Blog Hoppin' started a new blog and is hosting a Teacher Week. Today is Meet the Teacher Monday. How cool is that!
A little something about me....
(Can I skip this question? This truly is the hardest question in Meet the Teacher because I am a shy person! Garrison Keillor, where are those Powdered Milk Biscuits when a shy person really needs one?)
Phew! OK, now that I got that little tantrum out of the way, here goes.
I'm a first grade teacher in the lovely, Vacationland state of Maine. I have three children, all successful young adults and I love them dearly. I recently completed a Master's Degree in Education at the University of New England and loved, loved, loved getting back into academia!
How long have I been teaching...
I taught for 5 years before I became a stay-at-home mom with my three children. I've now been back in the field for 16 years, with 12 of them in first grade. Time flies!
What you may not know...
I have an old Betsy Ross Spinet piano that I just love playing (although poorly). I like to tell my boys and girls that even though I don't play well, I keep on trying, and I know I'm getting better (Honestly? That's wishful thinking on my part).
What I'm looking forward to this year...
- I'm quite excited to begin a new year with new little first graders! Six and seven year olds are both fascinating and engaging little people.
- I received an LCD projector in a mini grant from the PTC group at my school. I'm eager to try it out and to incorporate it into my classroom practices. I'd love any tips and/or websites with ideas!
- I'm going to borrow a class slogan from the Efficacy Institute in Boston, and Peres Elementary in California, "Work hard! Get smart!" Can't wait to build on that theme.
What I would like to improve...
- I would like to be more organized in every way.
- I'd like to maximize reading conference time.
What teaching supplies I cannot live without...
- caffeine (any form!)
- sticky notes
- flip chart markers
- "Comprehension," the newest publication by Pat Cunningham, James Cunningham and Dorothy Hall.
Oh, I'm shy too! I always think it's funny that I teach. But it's easy to talk in front of the little kids :)
ReplyDeleteI just noticed that "Comprehension" is for K-6. Did you find there was lots of stuff in it geared to Grade 1?
Thanks.
❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Hi Dee! "Heavens, they're tasty and expeditious." :)
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteYes, the comprehension lesson formats in "Comprehension" can be adopted for first grade easily. I especially love the final chapter in this book because it's all about the research. Fascinating stuff!
Okay, thanks. I think I'll pick it up.
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful