Learning and Loving It!


This week has been a crazy busy week for me.  


On Monday, I started my week by beginning our school's Book Talk Club on Debbie Diller's book Math Work Stations with my friends at Sunshine, Sand and Scissors.

We started with Chapter one and it was a great learning time for our K-3 teachers.  It is so nice to share ideas with other educators and the best part is that I have found so many wonderful ideas from other blogs.  Last year in June, Deedee Wills hosted a Math Work Stations Blog Party for Chapter 1 and 2.  All of the links that were shared during her linky party helped us to beef up our book chat.  The teachers were very excited about finding grade specific ideas on other blogs.


Then on Wednesday, another K-teacher and I attended a fabulous workshop with one of favorite presenters/bloggers, Kim Adsit.   If you have never had the opportunity to attend one of her workshops, you are really missing out.  We have seen her numerous times at the SDE Kindergarten Conference in Orlando and in Las Vegas.  She is a wonderful speaker.  This time we attended DI for the Little Guy.  It was awesome!  She shared so many wonderful ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom and even helped us to realize that we are often differentiating instruction and not even aware of it.   Also, she has so many fantastic free downloads on her  website.  Check it out!


Now, I am continuing my week of learning in style!  It is 10 am and I am still in my jammies, sipping on my favorite cup of coffee and anxiously awaiting the start of Everything's Kindergarten Virtual Teaching Expo.  Yes, I paid the whopping price of $14.95 to attend a workshop in my jammies.  I have to say...WHAT A DEAL!  I can't wait to see what Fran, Hadar, Crystal, and Krissy have to share.  I know it will be good great FANTASTIC!  Also, have you seen all the free downloads you get?  That is a no brainer if you ask me.


Is anyone else still in their jammies waiting for the expo to start?  
Is anyone else reading Debbie Diller's Math Work Stations book?
Or....is anyone just glad it is the weekend?  


Whatever you are doing today, have a wonderful time!


Happy Blogging,
Ann

Kids say the Funniest Things

Student:  "Mrs. Greene, I think so-and-so peed in his pants!"

Me:  "How do you know that he had an accident?"

Student:  "Because when I touched his butt, it was wet!"

Think about it!!!!

Would you seriously touch someone else's hinny when you can visual see that it is wet?  Only in Kindergarten!

:)  Happy Blogging,
Ann

Math Work Stations Help

My teacher friends over at Sunshine Sand and Scissors and I are teaming up at our school to teach a book chat regarding Debbie Diller's new book Math Work Stations.  We are uber excited about helping our fellow classroom teachers enter the world of using work stations to teach math.  We already have some wonderful ideas to share but we are always on the lookout for more.

I have been perusing blogs and have found several that have great ideas linking common core standards to the math work station approach; however, I am wondering if there are any more out there that I have not discovered yet.  Especially any addressing the intermediate grades.   If you know of any awesome blogs, websites, links, ideas, etc. to help us with the book study, please share!  We would love to check out what you have found.

Also, I am sure we will keep you posted as well regarding the status of our book talk either through my blog or through theirs.  We already have some great work station ideas circulating in our brain to help teach common core standards.  We just have to find the time to make them (I know no one else has this problem, huh?).

Thanks in advance for any help!

Happy Blogging!

Ann

A Great Start to a New Year

     After spending five hours in my classroom yesterday preparing for my little ones return, I came home to blog stalk and found out that I had received my first blog award.  I was so excited!  I even screamed out for my husband to tell him the good news and, of course, he could have cared less.  Obviously, he is a non-blogger.  Oh well...too bad for him.  Anyway, Michelle over at Inspired by Kindergarten was so kind to give me The Versatile Blogger Award.  Thank you, Michelle!

     Since this is all new to me, of course, I had to do my research and here is what you do when you are bestowed this honor:

1.  Thank the person who nominated you with a link back to them.
2.  Tell 7 things about yourself (Oh this will be good!)
3.  Pass this on to 15 newly discovered blogs and let them know they've received an award!  (What?   Only 15.   That is going to be difficult!)

     So since I have already thanked Michelle, it looks like it is time to tell you seven things about me.  Are you sure you really want to know this stuff?

1. I know I posted this story as a comment on another blog, but it is a "must share."  All of you in the blogging world know me as Ann Greene; however, my real name is Gay Ann.  I love the name my parents gave me and it worked fine until I marred the love of my life, Derek Greene.  That was when I discovered that Gay Ann Greene is quite a funny name.  If you haven't figured it out yet, say it quickly three times....you will get it.  
2. Other than teaching, I have another love!  I love photography!  About five years ago I got my first DSLR camera and I have been hooked from that point.  Not only do I stalk teaching blogs, but I also love finding new photography blogs.  Maybe that is why my husband occasionally asks if I am ever going to get off that thing (computer).  Sorry, honey!  
3. I guess I can tell you more about my family.  My husband and I are high school sweethearts.  We have been married for 21 years and have two children:  Alan, age 12 and Abby, age 7.  I have to admit...my kids are wonderful!  I got lucky in that area and I hope it continues!  My son has taken piano lessons since he was four and he makes me cry everytime he plays.  My daughter just started taking piano lessons too (She wants to be like her big brother; I guess I need to buy stock in some tissue company.)  Abby also has been in dance since she was four.  She loves to dance for us!  She just got Wii Dance for Christmas and it is quite fun watching her learn new moves.  Now that is a game that I enjoy playing with her...I can shake my groove thing as well.
4. Hmmm...what else should I tell you?  I work at an AWESOME school and have some of the best co-workers.  It really doesn't feel like work when I go there...it feels like I am going to play with other family members.  The name of my school is Osceola Elementary School and it is one block from beach (you can even hear the roll of the waves on quiet days...obviously, when no kids are around...you know, Teacher Duty Days).  I have a great team of teachers that I work with and we all help each other make our job easier.  Oh, and here is another secret about me....my lovely co-workers made me their Teacher of the Year this school year.  It is so nice to know that my co-workers think that I am doing a good job.
5. I hope I am not babbling about things that you could care less about so maybe I should liven it up a bit.  This one has to do with my co-workers as well.  Every year, in June, a bunch of us teachers get together and go on a CRUISE.  Yes, you heard me right....we take a break from all the hustle and bustle of life....we let our hair down....we go a bit crazy....we go on a ALL GIRL, NO KIDS ALLOWED CRUISE!  Oh man, do I have some stories to tell!  But you know what they say..."What happens on the cruise, stays on the cruise!"  However, if I ever meet you in person some day, ask me to tell you the story about the male escort that we met while sailing.  It is quite funny!  
6. I guess this brings me to my next fact about me...I LOVE TO TRAVEL.  I know...you are probably saying "Who doesn't?"  However, even my friends state that I travel more than the average person. Since the state of Florida has four cruise ports within driving distance for me and sometimes those cruise ships just offer deals that are too good to be true, I have been on over....well, I have simply lost track of how many cruises I have been on.  I do know that I have been to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Grand Cayman, St. Croix, St. Martin, Grand Turks, and the good ole' Bahamas.  I have even pondered the thought of working on a cruise ship after my kids are older.  I could so be a cruise director...after all, I am very organized and I love to have fun. I am sure that is part of the criteria for being a cruise director.
7. Really...I still have to tell you one more thing about myself!  I guess I will go with one of the last tidbits I let slip.  I mentioned just a few moments ago that I am very organized.  I think that is a bit of an understatement.  I am the OCD type organized.  Seriously, my favorite stores are IKEA and the container store.  I actually subscribe to magazines on organization and loved watching "Clean Sweep."  I would even DVR it when I wasn't at home.  What ever happened to that show?  Maybe one day I will do a blog entry on my classroom organization.  Oh my...how long can a blog entry be?  

     Wow!  I did it...I actually found seven things to tell you about myself.  Amazing!  Now onto the 15 blogs that I am sending this award to.  Since I am a pretty new blogger myself (only since August), I can pretty much give this award to anyone.  So here goes:

1. Sunshine Sand and Scissors
2. Lil' Country Kindergarten
   
3. Can Do Kinders
4. Kindergarten Hoppenings
   
5. Live Love Laugh Everyday in Kindergarten
6. Going Nutty
7. CE Kindergarten Kids Rock
   
8. First Grade Fun with Miss Gilbert
   
9. KinderGals
10. Kindergarten is a Hoot
    
11. Kindergarten Katy
    
12. Kkindergarten Lifestyle
    
13. Kinder Karen
    
14. Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten
    
15. Kinders on the Block
    

     Well, that it!  It was hard to nominate just 15.  I could have nominated everyone on my blog roll (which is a lot).  I tried to bestow this honor to some newbies so that we all can get to know each other better.

    I guess it is time for me to get off this computer and get some work done on my last day of freedom.  My personal goals for today are to get the Christmas decorations down and put away and clean the carpet in my daughters play room (if I can get her to stop playing Wii dance for an hour...I don't know I might just join her and procrastinate some more).

Happy Blogging!

Ann

Eleven "Thank You's" for 2011

     2011 was the year of blogging for me.  This was the year that I discovered blogs.  This was the year that I created my own blog.  This was the year that I discovered so many new blogging friends.  I don't think you realize the impact that you have made on me  and I just wanted to say Thank You.

     So I generated a list.  Here goes...

#1  Thank you Fran at Kindergarten Crayons.  Fran is the blogger that I aspire to be someday.  She has the cutest ideas and some of the best product at Teachers Pay Teachers.  I just loved her excitement this year during the Halloween season, when she planted seeds inside of an actual pumpkin. Then she kept posting pics of it growing.  She keeps me excited about what I am doing in the world of teaching.

#2  Thank you to Kristen at A Teeny Tiny Teacher.  Kristen's blog provides me with the laughter that I need on a daily basis because lord knows that teachers need a little laughter now and then.  Especially me...after all, I am working with a bunch of five year olds that haven't quite developed a sense of humor yet!  But I have to admit...I do laugh at their attempts at creating knock knock jokes.  Some day they will get it!

#3  Thank you to Marlena at Lil" Country Kindergarten.  Not only was Marlena MY VERY FIRST FOLLOWER but she also went out of the way to help me create my button for my blog and didn't even ask for anything in return!   I can tell she is a very sharing and caring person.  I am sure the two of us could be best friends!

#4  Thank you to Tammy at Live Love Laugh Everyday in Kindergarten.  Tammy always has wonderful ideas to share and lots of freebies.  She is also a very active mom but always find the time to add something to her blog.  I don't know where she finds the time to do all of this, but I am very grateful!

#5  Thank you to Pam at Can Do Kinders.  If Pam only knew how many of her freebies I have used in my classroom this year already!  She is so wonderful to share!  Oh...and she is one of my followers too!

#6  Thank you to Julie at Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten.  Mrs. Lee's blog is probably one of the most recent ones that I have been following.  A blogging friend at school introduced me to her blog and since then, I have found myself stalking her older posts to find cool ideas to use in my classroom.  I just love all the pics she posts showing her center ideas.  I am a visual learner and pics really help!

#7  Thank you to Krissy at Mrs. Miner's Monkey Business.  Krissy has an awesome, inspiring blog and is one of my followers as well.  She also sells some terrific product at www.teachersnotebook.com.  Also, I just love blogs with monkeys!  Monkeys make me laugh!

#8  Thank you to Shannon at Kindergarten Hoppenings.  Shannon has just been blessed with a beautiful baby boy and is on maternity leave.   I know she is going to LOVE being a mother.  Again, I think her and I could be best friends!  I have just about downloaded everything that she has posted on her website.  She is AWESOME to share so many freebies with the blogging world!

#9  Thank you to Deedee at Mrs. Will's Kindergarten.  Deedee is another blogger that I would love to be some day.  She has so many wonderful products at Teachers Pay Teachers.  I just love following her "Peek At My Week."  I don't think she realizes how much that "little peek" helps me with my lesson planning each week!

#10  Thank you to Deanna at Mrs. Jump's Class.  I can tell that Deanna is a very talented teacher who loves to share.  Again, she has incredible product at Teachers Pay Teachers.  I know it sounds silly, but I would love to be a fly on her classroom wall someday!

#11  And the final thank you goes to Charity at Kindergarten Klub.  Christy has created this wonderful blog that not only has an updated, rolling list of recent blog posts but you can even add your blog to her list!  The traffic on my blog has increased tremendously since I added it to her blog roll.  Another added benefit to following this blog is that you can find new blogs everyday!  It is so nice to know that there are highly creative and tech savvy people out there that can make blogging easier for us newbies.

     Well, thats it!  It was so difficult for me to narrow it down to just eleven blogs.  Each and every blog that I follow has inspired me in some way to be a better teacher and I thank you as well for doing what you do on your blog.  I hope that I have too inspired someone out there in the blogging world.  In our career, it is nice to know that our inspiration can reach beyond the walls of our classroom.

     I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2012.

Respectfully,

Ann

Looking for some new blogs?


Merry Christmas blogging friends.  It has been a busy Christmas season for my family as I am sure it has been for yours as well.  However, I have found a little time here and there for some blog stalking and pinterest.  Boy have I found some wonderful ideas to use when  I get back to school.  Here is a sneak peak at one idea I found (Sorry, I didn't jot down where it come from...remember...I am learning at all this blogging stuff).

Snowflake Crayon Resist

(Isn't it beautiful?)

Anywho, here is my Christmas gift for you!  Two new blogs!  You might want to check them out.  Both sites have been created by co-workers at my school who are incredible first grade teachers.  I was so lucky to work with them last year when I taught my K-1 multi-age class.  They have some wonderful ideas to share.

First Grade Fun

Sunshine Sand and Scissors

     

Lastly, I will end with some photos from my Christmas cruise (just one of the events that kept me so busy this Christmas).

My kids at Blue Lagoon's Aqua Park.

My kids at Blue Lagoon...so pretty!

My daughter loved the aqua trampoline.  Isn't she a cutie!

My husband and I drinking from a coconut in Freeport.

My beautiful children on formal night.

My family at the Southern Most Point in Key West.

Just one of the amazing pictures I took while visiting the Butterfly Conservatory in Key West.

My husband and I in front of our ship...

we just celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary while on the cruise.

Me RELAXING on the ship!

Anyone ready for a cruise now?  Just let me know!

Happy Blogging!

Ann

Christmas Favorites


     There are so many wonderful books to read aloud to your students at this time of year.  So many that it is sometimes hard to fit them all into our busy, fun-filled schedules.  However, every year I always find the time to read the following story to my class:

     This would have to be my all time favorite.  If you have not read this before, it is about a little boy named Edward who does not know how to read yet.  Everyone thinks that he should be tested to see if there is a problem, but his mother says to "just have patience."

     On Christmas Eve, Edward discovers that Santa has accidentally left his book of names in his house in front of the fireplace.  Edward races outside only to see Santa's sleigh pull away.  Edward knows that Santa will not be able to do his job without his book of names so, he has to help Santa.   Since he doesn't know how to read or spell yet, Edward decides to make a large B in the snow (since book starts with the letter b) in the hopes that Santa will return in search of his missing book.  It works!  Santa returns and asks Edward to help him on the rest of his journey.  Edward agrees after explaining to Santa that he can't read yet.   Santa tells Edward that he can hold the book of names and turn the pages for him.  All is well until a bird accidentally knocks Santa's glasses off his nose and they fall into the sea.  Oh no...now Santa can't read his book.  Will Edward help save Christmas?

     Of course, I can't tell you how it ends; but I will tell you that it is one of those read alouds that make you feel all good inside when you are done.  Also, it is one of those books where not a single child makes a peep during the read.  They are always sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to hear the outcome.  I just love books like that!  Don't you?

     What is your favorite read aloud at Christmas time?  I would love to hear about the book or books that are must reads for you.

Happy Blogging!

Ann