EKK, we're subtracting 2-digit numbers!

Some subjects and lessons are definitely more fun to teach than others. Due to the complexity of adding two-digit numbers and borrowing from the tens place, confusion quickly arises and frustration levels sky rocket for most kids. Within the first few days of introducing and teaching the concept of subtracting two-digit numbers 50% of the kids get it and well, the other 50% tend flail for a couple of weeks, while I try and "save them". Eventually 95% of the kids understand how to find solution by the end of the month, and gradually the synapses of the other 5% come full circle by year. Borrowing a "ten" is a very abstract concept for most kids and it's not until some get a little older that this idea comes to fruition. In the meantime, small groups are the key to success!! Practice, practice, practice! It's my goal to help them all reach proficiently by the end of second grade. Fingers are crossed!

It's NOVEMBER?

I really can't believe how fast time is passing this year. I found myself longing for August to be over and now, it's already November! Seeing how the weather is still in the 90's it hard to believe fall has arrived, but truth be known, California is not exactly known for its cold weather, haha.

I am however, happy to say, I survived the ups and downs of CELDT testing and was welcomed on board these past few weeks to teach second grade temporarily. Although, I am supposed to only be teaching these kids for a short time, I can't help but pour my heart into teaching them. I am happy to arrive once again at the same school everyday and get to know their names and quirks that make them second graders.

Within this short time, I feel very accomplished. Since their contracted teacher had been out for almost three weeks prior to me stepping in, things were a bit disorganized. Once being asked to step in and take control, I was happy to take the rains alongside the other amazing second grade teacher.

To my shock, I was asked to give each of the student's goal setting conference. After almost three years of long-term subbing I am accustomed to undoing and redoing mishaps in "orphan" classrooms due to teacher absences. Graciously accepting this challenge, I put my skills to the test. This was not my first rodeo, and I was confident in my knowledge and know-how of goal setting conferences. I knew the conferences would be a success, as long as their parents would accept a conference from their child's substitute teacher that met them 8 hours prior that is... and so the chaotic fun began.

I had exactly five hours to prep and prepare all the materials and information I would need to give 25 data supported conferences. To my surprise, I met happy parent after happy parent. I could've never predicted a better outcome. I was accepted with openness and gracious attitudes. 22 out of 25 parents attended their child's conference, not too shabby in opinion. Given the short notice they had themselves and time parameters I had to follow, I am rating this experience as one of my most successful yet. I am looking to the future with optimism and hope one day I can truly pour my heart and passion for teaching into students that I did not meet 8 hours prior to setting their yearly goal.

Halloween Handprint Project

My favorite projects for little kids to make for the holidays usually involves something with handprints. I think parents appreciate and tend to keep their child's project if their handprints are on them. Nothing can replace the memory made by a little hand. Here is a cute idea I found for Halloween. It's a handprint spider to hang on a doorknob.

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/halloween/mspooky-spider.htm

CELDT Testing

Last week I was fortunate enough to become a CELDT proctor for the next six weeks. I am happy to be working at an elementary school again. Being able to spend one-on-one time testing them has been very entertaining and educational for me. Usually, I am accustom to administering one-on-one tests to kids while trying to monitor 20 others, not exactly an easy task. Not having a class to watch, I have been able to enjoy testing (yes, I just said I am enjoying it...I know it's crazy).

Each day I plan on reflecting on my testing and the silly things the kids say. There innocence and imagination never seizes to amaze me. More than this though, I want to reflect on the kids answers to improve my own teaching so that these "silly" answers become corrected and they can be reclassified into an English Only status. Fingers are crossed! I have high hopes for these little ones.

Day One : According to many of the children, winter, spring, summer, and fall are commonly referred to as "sections, holidays, weather, and leaves falling off of trees", A paperclip is also called a "pin", and the benefits of flying in a space shuttle far outweigh the joys of being President of the United States for one day.

I foresee many more hurtles in our future and I look forward to jumping over them together...

Day Two : Today we started testing the third graders. Overall, they did well, but many struggled to answer all of the questions. Retelling a story based on a series of pictures and asking a question seemed to pose the biggest challenges. Knowing this information, I can plan for the future and make my students more prepared. A few things I could do to help my students is to practice their re-telling skills more often. I think I would be fun to cut out pictures form a magazine and have the kids write stories based on the pictures. This would be a great way for them to practice writing with details, express creative thoughts, and share their stories with a classmate. As a result, hopefully practicing these skills more often will help them reach more success when they are called upon to perform for the state.

Day Three: The day began a HOT one. With no air conditioning at the school, we starting testing the first graders. The test took about 20 minutes to administer to each student. Not only was this a long process, it was unfair. Over half the test was far too challenging for the little ones. Hearing wrong answer, after wrong answer, I became frustrated with test makers that they would create such difficult questions followed by an abstract story... How is an English Language Learner suppose to know random vocabulary, questioning skills, listening comprehension, and spell the word "apple"? I would like to see how a fluent English speaking child would score in order to compare how truly challenging this test appears to be. I think it might be challenging for any first grader, no matter their language abilities, at this point in the year. To be continued...

Day Four: We continued to testing the first graders with roughly the same results as the day before. Most guessed the way through the test or shook their head in confusion. Every child tried hard, but still, they do not understand the importance of passing the test or why they need to develop these basic reading, writing, and speaking skills. Hopefully as they grow older, things will start to click.

Day Five: We powered through the remaining first graders and made our way to the MIDDLE SCHOOL. I am not one for the "older" kids, but as I soon learned they are still very young, just a little "cooler".

Filled with hope the seventh graders being tested would certainly pass the test seeing as they took this same test the year before, I was wrong... The same head shakes of confusion and "I don't know responses" continued throughout the week. I learned knowing the name of a "bulletin board" and an "envelope" were challenging. However, the most challenging question for them was to tell as story about four pictures. After hearing about 400 wrong answers, by the end of the week, I was more motivated than ever to someday teach my ELD class to my fullest potential. They truly need to learn the basic vocabulary for asking and answering questions and need to be taught the importance of WHY they are learning these skills.

Get Your Kids Moving!

Jumping, skipping, running, sliding, and galloping are all ways to raise kids heart rates and get them moving around! Whatever physical activity it may be, just do one!! A new study published in the New York Times newspaper yesterday states, "just 20 minutes of walking before a test raised children's test scores." This is an incredibly motivating to think that teaching our kids P.E. is not only improving their health, but also is increasing their brain functions and test scores in the classroom! The next time you're feeling a bit sluggish and see your kiddos are too, hit the pavement running and get them moving! Just

think, higher test scores, higher test scores, higher test scores...

Another thought, get your kids moving by signing them up to run in a local community race. The kid's "fun runs" are usually free and its a great way to build community involvement while promoting physical fitness outside of school! Plus, they'll receive healthy snacks and a t-shirt at the end of the race, you know the little things kids love : )

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/phys-ed-can-exercise-make-kids-smarter/

Ode To The Calendar

This is one of my most favorite Calendar displays that I have ever seen. It's so organized and easy to use!

This calendar is great because it has so many components kids can interact with!

Choosing a calendar leader is a positive way to build confidence and leadership skills

Calendar time is not as easy as it seems. Teaching kids about the calendar and coming up with a memorable routine can be time tasking. While teaching first grade I quickly learned the importance of modeling and repetition. The more repetition the kids are shown the better they will be at leading calendar independently. Since we all know, our ultimate goal as teachers is to make our kids self-sufficient, modeling how you want something done correctly is crucial to succeeding.

The second thing I learned from teaching calendar is what do I include? The days of the week? The months of the year? Time? Money? Songs? Poems? Counting by 1's, 2's, 5's, and 10's? Graphing the weather and lost teeth? So many things to think about and include! How are all these components supposed to be accomplished in about 10 or 15 minutes and be exciting, engaging, and educational?

In order to sort through the madness, I consulted my fellow team members and the famous California State Standards. In order to ensure I included every standard that my First Graders needed to learn from calendar by the end of the year I found songs, poems, and activities perfect for calendar time.

Here is a taste of one my routines:

1. Today is___________, yesterday was __________, tomorrow will be________________.

2. Add a one block to the Ones, Tens, and Hundreds pocket chart, combine the tens if necessary, and count how many days we have been in school.

3. Onto the 100’s chart! Time for our “exercises” count to 100 and use a different bodily movement or exercise for every 10. I.e. 1-10 = jumping jacks, 11-20 = arm circles, 21-30= stand on one leg, 31-40 = switch legs etc…

4. Using the 100’s charts, skip count by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s.

5. Days of the week song- simple and to the point! (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the days of the week, the days of the week!)

6. Months of the year- this song names all the months of the year and adding cute hand movements to every month makes it all more engaging.

7. What is the weather? Graphing the daily weather pattern throughout the month.

8. Did anyone loose his or her tooth? If so, graph that tooth!

9. Show me the money! I choose a small card that has a money amount on it, and student volunteers instruct me on what coins I need to make the amount of money on the card.

10.Name those shapes!

11.Social studies song, and flag solute.

Someday my classroom will come...

After reading fellow teacher's blogs, I got inspired, excited, and a little sad. I feel a bit down due to the fact that I do not have my own classroom this year, yet hopeful someday soon this will change.

The past two years, I had the privilege of experiencing the joys and butterflies of the first day of school brings. I loved setting up the classroom for my future students. Organizing their supplies, books, folders, preparing lesson plans, and decorating the room for them contributes to the anticipation for the new year.

Unfortunately, this year, so many teacher were laid off and had seniority over me, that I am left to continue my job search. I understand the benefits of substituting, however, I've been playing this game for almost three years now, and I am ready to be on my own. Subbing day after day, I've taken pictures, collected worksheets, bulletin board ideas, discipline plans, and a variety of homework options. I feel more ready, than I ever have to have my own classroom. One that doesn't have to be turned over at the end of the day or month. The small taste of teaching that I have experienced on my own, I love and want to continue. So that my spirits are not totally down, I've decided to take the high road and do what I can to enhance my education and classroom knowledge through subbing and blogging.

In the meantime, I will build my collection of teaching ideas and archive them in my blog. I have also decided to post old lessons and ideas I have implemented in the past. Someday, I am confident that I will have the most unbelievable classroom. I love teaching and I am not willing to give into the negativity surrounding our economy and problems in education.

"If at first you don't succeed, try, and try again!"

a little inspiration for a new school year

Everyone needs a little motivation in their day. The other morning my mom clipped this quote out of the newspaper for me. I thought it was fitting for the time of year and months of teaching ahead...

"If you give a child a fish, you will feed them for a day; if you teach a child to fish, you feed them for a lifetime; but if you teach a child to learn, you feel them for a lifetime and they don't have to just eat fish."

-Tim Gallwey

The Teacher Shame Game

Recently, the news has reported wanting to publicly release the names of teachers whose students have not made growth on state standardized tests, as a means of humiliation and motivation. In the “dog eat dog” world we’ve come to live in, a failing economy and struggling education system would lead people to make irrational decisions such as this. So what is the real problem and is there a reasonable solution?

Some politicians believe publishing the names of teachers whose student’s test scores have not improved over the past year will only motivate them to do better. Which begs the question, how can a teacher improve his/her student’s test scores if the real problem is they don’t now how? Many teachers may not have the educational tools or resources that they need to take the next steps towards improvement. Some might need to be trained in new teaching or studying techniques that could help them in the classroom. Taking these factors into account, humiliating individuals who have chosen teaching as a life career, do not deserve this kind of treatment. This does not sound like a level headed solution to me, nor does it show positive growth or improvement for the downfall in our education system.

There must a better solution to this problem than what has been concluded thus far. I, myself do not know the right answer, however I do know many great teachers who go unnoticed for the amazing things they do everyday, how about we publish their names? Not to mention all the talented teachers who have yet to be hired and are awaiting their chance to make a significant difference in the world. Whatever the “right” decision may be, let’s hope a rational one can be made and a more important issue can be tackled…like the growing unemployment rate…

Walt Gardners, a veteran teacher, sheds more light and information on this topic below:
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/walt_gardners_reality_check/2010/08/

What Ever Happend To Reading Rainbow?

Talk about good T.V. Back in the 80's and 90's I remember being so happy when my teachers popped the Reading Rainbow VHS into the VCR. With a catchy introduction song, every kid I knew was hooked and sang the lyrics the rest of the day.

Each episode is centered around a theme from a book. The show also provided good book recommendations for kids when they would go to the library. I found this helpful because it exposed me and classmates to book genres and characters that would otherwise be overlooked.

Along with Mister Rogers Neighborhood and Seasame Street, Reading Rainbow is the third-longest running children's series. In 2005, production for the show ended. I am happily suprised this show successfully ran for so long. I thought production ended much earlier than this.

Learning this information gives me hope that kids these days might still be interested in watching. However, showing movies in the classroom are frowned upon today, perhaps streaming a clip or two through your laptop onto an ELMO or SmartBoard might be acceptable...

NO Sugar Cereals Allowed!

Lucky Charms, Coco Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Fruity Pebbles all bring back delicious childhood memories for me, but times have changed. Since the latest news revealing the skyrocketing numbers of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes, many parents have become extra health cautious. Most have said adios to whole milk, Pop-tarts, and of course sugar cereals. Thinking about my own health, I no longer consume these cereals either and couldn't imagine actually enjoying them or feeling full from eating them as a matter of fact. Even though I do not consume the cereals I once did, I still love cereal.

After trying many healthier cereals, such as Special K, Kashi, Smart Start and now my latest craze, PUFFINS! I have fallen in love with this low fat, low sugar, and all natural cereal. Peanut Butter Puffins always satisfy my appetite and quench my peanut butter cravings. They come in a variety of flavors including, original, multigrain, and cinnamon. I personally, enjoy this cereal with vanilla soy milk, but eating them plain is just as snack worthy.

The best part of this cereal is it doesn't have the "diet" taste and is totally kid friendly and delicious! Although, this yummy delight does not come with a toy at the bottom of the box, it is adorned with puffins and educational information about them. So, the next time you're at the grocery store, steer clear of the Frosted Mini Wheats and grab a box of Puffins, you won't be disappointed and neither will your little ones!

http://http//www.barbarasbakery.com/

Bookstore Love

My husband and I are always in pursuit of new, exciting, and quaint bookstores. Whenever we travel, we always research little bookstores in the local towns we visit. Usually the bookstores we stumble upon have a small store front window, single door entrances, and if were are lucky a tall wooden ladder that slides across the shelves of tall book cases. Small hallways packed with rows of books, an inviting children's area, and a single cashier, are always signs of a timeless bookstore.

As it turns out, l did not have to travel far or even 3 miles outside of my local neighborhood to find the next greatest gem. Located on a popular strand in Long Beach, California, about a mile from beach, Apostrophe Books lies. Adorned with stationary, greeting cards, journals, and books, I could get lost in this bookstore for hours. Their shelves are stocked with the most popular and timeless novels to the history of California. I love walking down the street to purchase an original birthday card, and discover a new author. Who knew such a warm and inviting bookstore was located down the street from my house.

The Animal Odd Couple

I think we can all learn a thing or two about love and life from Tara and Bella. Through sickness and in health these two animals remain side by side. This video made my heart smile and instilled the hope that despite outside difference love and friendship can prevail.

"No More PB & J's Mom!"

Balancing cooking, laundry, homework, sports, and play dates at the end of a busy work day, packing lunches is more chore to add to the daily list for many parents. Some parents have solved this problem by buying cafeteria lunch plans for their children. This may be a great solution for most families, but what about the kids that are picky and refuse to eat in the cafeteria? In my quest to find a reasonable solution to this battle, I found a company called, Fresh Lunches.

Fresh Lunches is a company that delivers a cornucopia of fresh and healthy lunches to kids schools directly. By using Fresh Lunches, parents no longer have to worry about grocery shopping for lunches, make time to pack them, or worry that their kids are getting tired of the food they are packing them. Fresh Lunches allows parents and their kids to pick out a weekly menu of foods they would like to eat and then delivers them. Sounds easy and convenient enough to me. Take a look around their site and see if maybe it could ease some of your daily stresses.

http://www.freshlunches.com/index.html

"Velcro Parents"

I've heard the term, "Helicopter Parent" before (you the kind that likes to hover over their child's every move in life, which I am very familiar with because I was raised by them,hehe), but the latest term I discovered is called, "Velcro Parents". I learned this term after reading the NY Times article entitled, "Students, Welcome to College; Parents, Go Home. " The title of the article is a loaded statement in itself, I anticipated reading it.

Colleges have now caught wind of the "baby on board" generation parents and are urging them to back off. During a time of exploration, self-growth, and independence, children are caught in a battle between growing up or staying dependent on their parents, manly to appease their attachment.

Much like the days of letting go when their child was first whisked away to Kindergarten, saying goodbye to their college freshmen seems to pose the same battle. Parents want to linger around campus and watch their child from a far to make sure they are adjusting to their new environment. This lingering behavior has created many challenges for colleges.

Professors want to see this dependent relationship between parents and their child dissolve. At many colleges, parents now try to attend the first week of their child's classes and vacation in the surrounding neighborhood, just make sure their "baby" is okay. Professors want to see college students rely more on the life lessons their parents have taught them and not feel the need to text, chat, and email their parents every hour.

In my opinion, "Velcro Parents" are excellent parents. The time and dedication they give to their children is uncanny. I understand letting go of your child after eighteen years of parenting is difficult. However, at some point the monumental effects of suffocating your child has be realized and a happy/medium needs to be found.

The whole reason their child is attending a prestigious university is because of their devotion to their child's education and life. It is now time for parents to trust the young adults they have raised and let them become the independent and educated person they have hoped they would become.

On another note, if the economy continues this downward spiral of limited jobs, these "Velcro Parents" will get their "babies" back in four years because they will be moving home. So I say, take advantage of the four years your child is away. If you have established a good relationship prior to them leaving, this bond will only grow stronger from a distance. So, enjoy your clean house, limited amount of laundry and quietness, because in four years "baby" is coming home with a whole new attitude!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/education/23college.html?src=me&ref=general

Make Way For Junie B. Jones

Junie B. Jones has always been a character in a book I heard about, until I started teaching First Grade. As my students paraded in on that first week of school, Junie B. Jones came to life. Her quirky attitude and big personality were prevalent in practically each of my students. The life lessons they would soon embrace in the first grade (field trips, bus rides, holiday celebrations, vacations, best friends, homework disasters, problem solving, etc.) were unknowingly, already written out through her books and I was in for the taking.

I soon realized, that by reading Junie B. Jones’ books to my students they were not only exposed to their first chapter book character, but they fell in love with reading. Taking a step back I tried to understand, why my students loved Junie B. so much. After much contemplation, I learned they not only related to her life and humor, but her adventures and imagination sculpted a world that they would like to play in. From her stuffed animals to sneaky school behavior and best friend adventures, my students found Junie B. Jones relatable and loveable.

I love Junie B. for attracting students to learn and love reading. No matter what, I salute Junie B. Jones and all of her greatness and hope kids everywhere continue to forge a friendship with her for years.

A Fad Worth Following

With a name like “Yo Gabba Gabba” heads are sure to turn and eyebrows are raised, Yo Gabba, what? It’s the latest craze for our kids, teen, tweens, and as I quickly discovered adults! How can someone create such an entertaining and intriguing show that adults and kids can enjoy together?

The creative genius behind this show is Christian Jacobs, the lead singer of the Aquabats. Since August of 2007 the shows main characters, DJ Lance Rock, Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, and Plex have made kids and parents alike get off the couch, dance, sing, and learn a variety of life lessons. If you have never heard of Gabbaland before, its worth tuning into. I, myself have made room in my own heart and embraced this retro/indie style cartoon.

Raising Extraordinary Children- My Teacher Hero

Rafe Esquith teaches at Hobart Elementary School, a large urban public school, in Los Angeles. The school is located in an economically disadvantaged area where the majority of students are second language learners. Although most of these children come from poverty stricken and immigrant families, there lives are transformed in room 56. Many of Esquith's students willing start there school day at 6:30 am and stay until dark. Within this time, Esquith inspires them to reach their fullest potential and reach unforeseen heights. From performing Shakespearean plays, playing in a rock n' roll band, attending baseball games, traveling, meeting grade level expectations and beyond on state tests, to learning how to take pride in what you do, make decisions, and be selfless in life, Rafe changes the lives of these children and makes them fall in love learning.

In my opinion he is the most influential classroom teacher in the country, and has mastered the ability to create a magical and life-changing learning experiences in his classroom. I hope one day to be half the teacher that he has become. Reading his books, listening to his stories, and keeping in tuned with his websites, his inspiring attitude touches my heart and makes me want to to reach beyond things I never thought possible. I wish the world had more Rafe Esquith's to go around.

Check out the magic...http://www.hobartshakespeareans.org/

Over-Connected Parents...Or Not?

While watching the Early Show one morning, I became fascinated by a new study they were presenting. Psychologist were analyzing the positive and negative effects technology has on the relationship between college students and their parents.

College is a chance for children to grow into adults and expand their knowledge of their environment and world around them. When students move away from home and enter college, this experience ahead of them stereotypically is thought to produce independent thinkers and citizens of society. However, many of these ideas pertaining to the college experience are true, many views have changed due to popularity of the internet and cell phones.

Although most college students are not living at home, their parents keep them on a tight rope. From emailing research papers home to their class syllabus, students are calling their parents multiple times a day to check in for advice, help,and approval. The supposed negative effects of this dependency children are having on their parents is that they are not becoming as independent as once thought. This kind of control is not teaching college students how to plan ahead to meet deadlines, seek resources around them for help, or utilize the facilities the college offers.

On the other hand, relationships between parents and their kids could be growing stronger and make families closer. Check out the video clip for yourself to form your opinions, good or bad?

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6759758n&tag=cbsnewsVideoArea.0

Meet Mrs. Hernandez

Hi! Welcome to my blog about my teaching experiences.

As a child, playing "school" at home with my sister and neighborhood friends, we transformed my parents' living room into a classroom with the use of TV trays, construction paper, crayons, and my Dad's typewriter.

Little did I know, these childhood games were not far from the reality I would soon discover. My love for learning and teaching grew throughout my middle school and high school years where I tutored and babysat the local kids in my community.

I knew when I entered college that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I attended Loyola Marymount University where my desire and passion to teach deepened. On May 5, 2007 this dream became a reality. I graduated from LMU with Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Psychology, and Minor in a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

When I first entered the field of education I was given two golden pieces of advice. First, I was told that if you consider yourself a teacher you can teach any grade. Secondly, to find something you love about every child you teach. Through these rules, I have never regretted any position I have taken, and I have learned to accept the most challenging personalities in my classroom.

Over the past three years, I have taught 1st, 3rd, and 6th grade. I have learned something new about myself teaching each diverse level, but above all have discovered that no matter what grade I teach, I simply love to teach. I cannot see myself pursuing any other profession. Nothing can replace the way teaching children about life, friendships, and academics makes me feel.

As the years pass, I hope to become a stronger teacher, learn from my colleagues and the world around me and in the process create life-long learners.

Through this blog, I hope to share my inspirations, daily teaching activities, and future ambitions.

"The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move." - John Wooden