Kindergarten Journals and "Mr. Spaceman"

Kindergarten Journals and "Mr. Spaceman"

My kids love to use "Mr. Spaceman" spacers (from Really Good Stuff) when they write in their journals. I was so tired of picking them up off the floor... and I really wanted each child to have their own. The one thing I do not like for them to share! Last year I came up with the idea to velcro the spacers to the front of the journals. It works so well - no lost Spacemen!! :)

Where It All Goes Down Wednesday

Where It All Goes Down Wednesday - a day late!

Just finished with Open House tonight! Tomorrow we have a 1/2 day, thanks to Irene! I live on the coast of South Carolina - right below Myrtle Beach. We should only have rain and some strong wind. Praying for family and friends in North Carolina and on up the coast!! Some classroom pictures - more later!!  Lots of "borrowed ideas" from so many awesome teachers!! :)

Teacher Talk Tuesday

Teacher Talk Tuesday - Advice

1. Love your job - you get to laugh and play all day!

2. Give lots of hugs - might be the only hug/touch that a child gets all day!

3. Be very firm - especially the first few weeks. Young kids need structure to feel safe!

4. Communicate with everyone - especially parents. Do not assume that they know anything about your classroom.... I send a detailed newsletter each week.

5. Keep your rules simple and review each day!

6. Be patient and be consistent!

7. Share with others and be open to new ideas! 

8. Keep reading and learning as a teacher. I have taught a long time and I love to grow and learn with my kids and other teachers!

9. Appreciate all you have - be thankful! PRAY!

10. Save enough of yourself for the ones you love at home! :)

Meet The Teacher Monday

Meet The Teacher Monday! 

I teach kindergarten and I love my job! I teach at the beach - on the coast in South Carolina!! Always beautiful and usually hot!  I have been teaching for 23 years - mostly kindergarten. I have a degree in Elementary/Early Childhood and a Masters Degree in Divergent Learning. I received my National Board Certification about 4 years ago. I love 5 and 6 year old children. They make me laugh all day!

I married the sweetest man about 5 years ago. He loves me and my passion for teaching! I have 3 children. Thomas is almost 23 (working and in school), Matthew is a junior in high school, and Hope is a high school freshman. I also have wonderful step-children! Matthew has Aspergers- Autism Spectrum. Learning how to be the best mom for him and helping him to reach his goals in another passion.  I stay busy with church activities, watching my daughter cheer, spending time with my family, preparing for school, and helping with our local Autism Support Group.

I love the beach, shopping, baking, reading, movies, and spending time with my family!! I love to draw and sing - my kindergarten kids think that I am very talented (HA!)

This school year I would like to be more organized and deal with less piles of paper. I tend to keep "stuff" - trying to change and throw out!! I love to learn and grow with my students.

I can not live without Diet Coke, sweet tea, chocolate, and my glue gun! I also love pocket charts, labels, fat crayola markers, blue painters tape (works well on my walls), and zebra/ polka designs in my classroom! I have the best classroom assistant - Mary! Blogging has become a new passion!! :)

 Hop On Over To Meet More Blog Hoppers!!

Trying Not To Panic, "Blog Stalking..." Has Helped!!

My kindergarten kids arrive this Wednesday and I hope and pray that I will be ready! I had (unexpected) surgery last Friday and came home on Sunday. Although I am feeling much better, I have had to stay in the bed all week! I missed all meetings, planning...and feel a little lost! My team has been great with dinners and dropping off stuff. I did some of my room before surgery, but have so much left to do!! Have been doing everything I can from the bed and computer!! I have Monday and Tuesday to finish, but "Meet The Teacher" is Tuesday morning! I have rounded up my wonderful teacher assistant, husband, children... to help me on Monday!! Although I have blogged and shared very little, I have had lots of laughs, "idea help," freebies and have purchased items from so many wonderful bloggers - who share sooo much!! Just a thanks to so many wonderful bloggers -could never name them all! :)

Scardey Squirrel and Skippyjon Jones Classroom Mascots and Classroom Mascot Linky Party!

Erica Bohrer's First Grade Blog is having an classroom mascot linky party! Curious George is our class mascot! Our weekly "Terrific Kid"  gets to take home the Curious George Bag for the weekend. After reading and writing about fun weekend adventures, the journal is shared with the class on Monday!! :)

Can Do Kinders Awesome Giveaway!!

Can Do Kinders is giving away alphabet and number stamps to thank her awesome followers!! :) This giveaway ends on Friday the 5th!! Good Luck!!