Free Cards for Teachers

I've had lots of memorable teachers. In fact, that is why I decided to become a teacher. One I particularly remember was Mrs. Randolph. She was incredibly creative, and had a great story for every situation. She was great at giving us personalized gifts as well, even though she was on a very tight budget.
Speaking of personalized gifts, Tiny Prints is offering teachers free greeting cards starting tomorrow, and lasting through October 31st. Just select your greeting cards, and enter code APPLE2010.

You also can participate in a Tiny Prints Teacher Greeting Card Twitter Party with the tag #makeitpersonal this Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET/1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT.

This is part of a blogging contest for a random $50 prize from Tiny Prints. 

The Long Division Song

This year my fourth graders really struggled with the steps of long division. That is, until they learned this song that I wrote to a familiar melody.

After singing this a few times as they marched around the playground, they all know the steps fluently!

Do you teach with songs? What are your favorites?

Routine. . . Getting Back to It

Today was the first day back to school after spring break. Mondays are typically difficult for my students, but this one seemed worse than most. I have about 5 students who are extremely affected by any change to routine, and have to take some time to settle back into it when they have been gone.

My third graders did a fantastic job. They were quiet and obedient. I was very pleased. My fourth graders on the other hand, were a totally different story. Let's see, I had. . .

- one that was talking back
- one that would not stay in his seat
- one whistler
- 5 talkers
- two fist fighters

So, needless to say, it was a stressful day. Hopefully tomorrow, the students are settled into the routine a bit more, and behave more appropriately.

Speaking of getting back into the routine after break, here's a great article I found about it.

Do you have any great tips or ideas? How to you bring your students' minds back to their schoolwork?

On a positive note, one of my students came to me this morning asking for forgiveness for something he had done. It is such a blessing to have students who want to do right and want to please God.

I'm Back

For a long time, I have been bogged down with family health issues, incredibly big challenges at school, and very little time to blog.
Right now, we are in the middle of spring break, so I have been able to take care of/catch up on some things, and so this blog is being revived. I don't plan to post daily, but we'll see what I can manage.
If you are new here, thanks so much for following/reading. I value your input!

Friday Follow

I am participating in Follow Friday this week. I would like to get a few new followers, and have fun in the process!