World Teachers' Day

World Teachers’ Day, held annually on October 5th since 1994 - when it was created by UNESCO - celebrates teachers worldwide. Its aim is to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
World Teachers’ Day offers the chance for the worldwide public to observe significantly the vital contributions teacher create, both outside and inside the classroom.

The theme for 2010 World Teachers’ day in Canada was ‘Doing It Right.’ The International theme was ‘Recovery Begins with Teachers.’ Both themes are interrelated. The international theme of recovery focuses on how “The best teachers can inspire, lead, and educate children for the future of a nation. In situations of emergency, teachers have an even greater role to play, for they must not only impart knowledge, but also instil confidence and a sense of security and normality.” (IEP focus on Education in emergencies (May-August 2010).

And as Haim Ginott would say “Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.”

Our community of teachers are faced with many challenges everyday, we continue to ‘do it right’ against all odds day after day no matter our conditions - war, poverty, illness , natural disasters, lack of resources, difficult students, etc.

I commend you teachers all over the world, for the hard work you do in your classrooms and your communities. I commend you teachers all over the world, for your efforts to never give up against all odds. I commend you teachers all over the world, for believing in every child. I commend you teachers all over the world, for your willingness to try your very best everyday. Thank you teachers!!!


If I Could Teach You, Teacher

If I could teach you, teacher,
I’d teach you how much more
you have accomplished
than you think you have.
I’d show you the seeds
you planted years ago
that are now coming into bloom.
I’d reveal to you the young minds
that have expanded under your care,
the hearts that are serving others
because they had you as a role model.
If I could teach you, teacher,
I’d show you the positive effect
you have had on me and my life.
Your homework is
to know your value to the world,
to acknowledge it, to believe it.
Thank you, teacher.
By Joanna Fuchs

POP OUT Paper Pattern Sculptures

These are truly one of my favorites!  When I use to teach kindergarten, I always created these paper sculptures and they looked amazing in the Art Gallery.  This year while blog hopping, I came across the idea of having the students create patterns on the paper.  So of course I couldn't resist.  I love them!

I am a teacher!

WOW!
The skills and talents each one of us possess and sometimes forget.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Read-In-Week

Today was the kick-off to Read-In-Week. In my previous posts you already know how much I love books and reading to children. For the past month in our reader’s workshop we have been talking about reading and answering the questions of WHO reads, and WHEN, WHERE, WHAT and WHY readers read. We have learned that reading happens all the time, for various purposes and in many different places.

Who Reads…..
Moms, dads, grandparents, children, students, mechanics, cooks, doctors, bus drivers

What I Read…
Newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, ads, catalogues, letters, cards, notes, lists, maps, cookbooks, email

When I Read…
Morning, day, night, at school, when driving, when shopping

Where I Read…
Car, school, kitchen, bedroom, living room, outside, garage

Why I Read…
To learn, to build, to fix, to cook, to relax, for fun, for enjoyment

So as EPL (Edmonton Public Library) would say,
Ready, Set, Read!
Ready... Find a good book, magazine or computer screen.
Set... Choose a comfortable spot and block out any distractions.
Read... Enjoy yourself. Have fun. Learn!

If we are able to raise a reader today, tomorrow they will be a leader.

If you would like to add to the growing list of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY - Please just add your comment below.

Capture The Moment!

Today was school photo day. I love this day in elementary school. Each child is in their Sunday best and we do everything possible as teachers to keep their clothes pressed, their hair frizz free and their mouths clean.

As a teacher, it is a momentous occasion; the class photo captures a moment where I and 19 special little people are forever connected. We will forever be a part of each other’s lives and hold a special place in our hearts for each other. But for a parent, I also think how a school photo captures such an important milestone in their child’s life. Each photo throughout grade school marks another year of growth, another year of excitement. But also how the photos captured today, might someday be shown at their high school graduation or their wedding, or even be placed in an album for the student’s own children to see one day.

So as Joshua Atticks says, ‘Time will never stand still and those moments that bring us such joy become memories in an instant. To capture such a moment and record it forever is truly monumental.’

As I post, I can not help but think about all the moments, memories, emotions, and thoughts I have captured. So far this journey has been remarkable for me. Thank you to all my family and friends who are sharing in my journey. I hope that we all continue to capture the moments in our lives that are truly the most important to us.