.
Pictures capture that one smile, one of fifty smiles for the day.
One smile of thousands per year.
That new tooth smile, toothless smile or jagged teeth smile.
Proud parent smile, happy brother or sister smile.
I wish your grandparents could see you smile,
You are my pride and joy smile.

The value of a picture is more than a thousand words.
More than the thousands of tears that brought us to the place we are today.
The picture that reminds us of who our parents were,
who they are
and who they have helped us to be.
Pictures that reflect the impression of who makes up our personality,
He who has formed us,
Parents that have influenced us,
Friends that have guided us,
Teachers that have encouraged us,
and strangers that have humbled us.

Thousands of words can be spoken around one massive picture,
Looming in a grand room,
Begging the story to be told:
Of when you were five,
I remember when,
That good ol' time,
I'll never forget,
When you were just this big.

But, what happens when those pictures are gone?
What happens when tragedy takes those memories and they have fled?
Fled from your home,
your closets,
your cameras,
your computers,
and slowly your mind.

What happens when you can't remember
exactly anymore
what your child
looked like
coming home from the hospital in that outfit?

What if the words have all left with that picture?
And the memories have already started to fade.
The sadness has filled the void
of all lost things as you slowly realize,
the memories are lost,
the pictures,
and with those,
slowly the words.

They fade into looking at your children now,
Enjoying every minute,
but slowly forgetting...
Forgetting their facial features,
The stormy blue eyes,
just how much hair,
and tiny toes.

So what is the worth of a picture?
I would dare say the worth is something so grand.
So grand,
not only words cannot measure,
a price cannot either.
In lieu of a grandmother's soft hands encouraging you,
Or listening to you with her entire body,
Eyes,
Ears,
Body,
Heart.
The pictures of her,
those facial features
you hoped to pin point in your children,
gone.
And sadness
comes near
when you think of these pictures,
because you know they will not be replaced.
They can't.
Grandma will not be around for pictures,
nor will your children be newborns again.

Pictures tell a story.
In their vastness for a multitude of words,
they share many life times
of families,
joys,
struggles,
and victories.

So capture the moments,
now,
create new memories,
now,
tell your story through pictures
and share your thousands of words.

Time is fleeting,
Memories and moments are whisking away,
Like Cinderella at the ball,
the clock will strike twelve,
there will be a moment where it is too late.

So this picture
of our humble family
is worth more than a thousand words.
The price cannot be obtained.
The photographer will never
understand the magnitude
of what she captured.

Our family,
Our simple, happy family.
What is the value of a picture?
What worth does it hold?
The value is more than a thousand words.
Something so grand.

Photo by GenieLeighPhotography

GenieLeighPhotography

Thank you Megan!

Hurricane Matthew

        Good Evening Friends, your grammatically incorrect friend is back and okay.

         I'm writing this with a broken heart. Not so much of a broken heart for our local status after Hurricane Matthew up the east coast of the United States, but a broken heart thinking about our neighbors in countries that would love to be here and have the first world problems we have. 

         Locally, my friends in Florida up to North Carolina are dealing with a tremendous amount of flooding, roads that are washed out, houses damaged, and more. These are all great things to deal with during a Hurricane as it tears up the coast and scatters families and communities until they can come back together. I have worked hard to check on neighbors, widows in our area and other elderly that might need extra help in the aftermath of this natural disaster. 

        Globally, I have been shattered. I have worked closely with groups that have traveled to Haiti. I have great friends and traveled and worked with the orphanages in Saintard, Haiti. I have a deep love for the people of Haiti. I would spend my summers in Haiti if I wouldn't miss my husband so much. The death tolls in Haiti are too much to comprehend. Additionally, the devastation of structures that pale in comparison to our homes here in the US. The pictures are too much to bear. My heart is a fragile one. One that cares for everyone and wants to help anyone in need. 

        Today we traveled eight minutes to our local beach and discovered such a sad find. 

        Do you know what this is? This is speculated to be a Cuban Refugee Raft. After a mild hurricane on the east coast, a refugee raft has washed upon our shores. The craftsmanship of this raft is unbelievable. The flour sacks of the bags are marked with Cuban brands filled with water bottles of air (notice I didn't say empty). There is chicken wire and fencing with more water bottles on the bottom of the boat. There is a rudder made of scrap metal at the rear and it appears there was a mast in the center. 

        My heart just stopped. In the midst of one of the most shameful presidential elections I think I have ever been exposed to... I'm stopped to see something so amazing and sad. The people who fashioned this raft felt that they had no hope whatsoever in their own country they needed to save scraps and make a life raft in hopes of landing and staying in a country for a fresh start. I have never, ever felt in my life that I needed to make a life raft and sail away to a country in treacherous waters. What story could this raft tell? What demise or hope did these people see? 

        As I go to bed with a heavy heart, I am reminded that I am a teacher. The impact that I have or YOU have is greatly underestimated. The twenty-five children I meet on Tuesday morning will be introduced to such brave, creative, hopeful minds that could have created this raft. If you have't checked out NewsELA or ThinkCERCA, they have amazing current events. Search war and peace or the key word refugees. You will be opened up to several kid friendly articles about refugees from Syria, Jewish, European, etc. 

       So as you go your way, think big, think amazing. You are a teacher and a globe changer. You are shaping the minds of children that will make decisions for us in the future. Teach children to be compassionate and kind. They will change the world because you are determined to change the world, one child at a time. 

Excuses for my HIATUS

Oh Boy,
What a YEAR!!!
It's been a fabulous year, but man-o-man, let me tell you... my patience has been tried. First of all, let me re-introduce myself. My name is Tara Paige and I absolutely love my family, teaching, kids everywhere and everything Jesus. I have been on a hiatus from the blog world because, well... life decided to throw a couple curve balls. SOOOOOOO, I'll sum it all up in my grammatically incorrect blog world you have accidentally dropped in on (I'm sure) and help you feel better about your current situation.

Well let's see...
In west philidelphia, born and raised...
No, that's not right... hehehe

You know I love a list:

1. Decided I wanted a change of scenery.
2. Applied for a transfer.
3. Found out I was pregnant prior to interview.
4. Interview.
5. Got the new gig.
6. Had to move all my classroom stuff. (Boy-oh-boy did I collect a lot over the years)
7. Unpack.
8. My new class was 1/3 the size of my old classroom.
9. New grade level.
10. New Baby.
11. Husband had major neck surgery 3 weeks later.
12. Back to work.
13. Getting ready for the big end of the year Hoorah.
14...... HOUSE BURNS DOWN.......

So those are all my excuses. I thought they were pretty good, right?

You heard me. My house was struck by lightening on Friday, May 13th while we were all at work, school, etc.

Short story shorter. Everything was consumed. We lost it all.

I got back to work quickly. Well because EOGs were just a week or two away. My own personal girls needed to have a normal life. I mean, we can't just sit around a cry for a month right?

Well, there were tears. So many tears. But through those tears we have had such an outpouring of love and care from our friends, family and community. Tupac said it best... Life goes on. And it does.

I cannot even express what it feels like to lose everything to fire. Let me rephrase that, I didn't lose everything. My family, my girls, myself... we are all okay. I lost all the things to the fire. And with all that, I picked myself up and moved on.

We had the most amazing friends and family that helped us immediately. A place to stay, clean underwear (for the love of all good things) I didn't even realize we all needed underwear! All those little things... deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brush, shoes, underwear, pants, shirts, undergarments, lotions, all those necessities and small comforts of life in a first world. Yes I said first world.

Our friends set up relief funds for us at our workplaces and in the community to help with everyday things. After two weeks and we found a place to rent, donations pour into our new residence. Hand me down clothing, towels, electronics, books, toys, baby items, people brought dinner, bought groceries. (Let me just tell you... It's insane trying to start a new kitchen from scratch)

These past few months I have been thinking about all my friends I have met in different countries and how little they have in the way of things. But I'm always amazed at how happy they are. We have had the best and most difficult summer ever.  Difficult because all those things that we used to fill our time with were gone. Difficult because special newborn shadow boxes with hospital tags gone. Original old pictures, original recipes hand written by grandmothers, heirloom guns, etc. all gone.

The best summer because it has been a summer of friends and family more than I have ever had my whole life. We have met friends at the pool or beach on an almost every other day basis. Moved into a neighborhood with close friends and got to enjoy their conversations, walks and kids more. We have helped our community in different ways, visited elderly friends, shut-ins, retired friends. Friends, friends, and more friends. Oh... and let's not forget two amazing weeks in Florida with my Dad and Step-mom. They enjoyed getting their hands on the three girls and I'll admit we simply didn't want to leave.

But don't worry.

We are great! Getting back on our feet. One day at a time.

Let's not forget, school is around the corner and we have an abundance of ideas to share.

So as I find a new norm, thanks for hanging in there. Let's have a GREAT NEW SCHOOL YEAR!!!!!







~ Tara

Public Vs. Charter

Charter vs. Public vs. Private vs. Homeschooling

If you are going to read and engage in this, please read to the end and keep it positive.
First of all, please let me be very clear. I come in peace. I do not want a war. I think we already have a war on public education. I do not want to bash any school. People have their kids in those schools and if you are friends with a lot of people on Facebook, more than likely you are talking about a child's school. I have friends and family members that teach at all three different types of schools in different states and friends that homeschool. They all love what they do and the kids and families they serve.

But let's just take a step into my world... when did public education not serve the whole public? Since when do we strike down the very institution that is educating the mass public? All of my friends that I graduated with loved school, we had great classes, great teachers, selected great colleges and moved into jobs we thought we would love. I love my job with my whole heart, however, when I watch the news or FB feed, sometimes I'm disheartened as if I'm not good enough because I teach at a public school. Some parents have their children in one of each because, that's what their kids need. I'm happy with that, I will never try to make you feel like less because your child needs a different environment, learning style, curriculum.

They are all different. From structure, to curriculum to the population they service. I think all of any one of these would be horrible. For instance, after hurricane Katrina they moved legislation quickly to prop up for profit charter schools in the whole New Orleans' parrish. What they discovered, after providing transportation and meals like traditional public schools was that their test scores were comparable, some years being below. Do you know why? They serviced all the kids and they are kids. They change as life changing events change. Some better years than others.

They are all different. From structure, to curriculum to the population they service. I think all of any one of these would be horrible. For instance, after hurricane Katrina they moved legislation quickly to prop up for profit charter schools in the whole Parrish. What they discovered, after providing transportation and meals like traditional public schools, their test scores were comparable, some years being below. Do you know why? They serviced all the kids and they are KIDS. They change as life changing events change. Some better years than others.

We have all seen Gangster's Paradise with Coolio and Michelle Phieffer and inner city public schools. I dare say I have ever been exposed to one. We see over and over awful things that happen in public schools through the media. But friends, that is not the norm. Our public schools are brimming with amazing, talented, smart children just as much as our charter, private and homeschooling friends. Most of our children attend the same middle schools and high schools for college prep and/ or sports.

People have bad experiences all the time. I'll never forget the day a kid was taking an end of grade test and I had to call time. She wasn't even finished. I cried, she cried, parents. It was horrible. Such an awful day. Kids get bullied. But as parents we have bad experiences too. Some that make us change doctors, grocery stores, pharmacies. There are bad people, bad days, and bad places, but let's not lump all professions in with those bad ones.

Your child is going to be successful based on your commitment to them regardless of the school you choose for them. Love, support and guide them.

I spoke with both a lawyer and a neurosurgeon today and they were over the moon excited to thank a teacher. Please friends, let us be just that... Teachers of AMAZING kids! I have friends that are in every job profession all stemming from public schools. I know a plethora of kids that are graduating from college and high schools beginning their adult life... They are amazing!!! No matter their background. They worked at this game called life. Please, you don't have to support public schools, but please don't bash them. More than likely you came from one, your parents or most of your friends. I love you all.... Kind words only please.

Making the Most of Positive Relationships with Parents

Building Positive Relationships Between Teachers and Parents As a new year approaches, perhaps one of the most significant reservations a teacher has is not only meeting new kids for the first time, but also that first impression with parents. Parents entrust the school system, and more specifically the teachers, to take care of their children socially, personally, and academically. This is parallel to a physician taking care of twenty-three patients simultaneously! Parents expect not only the academic needs of their child to be met, but also the developmental, physical, and psychological needs, as well. That is a formidable responsibility, one that teachers do not take lightly. Therefore, let’s take a minute to deconstruct how we communicate with parents and how we can make the interaction stronger, thus enriching the experience for all stakeholders. One of the most crucial times to establish a healthy relationship between parents and teacher is during the first meeting with the teacher. I know this is a fundamental principle; however, many parents and teachers form this bond during parent open house. While some parents make a point of sending a detailed email about their child and his or her specific needs, some prefer to meet the teacher during the first week, before or after school, to talk about their child’s unique attributes. Teachers, like other humans, have unique personalities and gifts. Some kindergarten and first grade teachers really know how to get down on the kids’ level and break the nervous tension that accompanies the first day of school. Whereas, upper grade teachers engage in high fives or tension breaking humor to excite kids about their new adventures. Any teacher can make a parent and new student feel welcomed with smiles, laughter, and a genuine concern for the child. Sending home school and parent newsletters that communicate a desire for parent involvement and feeling welcomed within the school are two entirely different things. A parent needs to understand and feel that they are the critical denominator in their child’s success. Forming a positive relationship from the start helps to bridge a positive triangular relationship among the child, parent, and teacher; furthermore, the positive collaboration encourages the parent to come back or call with concerns when they arise. It creates a mutual atmosphere of trust and respect , which accentuate the learning experience for all. Once that first meeting has been established, there are now many other ways to communicate and talk with teachers. Some parents will drop a call or email every few weeks to ensure things are still running smoothly. Other teacher notifications, such as newsletters, progress reports, forms, permission slips, etc. go home each week. Additionally, a great time to meet with teachers and discuss student success is parent-teacher-student conference night. It is critical for teachers to start with positive, encouraging words about their students, as well as listening to the parents’ concerns for their child. Because a positive parental climate has already been established, the parent is more likely to trust the teacher’s advice and suggestions for helping. If there is a question or frustration, often times, it is advisable to give space and time for all parties to reflect, revisit the topic, and try to work it out together for the advancement of the child. Unfortunately, many people are venting on social media and receiving backing of friends and family about school situations. Once that happens, trust is severely eroded for the teacher and parent. Historically, even when a parent and I had different ideas and solutions, the parent generally never questioned that I had the best interest of their child as my main objective. Furthermore, with continued positive communication and meetings, we have always been able to come up with solutions we were both satisfied with. For the parents who are unable to come in for meetings, they still love to receive updates about the progress of their child. It means the world to parents to know the growth their child is experiencing or that we care enough to ask the parent to encourage them at home. Although, sometimes, it wouldn’t happen until the end of the year, it was always gratifying when a parent said, “Thank you for the positive notes home, *******(child) would really work harder knowing their work was being noticed and appreciated by their teacher.” It is not a secret that good teachers value positive parental relationships. Building a strong relationship from the beginning makes it easier for parents to offer their volunteer services in the school to enrich the educational experience for all stakeholders. We have been fortunate to have parental volunteers and other citizens, such as veterans, come and talk with kids on Veteran’s Day, business leaders judge competitions, and community leaders help with science events. Furthermore, other parents who are paleontologist hobbyists, world travelers, scientists, and judges come and speak with the kids. The students are enriched by the diverse community interaction and look up to parents and community leaders as role models. By involving the community, we are forming a special bond that will continue to be a beacon for our children and inspire them to be exemplary community leaders in the future. So, as we get ready to kick off a new school year, may we remember that the team we build with teachers, community leaders, parents and kids are the strongest when we all work together to aim high and become undefeatable in each student’s education. That is the team I would put up against anyone! A strong student/parent/ teacher team is unstoppable and can achieve remarkable results! Building a welcoming school culture encompasses students, parents, volunteers, and community stakeholders who feel welcomed and valued. Tips for a Great Year of Communication: 1. Make that first contact: Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, don’t keep tabs on who called whom, just make the call or meet the teacher. Call the parents with great news or just reflect on what a neat kid they have. Let them know you value them and their kid is great. I don’t think there is a parent out there that doesn’t believe their kid isn’t wonderful. 2. Keep the communication going: Whether it is post-its, emails, PTO night, science fair, or field trips, talk to each other. Support each other. Be honest, but respectful. Parents should let teachers know when someone is deathly sick in the family or there is a change in medicines. These notifications are extremely helpful; if teachers are aware of factors at home that might impact the student, teachers can be more observant and helpful to the child at school. We are there to support your child. 3. Newsletters/ homework/ questions: Show your child you’re interested in what they are learning. Send in questions you have; ask your child to bring home notes, books, and any relevant materials that might help explain what they don’t understand. Tell your child’s teacher all about your awesome child! Some teachers send home a personal information sheet where parents can talk about strengths and weaknesses, fears, insecurities, and hobbies. Or, you may even have time to talk with them about successes and struggles at Open House Night. Even if your teacher doesn’t send home introductory information or you

The snake that nearly got me fired

 

Enough said. 

Disclaimer: I have had proper reptile identification classes, therefore, can properly identify snakes indigenous to our state.  I do not advise picking up wild animals. Please do not try this at home. LOL If you do, first make sure you have health insurance coverage.

~ Tara

Why I Broke Up with Office Depot

Why I broke up with Office Depot:
After 11 long years, I finally called it quits with my teacher, class, extracurricular activities, supply distributer. I have been faithful and feel there hasn't been any wrongdoing on my part. I came to make my usual purchase of composition notebooks this year. Yes, I teach about 100 awesome and sometimes smelly fifth graders. I equally attempt to keep them engaged in class by using interactive note-booking techniques. Composition notebooks are great for this because they are tough mudders and can take a beating all year. Usually, they are $.25 which is why I was elated when I found out they were only $.10. Yes, I scored the mother load!!!! "But the limit is 3" friends would say. Nahhhhh, they always let me do repeat purchases for teachers. Hah, was I fooled.

I can in and stocked up and proceeded to ask for a manager. Teachers are always causing trouble as they slink up to the counter and ask for a discount. (You don't see other professions asking all the time for a discount do you? Nope) But teachers think they are special, or at least I do. The manager on duty proceeded to tell me it wasn't possible to purchase that many at the discount price. I asked why not? I had always been able to in the past. I explained it wasn't allowed to be added to our supply list, blah, blah, blah... he rudely replied.... "Ma'am, WE HAVE TO SAVE SOME FOR THE CHILDREN!" Wholly SNAPS- ARE YOU FOR FREAKIN REAL? I then turned into Madea and asked, "what do you think, I'm going to go home and COLOR in 100 NOTEBOOKS?? It is for the children, in fact, I'm saving parents a trip or they would be buying these notebooks." Short story shorter, we went a few rounds, I was really trying my FBI techniques on him trying to get him to budge. He said I was, "taking away from their bottom line." I told him they wouldn't take anything out of his paycheck if he scanned my products 33 times. it went on and on. At the end of the day, I am a terrible negotiator, I lost. But here's the catch. Nothing would have taken from the bottom line. I have purchased thousands of dollars of supplies yearly for our recycling program, science Olympiad, field trips, and basic school bulk orders. Ink recycling has gotten harder and harder, until I realized. I didn't need Office Depot. They were using me, I could be just as happy with Staples or Wal-Mart or EVEN ( I shudder) ONLINE ORDERING.... So you win Office Depot, I will not bother you or even scream at other shoppers as they enter your doors. I will take the higher road and take my butt to Costco or Staples! See YA!

So I called customer service and someone who knew very little English tried to help me... I asked for a supervisor in customer service....30 minutes of... So what is you problem again? I don't understand. Really?

I'm so thankful for all the kind strangers that offered to purchase notebooks for my students and all my family and friends that have been stealing from their bottom line to get what the kids need! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Where is Tyler Perry when you need HIM?

One Large Man- A New Perspective

Judge me on my grammar and I will cut you!
       Taking a short break from creating lessons I wandered into Southport.  One to just take in the waterfront view, two to pick up stupid stuff from Wally world.  Hair ties, bobby pins (thanks to Kayla wearing a cute do today), eye liner, blah, blah, blah..... On my way to see if they have size 4T khaki pants.  A large... no LARGE man comes straight my way!  Not large like big/fat, large like line-backer (football right???? Ha) LARGE! Not only did he come straight my way... at 10:29,59 but he hugged me!  All up in my bad attitude, I don't want to be at Walmart, up in MY SPACE HUGGED ME!  Then he looked straight at me and said 'Remember ME?'
         In a matter of milliseconds (not sure if that's possible) I said yes and said his name!  He was shocked I remembered his name.  I will say it is extremely hard to recognize some kids after they mature into adulthood when I knew them back, way back inthe day.  We laughed, smiled, and hugged some more.  This time I was in his personal space(not in a call the law kindof way).  The biggest, my whole heart kind of hug!  The kind of hug that makes salt water squeeze out of your eyes kind of HUG!
       As I checked out I was smiling like an idiot, straight up idiot!
       Driving home I came to this conclusion.  We are in each others' lives for brief moments of time.  I had the honor of teaching HIM, along with numerous others over the years.  My world of WALLS came down and I could for the very first time see how special every amazing teacher is to someone!  T-ball coaches, boy scouts, pre-school, private, day cares, in home care, foster parents, grandparents taking the role of parents, PARENTS, friends that coach us through rough tough and sour parts of our lives, battleship teachers, sunday school teachers, aquarium teachers, high school teachers, middle, coaches, band directors, mahjong (I really want to learn how to play), doulas, fitness coaches, nannies, tutors, job training, dive instructors, even MEAN people have a role to play in teaching us.  For a small moment of time I'm so happy with being a teacher.
        Remembering all the amazing kids that parents have allowed and trusted me with their child for an entire year or longer. And while the child is eager for the end of the day to come, each and every day, I will remember them.  I will etch in my mind a piece of them for years down the road. The sense of humor (or lack thereof), organizational skills (I still don't have that one down), smiles, giggles, endless talking, farting, sweet notes, sweet gestures, small little things that are so unique and individual to our personalities.  They are embeded in our minds.  Our paths may not cross for 10 or 20 years but a name will come to my mind because I will remember the awesome child they were that played an amazing role in my classroom community.  I will remember them and just maybe... they will remember me.
        Then I remembered something awesome I want to do tomorrow in history.... LOL.  My overactive brain took me away from my thoughts however my heart is still singing and my face is still smiling.

With a happy heart- Good night!

~ Tara

So Nervous! and other Random Babbeling Stuff....

I am working on putting together my first workshop.  Oh, crap!  What did I sign up for.  Ahhhh!!! Also, I am one of those people that it takes me quite a while to get focused on my computer.  There are so many things to distract someone out there.  However, I took a nap today.  So I have already painted my nails, and not just any paint!  I did the 30 minute whole gel nail system so they will stay on for two weeks.  Ooooiiiiii, am I going to get focused tonight? 

On the other hand, I love all the great feedback on my new font!  Yay! However, I'm worrying about the two or three 3.5 ratings on free items.  Seriously, if it's free and you don't like it or it's not perfect, why down rate the item.  I'm just saying.... but I can't let go of (I really need to) the 3 out of 128 perfect scores on my TPT products.  I know a 3.5 is not horrible, but come on people it's free!  Okay, that rant is over.

Back to the workshop.... (I'm a little unfocused, ya think?)

There are a few things I know for sure when I do this mini workshop.  I know the kinds of workshops I love to attend.  I love when I'm treated like a professional.  You know a fun welcome, coffee and fruit (new year, everyone's going to be on healthy goals). If they don't like what they get at least they will get a good cup of joe! Ha

Not speaking down to the teachers about what social studies integrated with language arts, but asking about what they already implement, brainstorm new ideas and leave (hopefully) feeling rejuvenated with new ideas and perspectives.

Another thing I love about a great workshop is when you leave with something you can take directly back and use in the classroom.  I plan on having a 30 minute make and take so teachers can directly implement (or not) the skills in the classroom.

Make the conversation truly common core.  Provide an idea and allow the teachers to create instruction, lessons, and activities directly on the spot!  Not just use an hour and a half, but make it part of their planning they can take right back to the kids. 

I would love to hear what your idea of a great hour and half workshop should offer!!!!

~ Tara

Moving from a 2-D to a 4-D Classroom

~ Tara