Believe . . . There is a Santa!

Some 15 plus years ago just about the time when the “kids” in our family were on the fence about Santa, my sister and I decided we needed to bring Santa to our house.  A friend of ours knew Santa and said give him a call and so we did.  That call started a family tradition that everyone in our family will forever treasure.  Each year on Christmas night about 7:00 Santa would come with his little elf.  Santa always began with my sister, then each child in our family would sit on his lap and tell Santa how they had been. Santa would spend abut 30 minutes with us and he truly became part of our family!  Over the years his little elf grew up as did all of our children but Santa kept coming and this magical tradition continued.  No child was ever to old to sit on his lap and tell them how the year had gone.  Soon his little elf go married and had a little elf of her own . . .as did other elves in his family.  About 4 years ago it became too much for Santa, as his family had grown so big that he was needed there.  This magical tradition may be over but it’s a tradition that my family will never ever forget. So, if you don’t believe in the magic of Santa . . . I will have to disagree . . . because after all, I have proof that there is in fact a Santa!

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!