My Window

I snapped this picture this fall Thanksgiving morning. This is the beauty that greets me every time I sit at my laptop to blog, grade, or lesson plan. I love my view from my kitchen window.

"I look out this window and I think this is a cosmos, this is a huge creation, this is one small corner of it. The trees and birds and everything else and I'm part of it. I didn't ask to be put here, I've been lucky in finding myself here."

~Morris West~

I'm Sunshine Spreading: The Power of Positive

Here's to the power of positive!

Raising Small Souls Videos

Raising Small Souls website has some helpful resources for parents and teachers.

This video has tips on parenting, specifically on the benefits of setting a healthy morning routine.

Another resource that is inspirational is their Animal School video

Teambuilding starts at home and continues at school.

Keep in touch. Find me at:

My TPT store

Pinterest

Lunch Box Notes

Let parents surprise their child with some "Lunchbox Love". They can tuck one of these notes in their child's lunch once in a while and make them smile. Special notes written will be sure to delight them. In addition, the notes reinforce reading skills and the power of writing. Enjoy and then eat up!

 Click image to download freebie

Find more great ideas on my Pinterest page or TPT store

Power of Praise

As teachers we are put in a profound position to use praise in powerful ways. I ran across this poem that is a great reminder of my role in a child's life.

Give a Child

Give a child a great education

You give them the world

Give a child science and math

You give them access

Give a child a sense of wonder

You give them joy

Give a child poetry, paint, aluminum foil and sparkles

You give them creativity

Give a child accountability

You give them integrity

Give a child an understanding of spirit

You give them faith

Give a child an entire community

You give them responsibility

Give a child your undivided time

You give them security

Give a child a life by example

You give them a map for success

Give a child hugs

You give them love!

Author Debora Short

Grab a copy of "Words to Praise" and remember a pinch of praise packs a powerful punch!
How do you use praise in the classroom?

Power of a Poem

As teacher appreciation celebrations comes to an end I'd like to pass on some inspiration to all my fellow bloggers. Below is a poem that I share every year with colleagues, especially new teachers. It's a heartfelt one titled "If I Could Teach You Teacher". I've typed up a copy for everyone to enjoy. I hope it becomes one of your favorites like it is mine. I keep it displayed in my teacher corner and when I need my spirits lifted I just have to glance at it and feel renewed! Feel free to leave a comment if this poem spoke to you.

Doorway Quotes

Doorways make great learning display opportunities.  Just above my door I display posters that say:
Never say, "I can't." Always say, "I'll try." and "You Can't Do Wrong by Doing What's Right" It's amazing how students DO pay attention to "small posters" with very BIG messages.  Just the other day when one of my students was showing a moment of self defeat I simply said, "Never say I can't..." and  the class chimed in after me, "Always say, "I'll try".  Grab a copy of Doorway Quotes below and test out their power in your classroom!

Doorway Quotes

What are some of your favorite quotes you use in the classroom?