Life Long Learner

This morning I nearly killed myself walking down my icy driveway for Fergus's morning stroll. The tall snow mountains that surround my driveway are melting down to hill size mounds, which leaves my driveway like a skating rink, and I am not ready to become a figure skater at 6 A.M. (Or anytime for that matter) Even though this morning was frigid, I was pleasantly surprised this afternoon when I left work and felt I didn't have to bundle up! The temperature in my car read 49 degrees...MAGIC! I quickly picked up the kids, and headed home fully expecting to see puddles in my driveway. Unfortunately the driveway was not melted, but at least we were able to play outside without our snow gear! I whipped out my trusty ice pick (metal rake) and began crushing the stubborn ice. Patrick grabbed a small red shovel to help, and gave Shannon a mini yellow beach shovel. We spent almost an hour outside having fun chopping the ice and scooping it away. And, it wasn't even dark yet...I thin

August. When I make my mega to do list at the beginning of August I am always overwhelmed. School things begin to creep on to my list, and the carefree summer day countdown begins. So, last Monday, instead of being responsible and crossing things off our list we decided to spend the entire day having fun. (Oh, and did I mention we had a showing from 3:30-4:30, so I wasn't going to let the kids touch the house after breakfast anyway?) We climbed in the car by 8:45 and headed to the doctor's office to have my arm checked for TB. The kids both held my hand and told me to be brave, just like I do when they go to the doctors. (Routine test for my new job!!!! I will be working at a Middle School this year!!!) Then, we drove over the Walt Whitman Bridge towards the Philadelphia Zoo. We parked at the zoo, did sunscreen and set out for a day of fun with our friend Emily and her 39 week pregnant Momma. We checked out the monkeys, then it was snack time. After snack we saw the crocodile

Last week I took a course on Experiential Education and Facilitation. It was a fantastic week where I learned many new games and activities to do in the classroom with my students. I created a list of activities that I wanted to share on my blog. I will be adding to this list throughout the year. Please let me know if you have anything to add! Activity Purpose KeyPunch – using ABCs Teambuild; have students work as a group to accomplish a common goal Moonbounce Hit ball around circle; discuss how to get better; parts of speech, vocab words, part of a story, prefixes/suffixes Balloon Train Communication, lead from behind, interdependence, “my success depends on your success” Name Animal most like you Write it in journal/partner/circle Name Weather condition most like Write it in journal/partner/circle Name Instrument most like you Write it in journal/partner/circle

I never thought I would rely on my stroller as much as I do. It fits snugly in the trunk of my Camry, and unfolds to to bring us to so many places both old and new! As I was strolling along I made this list of questions I would ask my stroller if given the chance. How many miles have we walked? Where have you been? What is your favorite place to stroll? Do you like when the kids talk or would you rather it be silent? Do you prefer morning or night rides? Do you like cold weather? When we go to the zoo do you mind how often the kids jump in and out of you? What questions would you ask your stroller?

A few months ago I sat next to a colleague at an Inservice. As we were sitting listening to the speaker I noticed a book on her lap. I gave her a nudge, pointed to the book, and practically stole it off her lap. She then whispered she saw the authors at a recent Teacher's College Reunion Day. I flipped through the book, and at the next break she clued me in on a very well kept secret...Repositionable Glue. Have you ever heard of it? Have you ever used it? Where do you even buy that stuff? Well, let me fill you in - repositionable glue can be bought at any Office Supply Store. Apply this glue to paper, wait 1 min, and you instantly have post-it note type stickiness! In the world of teachers this is earth shattering! I have been using this glue on posters around my room. I also used it to word sort with the kids this week. I just applied to their papers, then gave them words, and BINGO! they were able to sort and stick without the messiness of glue and without the slightest g

Wow, I could write so much about this title... I thought of it this morning while I was crouching down and "twisting my lowest ribs to shine towards Haddon Ave." This morning, the assistant in my yoga class held on to my feet during this pose. What a huge difference this made in my stretch. All of the sudden, I was able to stop worrying about my quivering shaking legs and start concentrating on the twist, my entire body opened up and I finally was able to feel the exhilirating opening in my body. It is important to remember that people are put into our lives for a reason. Today I challenge you to be a good assist to someone who needs it. Assists come in all shapes and sizes. Think about someone you can help today and just do it!