Teach Like Crazy: Oh Dear

Well.. it has been almost a year since I have blogged. So much has happened in this short, but long time. I have had so many blessing, as well as challenges. They have all made me stronger in not only teaching, but also in life in general. I will try again to blog, as that is all that I can do to start again. I do have a sincere interest in keeping a blog for several reasons, but it is just never become part of my routine. I am a serious creature of habit and clearly this blog is not in my "habit" list. So here's to another try!

Updates from my classroom:

Sarah & I with my iPad cart

1. I am officially a flipped classroom teacher. In short that means I video tape lessons for my students to watch at home. They then show their understanding of the content by completing a short check for understanding assignment. I am then able to use class time for re-teach, enrichment, project based learning, or simply moving on quicker with content. I could be wrong, but my guess is I am one of a few first grade teachers attempting this in the nation. Most flipped classrooms start in upper elementary through high school.

2. I have 1:1 ipads for one group of my students. They watch the teaching videos on the iPads and use the iPads for learning throughout their time in the classroom. AMAZING! To the left is a sample PDF of my assessments collected from Thursday's activity in class. Each student read and e-mailed me the main idea and two details of the informational text they read. ~~No big deal~~ WOW! Talk about 21st century skills beginning to emerge.

3. I am working on my National Board Certification in the area of literacy. In the teacher field, that means that the next year is going to be tough, focused, and possibly my most challenging year career wise. I believe the end result will make me a stronger and more reflective practitioner. Right now I am taking part in a program called Take One. This provides me the opportunity to begin my boards by completing one of the four portfolio entries required. This is due April 15th. Oh my gooooooodnesss! More to come as it is beginning to take up my weekends.

4. I took on our school yearbook this year. In December, I was panicked, scared, and frustrated that I committed to taking on the task back in early August. 30+ hours of work later and I am actually enjoying putting it all together together. The teachers I work with have been great. I would say I am about half done and the end in sight. I do think it will be a proud moment when I open up a final copy. My one desire is for our school community to love it! It is their memories and simply doing in putting it together.