Parenting Tip of the Week--Show a Little Tenderness

Tate, my 7 year old, is covered in poison ivy.  Arms, legs, face, neck, belly...can you tell it's been 75 degrees here in the south for the last week?!  He has lived in our backyard!  And as itchy as he is, he is counting on me to help see him through--cream, oral steroids, allergy medicine, a trip to the doctor, a trip to CVS...Why?  Because I'm his mom, and he trusts me to offer a little TLC.  Who in your family can you throw a special lifeline to this week?  Try showing a little tenderness.  You'll be glad you did!  Blessings, Shannon

Teaching Tip of the Week--Listening

     Funny how after so many years of teaching, talking to a large group can seem to become second nature.  Because I teach so often, though, I realize that I do not have as many opportunities for listening and reflection as I would like.  Even as a teacher, however, I am learning that we still can stretch, learn, and grow! 

     I find myself enjoying the rare opportunities I have now to be a student.  It is in these opportunities to be the learner that I realize how beneficial it is to have a teacher that listens--really listens.  Teachers who can read the room, gauge learner interest and understanding, and who can uniquely address the individual needs of each learner...those are the ones who really seem to be the best at what they do. 

     Try listening, not just talking, as you go throughout this week.  I tell my children all the time that God gave us one mouth and two ears because we need to listen twice as much as we talk.  Maybe this is true for us as teachers as well...Hope you have a fantastic week!  Shannon :-)

Patriotic President's Day Fun and More!

     Hi!  I am so excited to let you know that I have written 3 Perfectly Presidential Interdisciplinary Resources for you featuring these 3 esteemed presidents:  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson! 
     I think these will be a hit for President's Day, to accentuate your social studies instruction, or simply to add rigor and differentiation to a unit on coins and currency.  In each of these units, you will find learning experiences targeting science, language arts, math, critical thinking, creative thinking, and research skills! 
     I hope you enjoy using these as much as I do in my own classroom!  Happy President's Day, everyone!  Shannon :-)

George Washington Interdisciplinary Resources

Abraham Lincoln Interdisciplinary Resources

Thomas Jefferson Interdisciplinary Resources

Valentine's Day Fun for Your Students and Your Family!

     Hi, everyone!  Just wanted to let you know about a few things I am super excited about!  First, I have a free devotion download for you and for your family!  Celebrate Valentine's Day by celebrating God's love for us!  And the best part of all...it's FREE!!! :-)

Just click on the link below:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-That-Lasts-Family-Valentines-Day-Devotions

     Secondly, my Valentine's Day interdisciplinary resources are also available on my TpT site.  What a great way to increase the critical and creative thinking of your students!  Thanks so much for your ongoing support and encouragement!

Here is the link if you are interested in purchasing:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-We-Love-Learning-Interdisciplinary-Resources

     Love and best wishes to you all!  Happy Valentine's Day!  Shannon

Groundhog's Day--A "Hole" Lot of Learning

     Happy Groundhog's Day!  I read a super book to my students today--Geoffrey Groundhog Predicts the Weather.  It would be a great tool to use to introduce journalism, meteorology, or even to reinforce how important it is to always listen to your mother. :-)

     My students also had a blast making their very own burrowing groundhogs, we played some fun and educational groundhog-themed games, and we even completed some groundhog problem solving activities.  Can't wait for even more learning fun tomorrow! 

     Just a reminder that my Groundhog's Day supplemental unit is available on my TpT site, as pictured below.  Have a great week, everyone!  Shannon

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhogs-Day-A-Hole-Lot-of-Learning