Monster Writing with Mrs. Vaughan's Class

Today, students in Mrs. Mathew's 2nd grade classroom spoke with students in Mrs. Vaughan's 2nd grade class at Prairie Ridge Elementary in Shawnee, Kansas. They had drawn monsters, then used descriptive writing to give directions on how to draw the monster. Each class followed directions, drawing the monster. Then, we Skyped with each other where we could share what the monsters looked liked compared to the original one the class drew. We then talked about the descriptive details that helped us the most. It was a lot of fun and an engaging way to work on writing.

Genius Hour

6th grade is in full force with genius hour. This is a time when they can study anything they are passionate about. They have really been working on their research. Students had to create a driving question that can't be answered, then they had to create ten guiding questions that will help get them there. Many students have had a chance to speak with experts all around the world to help them with their projects.

Dr. Ryan Fischer from Children's Mercy Hospital spoke with these students who want to become a doctor.

Student interviewing professional fisherman, Josh Douglas

Students talked to one of the game designers for Skylander

Students interviewing Chief Education Evangelist, Jaime Casap, from Google

Student received answers from Author, Kate DiCamillo

USC Animation Professor, Lisa Mann, speaking with student

Response from a marine biologist

Young Justice Animator speaking with a student that is passionate about animation

Students speaking to a sea rescuer in Australia

Letter from USA National Softball Coach, Ken Eriksen

Posing with e-mail from Ken Eriksen

Students interviewing Tennessee Titans Linebacker, Steven Johnson

Speaking with animator, Ted Kierscey, who animated Lion King and Aladdin

Teaching Tips for the New School Year Article

Prior to the school year, I wrote an article of teacher tips for the new school year. As the new school year approaches, we are often eager and excited for the new groups of kids. As weeks go by, some of this excitement begins to fade. As we near 1st quarter ending, I would like to challenge you to revisit the list to see how many of these things still apply to you. In order to continue to grow, it's always important to continuously reflect.
Edutopia New School Year Article

Honored by DuPont - Third Grade Science Competition Winners

I have to give a shoutout to my third grade class from last school year. They won the third grade division of the Dupont Science Competition. Today, members o DuPont and a scientist flew to Kansas to recognize them and host a science day. Although I was unable to attend, I heard the day was a blast. The students received every bit of recognition for all of their efforts and hard work. What teacher and their students can I help guide to try to win the competition this year? Anyone up for the challenge?

Pen Pals with Mr. McDonnell's Class at Mudgee Public School in Australia

One of my goals has been to help teachers take learning beyond their classroom walls. Today, Mrs. Sherman's class was excited to receive letters from their pen pals in Australia. One of the cool things was using Google Earth to take a tour of their community. Students compared and contrasted their communities. We learned we are over 8,000 miles apart. It was a lot of fun making learning so relevant for the children, while also learning about cultures. It was a great morning of celebrating diversity.

Learning Grammar with Meaning

I am a strong advocate for writing. Writing is something that kids should love, not despise doing. When it came to grammar, I looked for other ways for them to learn these important concepts. Here is my latest article on bringing relevance to grammar.
Learning Grammar with Meaning

From Third Grade to Instructional Coach

I have changed my position to Instructional Coach this school year. I am really excited to support teachers and help bring innovative teaching to the kids. I believe learning should be relevant. Through this relevance, students should be engaged and have ownership of their learning. I look forward to this new adventure, while still finding time to co-teach or model lessons so I can remain connected to the students. I will also continue writing teaching tip posts or highlight the amazing things I see teachers doing in their classrooms.