Memories and Words of Advice to Start the Year

You guessed it, the 2016-2017 school year has officially started. As I looked forward to welcoming a new batch of first graders I also scanned the hallways for those familiar faces from last year. I couldn't wait to hear about their summer adventures and their hopes for the upcoming year. As I met my new little kiddos I remembered all of the fond memories and advice last year's group left for this year's group. Enjoy the awesomeness that was my last group.

Here's to another great year!

Fast Four: WBT, Hide-N-Seek, and GoNoodle

Hey there all! Man has this been a great week and it's only Tuesday! How often can we say that? Hopefully, very often. At least that has been the case this year. My kiddos are rocking with their use of WBT, our activities, and their responsibilities. Because they have been absolute ROCKSTARS this week, I thought I'd quickly share four of the joys so far. Keep an eye out as this will hopefully be a new section of post this year (Fast Four)!

1. GoNoodle!
"Hey Class!" Hey What? "Are you ready?" For what?.....For some awesome brain breaks, that's what! If you haven't jumped over to GoNoodle you are missing out. We love doing their videos for quick little breaks. With each video our champ gets closer to moving up a level. We only need one more video and we get to head to the transmogrifer! It's always a hooting and hollering good time as our champ grows!

2. Hide-N-Seek
Everyone loves the game. How fun would it be to use this game while learning? That's exactly what we did. For our last math unit over number bonds I created a review activity before our test. I took pictures and material from our series, Math in Focus, and created 16 different question cards. I then hid these around the room while the class waited outside. Pairs were then tasked with 1) finding the cards 2) working together to create the number bond 3)switching roles. The kids had a blast and to make it better.......wait for it.....we did it in the dark and used flashlights!!!! Cue the teamwork and awesomeness!

3. WBT Connection
We have really been working on using our Whole Brain Teaching strategies, tools, and gestures. The students have been rockstars with using the correct responses, following the examples, and trying. That last part is the most important. This isn't just a passing trend. This really is something we are all working on and the students really are trying. For an added bonus I showed a video from the wonderful Mrs. Shipley who has offered me a ton of guidance and support through this journey. The video showed her teaching about sentences with her past kindergartners. Small world....that's exactly what we are learning about now! Students found similarities and differences and then we practiced our gestures!

4. WBT Gestures!
After we reviewed our writing gestures and watched other students using gestures we decided to practice. As an added challenge I gave the presenters the tasks of calling the attention of the class as well as leading them in their example. These are only a few of the amazing examples we had today! Notice they are not only presenting, but also leading their class (who are all mirroring them) and using gestures! Proud teacher moment right here! *insert teary eyes and goofy smile*

They amaze me every day. Here's hoping you are having an amazing week too! 

KTOY - Manhattan!

I’m going to apologize now for flooding you with my KTOY visits….actually, no, I’m not. I have gotten to see some wonderful schools, great educators, and hear from some powerfully motivating administrators. 

Today’s post is about the Manhattan KTOY visit. This was a visit that Casey and I planned (along with the help from some amazing folks over at the RobinsonEducation Center) We began planning back in December and *dun dun dun DUN* it was finally time for us to show off USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden. We began the day gathering everyone up at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Casey and I got to drive these wonderful vehicles that were loads of fun! Casey’s was actually a little bigger than mine….Ha!

We then drove over the the Robinson Education Center started the day off with a yummy light breakfast including Varsity Donuts. I highly recommended the Maple Bacon which was absolutely a hit. 

As everyone ate we heard about the school district’s amazing schools, resources, and programs.  It’s always nice to learn what is going on in the district. Many times as educators we don’t get out of our own classroom, let alone our school.

We then traveled (walked across the street) to the high school. As we walked around we got to learn some history of the high school and take note of the changes that happened with the renovation. While there we got to see their student art department. These students are celebrated and there is art work all over the school. It was such a great experience to see a program that really celebrates and encourages those student artists.

We also got to stop by and see the 3D printer and school program that is currently running. These students are not only getting to use this amazing piece of equipment. They are learning the ins and outs of design. They have to be able to successfully run the program, which is not a walk in the park. I was confused just looking over their shoulders at it. Their mesaurements and design have to be precise and correct or else the program won’t allow them to print. This is a great teaching moment as students can then go back and re-examine their work to find the fault and correct it. How cool they are able to actually design, produce, and see the process from thought through creation.

After that we headed over to check out the K-State Basketball facilities. Shhhh! Don’t tell, but we also got to tour Bramelage Coliseum!!! It was soo cool to see from the perspective of the players, well a few feet lower but you get the point! We definitely take care of our atheletes.

Yes, we stormed the court! No teachers were harmed in the filming of this video!

After lunch we got to go to Anthony Middle School and check out Casey's amazing room. It was so relaxed, cozy and organized. She has definitely set her students up for success!

We then headed over to my school. While I would have loved to showcase the amazing things happening here our visit was a little thrown off due to our annual Teacher Challenge. I was able to walk the team around and they snapped pictures around the school.

We ended at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. They had a Kansas Exhibit. How cool it was to walk around and interact with the materials. This is such an amazing resource to have in town. Please be sure to stop by and check it out if you get the chance. They also have AMAZING education specialists that can connect their content to your classroom if you can't quite make it in. Check them out!

We had such a blast and I would absolutely consider that day a success!

Kansas Teacher of the Year: And the winner is.....

I posted earlier that I received the great honor of being nominated by my school for the Teacher of the Year. I was then selected, along with Dr. Casey Ewy, to represent my school district. The next step in the process was for us to submit our paperwork and compete to represent our region. Yesterday we went to the Region 1 Kansas Teacher of the Year Luncheon that was held in Salina, KS.

Luncheon Brochure

All of the nominees were recognized. There were 15 elementary teachers and 18 secondary teachers. As we walked up to receive our certificates they read a short bio which included key information from our packets and parts of our recommendation letters. The whole environment was one I can't quite explain. It was inspiring. Listening to the accomplisments and passions of these fellow educators really helped me to reflect on my own teaching and ponder my future aspirations.

My recognition as a nominee with the Deputy and Interim Commissioners

Once all of the educators were recognized they announced the 3 elementary semi-finalists then the Region 1 elementary finalist as well as the three secondary semi-finalists and the secondary finalists. I am proud to say that both myself and Casey were announced as semi-finalists for our respective areas! I can still remember the shock on my tables face as they announced my name! It was a great honor full of excitement, nerves, and awe.

Region 1 Elementary Semi-Finalist

As I went my back to my seat my heart was pounding. Then they announced the Region 1 finalist. <insert dramatic pause and everyone holding their breath> The name was not mine. While it would have been an honor to be selected I can happily say that this process has already made me a better teacher. The work that is yet to come for me as a semi-finalist will only improve my teaching methods, strategies, and activities that much more. In getting prepared for this event I wrote a speech in case I was selected. While I didn't get to give it there, I thought maybe I could give it here.

I'd first like to thank the Kansas Department of Education. Not only do you put on amazing programs that bring educators together but you've created a program that benefits every educator involved. No matter how far a nominee makes it in this process they'll come out with a better understanding of themselves, their philosophy, and their beliefs. I'd also like to thank Security Benefit for sponsoring this program as well as helping me personally with my retirement so that I'll be prepared when that happens in 26 short years.

Next, I'd like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues (many of whom I call my second family). All of you have helped to lift me up and guide me to today. When I was feeling run over and championed by my students you gave me encouragement so we both felt successful. When I cried no knowing how I was gonig to get my room ready in time you hugged me and let me in on a secret, "They'll only know you're not ready if you let them know. They won't know you have 5 more posters to hang and 2 more tubs to organize.". And when I am drowning in tech requests you simply smile and remind me I'll do fine as you slip out of my room.

And lastly, but certainly not the last on my mind, I'd like to thank God. He's gotten me through all of those nights praying for tomorrow to go better, field trips to run smoothly, and for students not to devastate the sub.

When I first heard I needed to prepare something to say today my initial response was, "Say what?". This quickly turned to rambling and mild panic. As I gave it more thought I realized I should just talk about what I know and that's my kids.

While I may not have given birth to any children yet I can say I've claimed about 140 of them at some point in my teaching career. This year there are 21 of them imparticular that I am able to give some extra lovin' to. What is it I ultimately want them to take away from my class? Of course, I want them to learn the content standards and all of the skills that accompany their mastery and application. I also want them to grow to be the best little people they can. This means learning how to navigate life.

Last night I sat on my couch discussing my day with my mom. I was telling her about one of my students and the phrase I've begun using with him as well as the rest of my class. I tell him, "Help yourself before you help someone else. Save yourself before you save someone else." For any of you that have ever flown this should sound very familiar. My mom looked at me stunned and said something along the lines of, "Ashley! It's a good thing he is helping. In real life if that happened we'd probably save the other person first." So I explained, that's okay in some situations. My goal is to get this student, as well as the others, to look at their situation. Obviously there are going to be times where helping someone else isn't detrimental yourself but there are times where it is okay to take care of your needs first and that's not a bad thing. I want my students to learn the difference. I want them to want to help others but I want them to know when their helping can hurt.

They've got so much to learn but they are resilient and can handle much more than we, as adults, give them credit for. My class this year is proof of that. We've only been in school 18 days and they've learned 6 reading centers, 9 math centers, procedures and routines for all of our core subjects AND each other's name which is a big deal in 1st grade. They've picked up that in order to do a brain break their minds have to earn it and they are working their hardest.

They amaze me every day with their with, kindness, and quirks. I hope they can say the same about me. We disagree and some times they don't like their consequences but we also shake out our wiggles, learn to be ninjas and how to stomp like a dino. I know they'll learn lots this year. Some of it will be academic and some of it will be relational. If they leave first grade feeling loved I'll know I succeeded. After all they might not always remember what we say but they'll always remember how we make them feel. Here's to making them feel intelligent, silly, accepted and loved. Definitely loved.

This process has been eye opening. I am thankful for the support I had at the luncheon. I know that this is a huge accomplishment. I've only been teaching 6 years and already I've had so much awakened inside of me. I can't wait to see what the rest of this year brings. I'm sure my kiddos will continue to make the rest of this year a surprising, fun-filled, rowdy learning experience!

My Mama!

Here's to classroom visits, growing my education, and educating others.

P.S. Sorry about the extremely long post. High-five to you for making it to the end!

ADD: Accomplishments, Donations, and Details

It's been a while since I've posted. The kids have posted more than I have and they have another one coming out tomorrow!  While it seems like the year is already taken off to a fast start, I have to remind myself that we have only been in school 11 days. Isn't it strange how something can seem to be both fast and slow?

Since my last post a lot of exciting things have happened!

I finally got my official invitation for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Luncheon! I can't tell you how wonderful this made me feel. The initial shock is gone but it still brings a huge smile to my face any time someone brings it up. This is a huge honor to be both nominated and recognized by my colleagues. My mother and friends will be joining me in Salina. It is sure to be a grand celebration!

Official Invitation!

Another huge piece of excitement came Sunday morning. After getting up and around I jumped on Facebook and noticed that there was a post from my account about a project I had put on DonorsChoose. (Jump back to the end of last school year......I created a project to get new materials for our centers. This project included cd players, headphones, addition games, and math puzzles. I put the project on DonorsChoose.org and hoped to get enough donors to fund the project.) So Sunday, after seeing this notification, I checked my email. I was afraid the project had been dropped. Earlier I had received an email saying that time was running out and if the project didn't get enough donors it would be canceled. Miraculously I got 5 donors Sunday! The project is now fully funded! We will be getting new materials! I haven't told the students yet. I think I'm just going to wait until the materials arrive and use it as a jumping point for a meeting. I can't wait to see their faces!

Over the summer I taught an older group during summer camp. While we had a fabulous time the students were a little rough on our paper trays. These are the same trays that I use with my first graders during science. Solid paper trays seem to work better than the wired ones. Our experiments can get messy and we need containers that will keep the mess contained! Since they had taken some serious wear-and-tear I went ahead and bought some new ones. Well yesterday they came in! When our fabulous secretary brought them in I nearly giggled with excitement. This in turn got the students excited. Needless to say, we will be completely prepared for science!

With all of this excitement happening in the last couple of weeks I am sure that the school year will be full of many more adventures and accomplishments.

Here's to organization, excitement, and projects!

P.S.
Teachers: What are you adding to your room this year?
Parents: What materials stood out to you in your student's classroom?