More!!...

Hello Everyone!
I had a wonderful surprise before spring break! I will tell you all about it next time, but some special visitors to our classroom, loaded with questions, inspired me to write a poem about what we do as educators of young children. One question was "After 36 years in the classroom, what keeps you coming back?" I think this poem sums it all up. 
We do so much more than teach kids how to read and add numbers. Those things are important, but we do so much more...

I hope you know that if you are a teacher, I appreciate you! If you are a perent , I appreciate you! We need to keep teaching kids MORE!!

If you would like this poem in printable form,

don't do anything else but CLICK HERE!!:)

I can't wait to share some exciting news with you!  Till then, have a wonder-filled day!

Find JOY in every second!

Joyfully!

Nancy

Thank You, Teacher!

Hello Everyone!
Wow!!  Summer is here for most of us. We made it! It was a school year filled with a lot of everything... ups, downs, laughs, tears, hoorays, and "I'm sorrys." A lot of learning and growing for all of us. 
I want to thank all teachers everywhere for your heart, your dedication, your willingness to give of yourselves, and for being there for your kids. Whether you are a public school teacher, a private school teacher, a home-school teacher, a brand new teacher, a veteran teacher, a teacher abroad, or any other teacher out there, you have made a difference, and I thank you! 
In reflection, I took some time to re-internalize (is that a word?) the pure reasons for why I teach. I came up with this little poster as I thought about my students from this past year and what we worked on.  

For your free downloadable printable, CLICK HERE!!!

I will use this as an incentive for this coming year.  I will refer to it daily, and let my kids refer to it as well. Yes, I may only teach first grade, but even our littles deserve this. If you are a teacher of older kids, this is for you and your kids as well. 

And now that summer is upon us, take time to reflect, rejuvenate, relax, and reaffirm your reasons for teaching.  Thank you!!

Joyfully!

Nancy

Star Polisher, November 27, 2911

A peek into today...As I was getting ready for tomorrow, (the first day back after a week off) I really was excited to share with the kiddos some new things I want to do with them, and then it occurred to me that I am so glad that I am excited!  My job as an educator is so important.  I want to make that difference that everyone talks about.  I believe that every kiddo is important and worth every bit of my time and energy.  I have a poem hanging in my classroom, right by my desk.  It has been there for many years, but I need to read it every day!  It is called "The Star Polisher" written by Leah Becks.  She reminds me that I have such an important "job."  I have posted it here for you so you can download and print.  I think every teacher needs a reminder once in a while.  You are important to your kids!!
Have a great tomorrow!
Joyfully,
Nancy