Superheroes in Training

This year our theme is "Superheroes in Training."  And on the first day of school, a group of teachers dressed up as some well known superheroes.  It was a blast.  What a fun way to start the school year with positivity and excitement about learning!  

Here is a video of our first day: SES Superheroes in Training

I told myself I would blog more this year.  I'm trying hard to think about what to blog, to share, to make that global connection with others I want to make.  So even though I am struggling with a purpose right now I thought I would just share with you what I've been doing in library this first week.  I have been teaching my expectations for being in the library as well as how to check out books.  How to use the library card as a "spot saver" on the shelf while shopping for books. The best part of the first week of library is telling the second graders that they get to check out TWO books and they can go all over the library, compared to just one in first grade and being restricted to a certain area.  It is like I'm Oprah at that point, giving away my favorite things...their reactions are comparable to the ladies going crazy.  I'm serious! And I love it.  I also love showing them examples of books that have been chewed on by pets, molded over by food and drinks, and torn apart by little people.  I got a text from a co-worker last night telling me about how her kindergartener came home warning her about things that can go wrong with a library book. So maybe I taught something?

I'm looking forward to planning an Eric Carle author study where I will be taking the kindergarten class to Concordia to view the Eric Carle traveling art exhibit.  That will be a fun connection for those kiddos to make.  More on that later!  

Teacher ReBoot

"Do something that makes you feel uncomfortable." -Lynne Herr

I'm participating in Teacher ReBoot at the ESU6 in Milford.  It is a program that encourages teachers to design their own professional development.  I'm sitting with motivated teachers that want to be just totally kick bootie.  Talk about being in the right place at the right time.  I love surrounding myself with people that inspire me to be my best, and I'm pretty sure I'm well surrounded!  

We have all been asked to make professional goals that will improve our student's learning experience.  One of the things Lynne and Jill asked us to do is to find things that make you feel uncomfortable.  Something that makes me feel uncomfortable is sticking to a schedule.  I get nervous about being stuck or feeling like I can't keep up with the schedule. So, something I am working on is updating my blog on a regular basis with the purpose of sharing and exchanging ideas with other teachers. My goals for my ReBoot project were found from this website.  Here they are (but not limited to):

1.  To re-evaluate value of my lessons

2.  Make a global connection

3.  Teach digital citizenship more effectively

I am looking forward to updating you with my progress.