Teaching Hellewell

Let me start off by saying how awesome it was to have been given the opportunity to attend this year's KATE conference- especially with my classmates, who rock! I enjoyed seeing the people of KATE being recognized, and the experience gave me an inside look on an organization filled with camaraderie and fantastic ideas! There was not a moment where I didn't feel inspired and motivated to bring what I was learning into my classroom! The first breakout session I attended, Get Out of the Way and Let Your Students Read, was very informative in regards to various strategies for the dependent reader. The main idea behind this session, or what I took most from it, was to let your students choose what they are reading. If they enjoy what they are reading, we are more likely going to get through to them what we want- our goals will be more easily accomplished. One key concept to remember when promoting your students' independent reading is that they can "break up" with a ...

Holy mackerel, what a semester!!! Even though I am completely stressed out, my to-do lists have to-do lists, and my homework pile is stacked higher than the hiding spot where I camouflage the cookies from everyone in my household- I am still kicking! Core 3 has been everything and nothing that I expected, if that makes sense. I love my placement, and I am enjoying the content of my classes; however, I had no idea my life would be as "to the minute' as it is! There is no room, at any point in my weekly schedule, for surprises. I mean...if I wake up five minutes late, the day is thrown off! The only thing that is holding me together, other than my family, is staying grateful. Gratitude lists have become apart of my daily routine; along with the constant "This will be over soon" thoughts. Anyhoo...There was my mini-rant. Now to business.  My current struggle is the role I play in my classroom. I am so used to being a para, and I have found myself slipping into that r...