This past school year, I took a leap. Now this leap may seem small to many, but it was a jump for me. It was eye opening, beneficial for all, exhilarating, and important work. Work that I need to continually improve on, check myself, re-check myself, unlearn, and discuss. I wanted to celebrate Black History Month by spending way more time discussing important black people in our country, how black people were and are treated differently, and our own views about people of diff

At the beginning of our quarantine, I had some big ideas planned and thought I would get my boys clothes organized, deep clean the house, read all the educational books, make dinner nightly, and so much more. In all reality, we are just trying to survive, and not drive each other crazy every day! As I look back over our quarantine time, I am realizing that there are many things that I hope and pray I do not forget. No, I did not get my boys clothes organized, or the house dee

Student research is about student's choosing what they are interested in, researching that topic, and sharing their knowledge gained. This time has been so valuable for my kindergarten students. That's right, my kindergartener's can research! This is their favorite time of the day! It gives my students empowerment and not just engagement. I love this graphic from the book Empower by John Spencer and Aj Juliani. Have you wanted to try student research time, but are not sure wh

Are your students becoming less and less engaged? Are they submitting work out of compliance? Are you becoming less and less interested in the work you ask of them? It's ok. This happens to all teachers, and I am here to share some ideas with you! When you are reading for pleasure or researching, do you enjoy it when someone tells you what to read and what to research? Would you enjoy it more if you had the freedom to choose? Our students are the same way! To make their learn