Thursday, April 19, 2012

Dr. Seuss

The first week of March is typically dedicated to celebrating Dr. Seuss.  The anniversary of his birthday is March 2nd and every year I debate on what to do in my classroom.  This year, the celebration seemed even more exciting because of the soon to be released movie to the big screens, "The Lorax."  Many of the children had actually already seen the movie when we got around to reading it that week.  It was okay, because it's a book with a BIG message!  And, they seemed to pick up on it quite easily! 

We had a GREAT week reading lots of books, having special snacks, and being engaged in math and literacy related activities. 

We started off the week by reading One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.  If you've been following our blog for a while, you know I love to make anything I can out of a hand print-- so here is another! 




That same day, we did some sorting, graphing, and counting with multi-colored goldfish!





Then, of course, we had to have some of these yummy goldfish for snack! 



The next day that week, we read The Cat in the Hat.  Many of the children were already familiar with this story because they've heard it before or seen the movie that came out a few years ago.  It is always fun to hear what the children in my class would do in the same type of situation. 


Megan and Samuel made hats like the Cat and then we enjoyed a Cat in the Hat snack!



On that Friday, we finally read The Lorax .  Like I mentioned earlier, the children really picked up on the lesson, or message, that Dr. Seuss was trying to convey.  We had fun recreating the Trufulla trees in many different ways--

One way was edible--

All you need is some skewers, large marshmellows, white frosting, paper plates, and various colors of sprinkles. 


 And, voila!  Trufulla Trees!





We also made them on paper using some leftover Easter grass!








"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

Dr. Seuss



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

CAB

Nope, I'm not grabbing a cab to go anywhere special----but I am running for a position on the CERRA Advisory Board-- know as CAB!!

CERRA is a great organization located in my county and is the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement. 

I have been involved with CERRA since I was a senior in high school and took part in a class called Teacher Cadet (This would be part of the Recruitment aspect).  I learned so much that year and it only added to my interest and passion in teaching. 

I have since been involved with CERRA through trainings in becoming a Mentor teacher (This would be part of the Retention aspect).  I have learned about mentoring and working with new teachers to make sure they get off to a strong start in this profession. 

Most recently, I have had the opportunity be involved with CERRA as District Teacher of the Year (This would be the Advancement aspect).  CERRA supports the Teacher of the Year program to celebrate, recognize, and empower teachers to share their voice and strengths.  They also provide many great resources for the Teacher Forum that I have been leading this school year. 

I would like to stay involved with CERRA through this Advisory Board, but I need your help! 

Please click on the link below and choose Region 3-- Midlands. 

And, vote for me!! 

http://www.cerra.org/cab/election2012