Monday Meet Up: Wk. 5

The fabulous Teaching Tribune continues with week 5 of their summer linky! 

It's Monday Meet Up time!

In today's meet I'm sharing 3 things I'm thankful for. (It's feeling a little Thanksgiving in June, almost July).  There are so many blessings in my life: family, friends, and health. I decided to focus on blessings in my job. So here goes...

I really am very lucky to be working in my current school. I have worked at several different schools over the years. I've worked for the good, the bad, and the ugly. My current school and administration is by far one of THE BEST. I'm so grateful each day that I go to work knowing I have the freedom to teach the kids in my class in the way I know is best. We are not made to use a cookie cutter curriculum. There is no "one size fits all" at my school.  I enjoy having my administrators come to my room and it's nice to be able to talk them openly about concerns. I thank them for that! It's because of their trust in me that I am able to be the best I can be in my classroom.

I love my team. I work with a group of women who respect one another and work well together. We have very different styles, but we come together for the good of the students. I'm excited to lead this wonderful group of women this year!

If it wasn't for my education mentors,  I'm not sure where my teaching would be today. Over the years, I have looked towards the experts to help me grow as an educator. I take pride in always staying current in educational research. Lucy Calkins has been part of my teaching since day one. The Art of Teaching Reading was the first professional book I read and it's still in my library. I refer to it even now when I need a refresher. Ralph Fletcher came along later in my career, and has been my writing mentor for a LONG time. What a Writer Needs, Second Edition is another go-to read for me. Giving kids choice in writing and guiding them within their own writing are just small pieces of what I've learned from Ralph.  Craft Lessons Second Edition is a good one to pick up if you are looking for mini lessons and mentor texts to add to your writer's workshop.

Speaking of choice, Daily 5, The (Second Edition): Fostering Literacy in the Elementary Grades is the book that has changed the way I run my classroom most recently. The idea of choice in reading, the Daily 5 rounds, and the CAFE board have allowed me to create a literacy rich classroom beyond what I already did. I've used it for about 4 years now and I don't think I'll go back to any other way.  I highly recommend any and all of these inspiring educators!

Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to meet other bloggers during the Monday Meet Up linky!

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