Magic Skype

Do you want a fun way to teach geography?  Magic Skype may be what you are looking for.  If you're not familiar with Magic Skype it's a great way to team up with another class anywhere in the world and hone up your geography skills.  Each class comes up with "yes or no" questions in order to discover where each are located. The day you go "live" let the students be in charge and watch the fun happen!  My Tech Club students had a blast as did the students we paired up with in New York. Afterwards, I asked my students what they liked best about Magic Skype and of course it was seeing and talking to kids in another part of the country!  I just love seeing students have fun while learning ;-)

Thinking About Thanks . . .

Today as everyday I give thanks for  . . .

My family . . . so so lucky and fortunate I am

My friends . . .  my second family 

My work with children

My health 

 

Today as everyday 

I try to give back to those less fortunate

I try to show patience 

I try to listen 

I try not to judge

 

Today as everyday

I wish everyone the best  . . . forever!   

A Completed 5k With My Buddy!

Dark grey sky, cold winds and hundreds of smiling young girls . . . that was the scene last Saturday at Chicago’s lake front for the Girls on the Run 5k race.  This was my 5th year participating as a running buddy for one of our 5th grade girls.  It was bittersweet, as this will be my last time . . . another “last” of my school career.  As hard as it was to wake up at 5am and bare the drizzle and cold winds it really was worth it.  The excitement of these young girls and the pride they felt upon completion of the race was contagious!  It warmed my heart . . . and boy did I need warming ;-), to see the camaraderie and support they had for each other.  Giggles, hugs, and high fives were given to all at the end of the race!  Being a running buddy is one small way I can give back and show my support to the girls! The “message” written on the back of the medal we all received at the end of the race really says it all . . .

“I have the power to believe in myself. To stand up for who I am. To say “yes” to a challenge. To cheer on new friends. TO GROW UP STRONG.”

Book Talk Tuesday

I have talked about how at our school we start each day with a morning broadcast.  Fifth grade students taking charge of presenting the news for the day.  A new segment that was added this year is called “Book Talk Tuesday” . . . an inspiration from Michelle “Literacy Learning Zone” and Chris “Reading Amid the Chaos”. . .  an inspiration that has become a huge success!  Students look so forward to hearing the “tips” for finding new books, as well as guest speakers sharing their personal stories as to why they love reading!  Michelle and Chris are electric when they talk books and they inspire students and adults to read . . . read . . . and read more ;-) How lucky our students are to have these two inspirational teachers . . . women  . . . role models!

Seasons Bring Changes . . .

Changes all around as the season unfolds
Flaming reds, rich yellows and magnificent golds
Temperatures dipping, rooftops glisten
Taking time to stop . . . and really listen
Small animals scurrying finding the perfect place
Readying for winter that they will need to embrace
Yes, signs are around that winter is near
Even promises that little white stuff may soon appear
Are you ready for the changes? Not sure I will be
But ready or not it’s coming I know on that we can agree . . .