I have two students with the same name, so usually I call them by their last names. But today one came up with an interesting solution. “Ms., how about you call me Lightning McQueen instead?” While making paper plate clocks: “Hey Ms., these things really work! I control the time.” Overheard at dismissal in the…

On the 100th Day of School, we did some writing to make two class books. The first book was about how you would spend $100. That one was cute to read, as I have a few students who are generously planning to buy both me and their parents a new car with their imaginary money.…

There is the day that takes place from 8:20am until 3:00pm. That day brings me a lot of joy. Today it looked like this: It was our 100th Day of School, so we began the morning by making a huge deal out of Calendar Math, presenting our 100th Day of School projects, and making crowns…

Sometimes on a Sunday evening, you need some motivation… A Pep Talk from Kid President And if that doesn’t work, a funny story from last week: My school is, among many other things, a STEM magnet school. So once every four weeks or so, we go to Engineering Lab for a half hour a day…

It was the summer of the read aloud. I can’t remember exactly how old I was, somewhere between first and third grade. And I have no idea how it started, or why he chose this book. But my family has a boat, and when I was a kid we’d go out on the boat nearly…

So I’m scared of my principal. Ok, maybe scared isn’t the right word. But I am intimidated by her. She has a presence– standing  with perfect posture much taller than myself, with coordinating jewelry, nails and heels, make-up applied, every hair in place. I have never heard her yell, but she could do more with…