We played today...
When I am building with the blocks please don't say I'm "just playing". 
For you see, I'm learning as I play, about balance and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect someday.
When I'm getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, don't get the idea I'm "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play;
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or
molding and shaping clay, please don't let me hear you say, "He is just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play. 
I'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair "reading" to an imaginary audience,
please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday. 
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with
choice things I find, don't pass it off as "just play".
For you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday. 
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some "plaything" at my school,
please don't feel the time is wasted in "play".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don't think that because I
enjoy it, it is "just play".
I'm learning to follow direction and see differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, please don't
say I'm "just playing".

For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning how my body works.


I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I've done at school today, and I say, "I just played",
please don't misunderstand me.

For you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm learning to enjoy and be
successful in my work.

I'm preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I am a child and my work is play.



Author Unkown

Hours of television the child watches.

Amount that parents read to their child.

Phonemic segmentation ability (e.g., tell you the first sound in the spoken word“time”).

Knowledge of the alphabet (letter names).

Kindergarten teacher’s prediction of which children will read.

A large oral vocabulary.

Attended preschool.

Ability to decode pseudowords.




 
---Share, Jorm Maclean and Mathews

As we begin each new school year, let us remember the fine nuances and the distinguishing essence of that proud word Teacher.

Let us be reminded of the tools you have at your command, because of your talents, your traits, and your training.......and because you chose to become a Teacher.

TEACHER--you are a poet, as you weave with your colorful magic language a passion for your subject. You create a vast and grand mosaic of curiosities to imagine, secrets to unfold, connections only to begin they cycle of learning.

TEACHER--you are a physicist, as you bring magic, logic, reason, and wonder to the properties, changes, and interactions of our universe.

TEACHER--you are a maestro, a master of composing, as you conduct and orchestrate individuals' thought and actions from discordant cacophony into harmonic resonance.

TEACHER--you are an architect, as you provide each student a solid foundation, but always with a vision of the magnificent structure that is about to emerge.

TEACHER---you are a gymnast, as you encourage the contortions and gyrations of thought and the flexin and strengthening of ideas.

TEACHER--you are a diplomat and the ambassador of tact and sensitivity, as you facilitate productive, positive interactions among the multiplicity of personalities and cultures, beliefs, and ideals.

TEACHER--you are a philosopher, as your actions an ethics convey meaning and hope to young people who look to you for guidance and example.

As you prepare for your first day and each day, when your students enter and you encounter their attitudes, ranging from eager, enthusiastic anticipation to uncomfortable, uncertain apathy, recall the powers you have within......from poet to philosopher...and present yourself to those students as a person worthy of the noble title.....TEACHER

Irish Marcuzzo

Well Hello Monday!  I sure had a great weekend.  I was able to spend lots of time with family.  We had so much fun, I feel very blessed!
This week at school try something new!  Add a new song, change out a center, put up a new bulletin board, or try a new activity.  Children love stability and routine but remember that change is good too.  I remember coming into class when my teacher had changed our desks around!  We were all so excited to be sitting somewhere new in the room, and by new people!  Try to remember the little things that made you love school--and excited to go every day! 

It's Friday!  Raise your hands in the air, and wave them around like you just don't care!  YEA!  What are your plans for the weekend?  Hopefully everyone can take a break and do something fun! 
Take some time for yourself.  Don't forget teachers must take a brain break to get ready for Monday! 
See you Monday!

I have come to a frightening conclusion,
I am the decisive element in the classroom.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
As a teacher I possess tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child is humanized or de-humanized.
---Haim Ginott

Which person are you?  Ask yourself this today, and everyday!

Here's to the kids who are different,
The kids who don't always get A's,
The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers,
And noses that go on for days.............

Here's to the kids who are different,
The kids they call crazy or dumb,
The kids who don't fit, with the guts and the grit,
Who dance to a different drum..........

Here's to the kids who are different,
The kids with the mischievous streak,
For when they have grown, as history's shown,
It's their different that makes them unique.
by: Digby Wolfe

Well, after a month, I am back and ready to go!  I am ready to post, and share, and hear from you!  Remember this website is for sharing, so if you see something or decide you want to share something PLEASE LET ME KNOW!  I'd love to share your ideas!  I am trying to post new things daily, to keep the site fresh and new.  If you are a classroom teacher, I'd love to share any ideas that you are using in your classroom!

By a Child..............
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first paining on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled hour responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything  that I could be.

When you tought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the thinks I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Source Unknown.