When I first started teaching I knew I had one goal beyond the classroom. I wanted to get my Masters degree. Several years ago I achieved that goal by getting a degree in Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State University. That was a great accomplishment that I’m very proud of, but then I was…
Category: Blog
9 tips for encouraging reading at home
Promoting reading at home is the single-greatest factor in determining a kids success in school. It can have a drastic impact on test scores, as well as overall enjoyment in school. One study found that kids who read 20 minutes a day will read around 1.8 million words in a year vs. a kid who…
A bad grade is your punishment for being a terrible student…right?
Until we stop equating a bad grade with a bad kid, students will continue to shut down and ignore the feedback I’m providing.
Podcasts as Professional Development
Like most teachers I have a TON of grading to do. With essays to read and lessons to plan, I don’t always have a lot of time to spend reading professional development books. I’ve tried listening to audio books, but I don’t have time to search for the audio version and when I do find…
Speaking the language of kids…
At church the other day the pastor was talking about the story of the tower of Babel from the book of Genesis. If you’re not familiar with the story a quick rundown is in the beginning everybody spoke the same language. They wanted to build a tower to the heavens. God disapproved and scattered everyone…
Check Your Bags at the Door
For as long as I can remember I have loved grocery shopping. Several times a week I stop by the store to pick up milk or eggs or bread…but by the time I leave my cart is loaded down with groceries. I take my cart full of bags, load them in the trunk, and make…
Summer Conference Reflection 1: Rick Wormeli
A few weeks ago I attended the Olathe Summer Conference in Olathe, Kansas. This conference is offered through my school district to provide some professional development at the end of the year. It is optional to attend, but I don’t understand why anyone would turn down the opportunity to listen to a great speaker. So…
Letter of Appreciation
I just wrapped up the school year a little over a week ago, and I thought I would share a letter I gave to my students at the end of the year. I don’t share this with you to say “look at how great I am for writing this letter.” Instead I’m sharing this with…
A year-end reflection
I’m in the middle of my 2nd Talks with Teachers challenge on Facebook, where educators from around the country are challenging themselves to grow as teachers. This weeks project was to write a letter to my beginning of the school year self as a means of reflecting on the year. It was a great activity,…
Failure is an option…and I'm ok with that
My son is almost a year old and has finally learned how to pull himself up to a standing position next to the coffee table. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. We have hardwood floors, and I’m so worried that he is going to smack his head on the ground and die. …
