I've met celebrities such as Bono from U2, New Kids on the Block, Michael Jordan, and Jimmie Johnson - TRUE!!
I've never been on a big commercial airplane - TRUE!! {This was unfathomable to most of you....probably the only person in the U.S., right??}
I am a photography junkie with tons of photos to document all of my adventures - FALSE!! {I do have a camera addiction, but usually don't have either with me and NEVER take pictures. If I do, I never print them! The hubs and I have our wedding pictures from 13 years ago and family pics from 3 years ago...that's IT!! No other documentation of our marriage...kinda sad!} :(
Now that you know a little more about me, let's learn more about a NEW blogger...
About me:
My name is Erin, but I'm also known in the blogosphere as Miss Lifesaver, a nickname given by my students while I was student teaching. It actually started by mistake when someone butchered my last name, and it just kinda stuck. Cute, huh?
About my blog:
I've actually been blogging since 2008, but at that time, my audience was pretty much limited to family and close friends. In many ways, it's been a journal of my experiences, both personal and professional, for the past four and a half years.
Sometime in 2012, I branched out from reading only the blogs by friends and family and noticed what a great network there is for teacher bloggers. After being a lurker for months, I decided it's time for me to become an active participant in this community!
Personal Info:
I'm originally from suburban Chicago, but I moved to Baton Rouge last summer with my boyfriend when he took a job here. We live in a cute, little house in the outskirts of the city and dream of owning our own home (back home, of course) in the near future. We don't have any children or pets yet, but several of my students call me their mama, so I'll claim them for now!
I'm originally from suburban Chicago, but I moved to Baton Rouge last summer with my boyfriend when he took a job here. We live in a cute, little house in the outskirts of the city and dream of owning our own home (back home, of course) in the near future. We don't have any children or pets yet, but several of my students call me their mama, so I'll claim them for now!
What do you teach?
I teach middle school, specifically, 8th grade, ELA at a public charter school. It's a drastic change from the top-performing suburban schools where I worked in Illinois, but I definitely think I'm a better teacher for this experience.
How long have you taught?
Although this is my seventh year teaching (and subbing), though this year has often felt like my first because everything has been so different!
I teach middle school, specifically, 8th grade, ELA at a public charter school. It's a drastic change from the top-performing suburban schools where I worked in Illinois, but I definitely think I'm a better teacher for this experience.
How long have you taught?
Although this is my seventh year teaching (and subbing), though this year has often felt like my first because everything has been so different!
What's your favorite subject to teach?
My favorite subject to teach, of course, is ELA. Specifically, though, I love to teach reading. One of my favorite teaching moments is when I can win over one of my reluctant readers with an amazing book. I actually get giddy with excitement! In the future, I want to become a reading specialist.
My favorite subject to teach, of course, is ELA. Specifically, though, I love to teach reading. One of my favorite teaching moments is when I can win over one of my reluctant readers with an amazing book. I actually get giddy with excitement! In the future, I want to become a reading specialist.
What would we likely see if we popped into your classroom unannounced?
The first part of my ELA block is usually reserved for introducing new material. I like to incorporate Whole Brain Teaching when possible, so you may see me modeling our new moves or even my students creating them together. We also use this time for partner practice and review games on our white boards (oh, how I love the Dollar Tree).
The second half of our block is typically spent in three centers. Our centers are flexible, depending on the unit, but they can include: independent reading, Article of the Week, grammar practice, spelling work, mini practice tests, literary device practice, journaling, and any other skills we need to review. During this time, I typically circulate the room or pull a small group at my reading table for additional instruction.
The first part of my ELA block is usually reserved for introducing new material. I like to incorporate Whole Brain Teaching when possible, so you may see me modeling our new moves or even my students creating them together. We also use this time for partner practice and review games on our white boards (oh, how I love the Dollar Tree).
The second half of our block is typically spent in three centers. Our centers are flexible, depending on the unit, but they can include: independent reading, Article of the Week, grammar practice, spelling work, mini practice tests, literary device practice, journaling, and any other skills we need to review. During this time, I typically circulate the room or pull a small group at my reading table for additional instruction.
What gets you through one of “those” days?
I have a serious addiction to reality television (especially The Real Housewives of... wherever). It's my escape after a stressful day! After a particularly rough week, I always have Friday "book club" to look forward to with my coworkers, which definitely keeps me smiling! :)
What is one “can’t live without” teaching resource?
Dropbox! I went paperless (well, as much as possible) a few years ago, which was one of the best decisions I've made. I love that I can access my files from any computer, my iPad, or even my iPhone. I never have to bring my work laptop home, and I know my files are consistent on each computer. It's seriously changed my life!
Dropbox! I went paperless (well, as much as possible) a few years ago, which was one of the best decisions I've made. I love that I can access my files from any computer, my iPad, or even my iPhone. I never have to bring my work laptop home, and I know my files are consistent on each computer. It's seriously changed my life!
Give us a glimpse of your teaching style by sharing a brief summary of a favorite classroom activity/project.
One of my favorite activities is the I Am poetry assignment where students have to describe themselves through metaphors. Not only do they have to write the poems, but they also need to create visual representations, preferably 3-D, on which to display their writing. Years later, I can still tell you the metaphors for a good number of my students because they're so memorable! You can read about it and see some of the finished products here!
One of my favorite activities is the I Am poetry assignment where students have to describe themselves through metaphors. Not only do they have to write the poems, but they also need to create visual representations, preferably 3-D, on which to display their writing. Years later, I can still tell you the metaphors for a good number of my students because they're so memorable! You can read about it and see some of the finished products here!
What is one of your blogging goals for this year?
More than anything, I want to extend myself to the teaching network, offering my experiences and learning from yours!
I love that you are sharing new bloggers! Such a good idea! I'm headed over there now!
ReplyDeleteMichelle