Cool Cat Teacher Blog: You don't need another gadget to be a great teache...

Cool Cat Teacher Blog: You don't need another gadget to be a great teache...: As I'm heading to S DE's PowerUP with Technology conference in Chicago , I'm pondering the two kinds of teachers. There are two kinds of tea...


Boy do I really like this blog this morning...  saving for future re-reading. It's about what you DO in the classroom more than what you HAVE and it always has been this!

The Power of Wondering...

What can we do to encourage our kids to wonder and follow their curiosities?  How can we promote and support this type of authentic learning?  Do we/you have a culture of wonder in our classrooms?  Are we modeling what we are curious and interests we are pursuing?  What wonder questions do we share with others?  This is a wonderful blog that speaks to these ideas.  I long for students to have this experience where they wonder and then turn and ask others... wanna know what I'm reading and thinking??  This is a blog that I want to re-visit over and over... it's one that makes me wonder about classroom cultures and learners as self-motivated and eager to learn in authentic ways...
The Power of Wonder Questions

I Was Here (United Nations World Humanitarian Day Perform...

Do you live each day?  What is your mark?  It's those little things that we do that makes a difference for others.  I love ending my day knowing I was here.

Back to School Idea

I love the idea of giving the parents a chance to talk and share their goals or dreams for their children. Even if you can't do all of this... the idea to sit as an equal with your parents is a simple act that speaks volumes. I want to remember this for my days in the classroom again... and for anyone else who is dreading that "traditional BTS Night. A FRESH IDEA!

The Social and Emotional Benefits of Being Weirdly Creative | Edutopia

I cannot wait to share this with an art teacher and a new fourth grade teacher... both who I have thought of for two completely different reasons.  I have had goal conversations with the art teacher, that this really supports her thinking and areas she is wishing to grow.  I'm thinking of the brand new 4th grade teacher because the video is a great idea for a science unit that she is currently planning for and teaching!

The Social and Emotional Benefits of Being Weirdly Creative | Edutopia

Teach123: Shopping Tips

Teach123: Shopping Tips: 'tis the Season to go shopping.  Fa la la la la  . . . .  Yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year . . . time to shop for back to sch...

Do the UNEXPECTED

I just had this blog and video shared with me by a dear colleague who was so touched that she had to share. THANK GOODNESS she shared! It is exactly what I needed tonight as i contemplate some work. Do the unexpected... Do the unexpected. I want to be that person that does the unexpected at just the right time! As an instructional coach, I watch, listen, reflect... and try to not say too much at the wrong time, but try to say the just right thing at the right time... and my thoughts are always taking me to the "what would I do in this situation" or how would I reach this child, or what does this parent mean when they say... or I cant' believe my colleague said this and further more believes this!!. What is the right question to ask... what language will turn the focus and conversation? How can I make a difference that counts?? Oh my... I run scenarios over and over in my mind as I drive in my car, as I enter my coaching interactions on Sharepoint, as I discuss and listen with colleagues...as I sit hunched over my computer. I want to be the person that does the unexpected... the cool thing is that we often get second chances... but wouldn't it be awesome to do the unexpected at the just right time!!