Been out for a while...

I have been out of the loop for a bit, but I am determined to return in some fashion. I am looking for a new look, BLOG. So if someone could direct me that would be wonderful and I am not sure if I will be sticking with teaching discussions. My world is all about teaching. I eat, breath and sleep it! My resolution was to make a change and school was not to be my life! My own kids are growing so fast- 15 and soon to be 17 and soon to be leaving the nest. Where has the time gone? This BLOG will I guess be about ME, teaching, paddle boarding (hubby making me one) sailing, shopping, family, cooking, and all of my stress. Oh and where do I go to find more information on BLOGGING? Thanks

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful dad and husband! I have two amazing men in my life that are so supportive and are always there for my kids! Here is my hubby and son enjoying their day kayaking and snorkeling.

I added a picture to the Lakeshore Learning photo contest and I need votes on Facebook. If you could go to their Facebook page and like them, then click on this picture and like it that, it would be Outstanding. It would help my cousin and myself out. We are both teachers and if we win we are going to split the money. Thanks sooooo much!

Well, today I bonded with my little dog, not my youngest my littlest


It felt good to hang with Jake!

When I came home though I was determined to work on Common Core Curriculum. I began to make a check off sheet~ I finished Reading Literature and Informational. Then I went to Pinterest to get ideas and take a breather and low and behold someone at Sassy in Second was kind enough to do!

Here is a snapshot:




Now wasn't that kind of her! I haven't downloaded it yet, but when I do I will be sure to tell you my thoughts. Enjoy your evening it is storming here.

I am Linky up with Nicole and some other great bloggers for a D5 Book study. Grab your book and join us!

On pages 4-6,the authors present tWo different pictures of their classrooms. In thinking about and reflecting on your own practice, how would you characterize your literacy block? Does it look more like the first scenario or the second scenario or is it somewhere in between?

My literacy blocks is 90 minutes of uninterrupted instruction. This was my first year of teaching 2nd grade and the first year I read Daily 5, I felt overwhelmed. I did have guided reading groups, phonemics instruction, writing instruction,- the one tool that I did incorporate and use daily was the read to self. The students had book baskets and built stamina.

Do you wAnt to spend more time In meaningful conversations with students About reading and less time trying to get students to follow directions?

Of course, I love having conversations with my students about what book they just read. They are so excited about telling me every little detail and can't wait to read another book. now if I assign a specific book it is a job or a chore and they dislike this, it is so much better if they choose.

Teaching with Love and Laughter has reached 500 followers! They are having a HUGE giveaway which includes products from many talented teachers and companies, so what are you doing head over...