YOU MATTER

Everyone deserves to have someone say to them 'YOU MATTER'.
You matter to me and you matter to the universe.  Often we can forget the importance of relationships.  As teachers we can easily get caught up in curriculum, planning, and marking papers.  However, at the end of the day when all the dust has settled, the pencils are picked up and the glue lids are back on- the only thing a child is going to remember is how you made them feel.  

YOU MATTER, YOU ARE IMPORTANT, YOU ARE UNIQUE, YOU ARE SPECIAL, YOU HAVE TALENTS, YOUR IDEAS AND THOUGHTS ARE VALUED, YOU MATTER.

As we prepare to go back into the classroom, make sure every child knows they matter.

Why I Was Meant To Be A Teacher

I often think about why I am a teacher.  Especially when I watch tv, look through magazines or go to the mall.  Why am I a teacher?  Why am I not a celebrity, some tv personality or a singer? (oh, right, I can't sing)
Still, I often wonder why I never pursued something else or maybe if I still should.
But then moments of strong reflection occur.  Yes, I would love the lights, the cameras, and of course the money but would I really be making a difference?  Would I be making the world different or a better place to live?  Would my life mean something?  Everyday, I think not only about the students in my classroom but also every student who I have had an encounter with. Their lives and my part in it.  
Why I was Meant to Be a Teacher? 
Well let me tell you....
To be the best cheerleader a student could have.  To teach students about life and let them know how important they are. To have them believe they can achieve every dream they set their minds to.  To make a difference in education.  To be an advocate for what is best for students.    
That is why I was meant to be a Teacher.

Expiration Date

So many times we hear life is too short, do the things you enjoy and live in the moment.  Well, this post is no different.  Over the past year, I have encouraged or more like forced myself to try something new or do something at least once each month that I have never done before.  It could be as simple as trying a new restaurant/food or even travelling to Australia by myself last summer to see my best friend. Doing these challenges has allowed me to enjoy each moment as well as be more present in my life.  

We all have an expiration date but what we do before then is what matters.  I encourage you to be more present in your life.  Find ways to make different choices - go for a run, read a book, volunteer.  Take chances - call an old friend, ask for that promotion, or even maybe tell someone you care about them. Make changes in your attitude, routines and perceptions. The time will come when it is your expiration date, will you be fulfilled in knowing you did everything you could? 

Weekend App Attack! Week #4 Word Work!

I am linking up with Sugar and Spice to share two Word Work Apps that my students love to use during Word Work.

The first App is called Doodoo Lite.  This app changes the color of the pages and the color of the tools randomly, however, the students love the surprise.  This app also allows you to import images if you want to import pictures or papers to help with letter formation.  You can also use the record function to show how to form letters or also as a game.  GAME - Can you guess my word? -Students write the word and then show the recording to a friend to see if they can guess the word before the time is up.  

The second App is called Drawing Free.  This app allows you to choose from 36 different crayon colors.  It is just a simple app to be used like a whiteboard.  It allows you to save in photos as well as send e-mail so you can have a sample of student work. 

The great thing about both of these apps - They Are FREE!!!!

Can't wait to hear about your favorite Word Work Apps.  Don't forget to link up with Sugar and Spice!



I Remember

I Remember…

For the first time in my teaching career, I actually have a name plate. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal, but I was very excited. 

All students have had hundreds of teachers in their lifetimes and very few of these teachers they remember. But there are some teachers who inspire students to work three times harder than they normally would, while others inspire students to skip class. Some teachers teach you lessons, while some teachers teach you lessons not found in textbooks. These are the ones that linger in a student’s memory. 

If you want to read a feel good book, read -
I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives by David Shribman

Here is my I remember statement. 
If you have one, please share. 

I remember……..
My grade four teacher Mr. Kastelan who took us to watch the Olympic Torch Relay in 1988. That is the day my dream started – ‘Someday I will run with the torch.’ On January 13, 2010, my dream came true. On February 11, 2010, I got to personally thank him, until that day; he never knew the impact he had on my life. He inspired me to pursue my dreams. 

Be the one they remember! 
Inspire them so they remember your name!

I Love Teachers!!

We work in an amazing profession. Actually I don’t think you can call teaching a profession, it is more a way of life – a passion. 

Being a great teacher is very challenging and rewarding work. 

As a teacher you have the power to influence and mould a student's mind. You have within you the capacity to instill in a child a love for learning, to keep an open mind and to keep questioning. You have the ability to promote confidence, stir thinking and awaken dreams.

To every great teacher – I love you!

MOM! There's a LION in the TOILET!

I want to tell you all about a true life adventure!  If you are looking for a great read, you need to check out this book, "MOM! There's a LION in the TOILET!" This book is about the Anderson family, a family of six who decide to go on a world adventure for 5 months to beat the cold winter months in Alberta.  They knew it was going to be an extraordinary adventure but they never knew they might get stuck in an Italian elevator, held at gunpoint in Egypt or be storm chasing floods, fires and tsunamis!



Follow 6Andersons1World on Facebook and on Twitter @6anderson1world
Check out their blog: 6andersons1world.blogspot.com

And of course to purchase the book http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/authors/lisa-anderson

The book is also separated by the continents they visited and is available through iTunes now!!!
Check out the first book 'The Americas North to South, Part 1: MOM! There's a LION in the TOILET! It is only $2.99!!!