Budding Bloggers Showcase {Jenny from Creating the Life}

Hi! I'm Jenny from Creating the Life

I am a Florida native and have lived within 10 minutes of the beach my entire life. I have been married to ‘The Mister’ for 11 years, but am approaching the halfway mark with him…..I’ve spent half my life with him (and yes, I am 22 ;) ) We have two red-headed boys. E is turning 6 and entering 1^st grade. P is 8 months and I think will be our handful. It has been amazing watching them love and play with each other this summer. It has brought happiness to my heart that I never thought was possible. 

In true girl fashion I love to shop, craft, and be pampered. I also have come to enjoy running over the past couple of years (fun fact…. I ran the Disney ½ with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and play around with photography. I’m a homebody and find peace and happiness in being home with all of my boys.

This is my 11^th year of teaching (WOW that made me feel old). I recently switched schools and now get to teach the kids in my own community. Having that connection with my students has truly made an impact on my teaching and given me a deeper understanding of them. I am currently teaching second grade (2^nd year, but 3 total). I have also taught K, 1, and 4 (6 years). I love second grade! The kids are still young and sweet, but old enough to follow directions on their own ;) I am also excited that I am getting the opportunity to stay in a grade for more than one year. I have been bouncing around for the last 3 years and can't wait to really 'understand' a grade level again. 


I LOVE to teach math! I love to use manipulatives and interactive notebooks to help my students learn and understand concepts. I try to make it as fun and hands on as I can. 

What would we likely see if we popped into your classroom unannounced?....Hopefully engaged students having fun. To a stranger that may look more like unorganized chaos. Honestly, though, you would see centers and students trying to take control of their learning (this is something I am working on very hard....releasing control)

What gets you through one of “those” days? Coffee and/or chocolate, LOL! Yes, really those two things help greatly, but so does having good colleagues that you can vent to or laugh with. If it has really been one of "THOSE" days a good run can do wonders. 




What is one “can’t live without” teaching resource?

Technology  (I LOVE! GoNoodle for brain breaks. If you haven’t heard about it or tried it… go.do.it.now.). I love the kids using iPads and computers, I love using computers to teach with (when they work), and PINTEREST. I am a pinaholic and think it’s amazing how it can connect teachers and the way we share ideas.

Give us a glimpse of your teaching style by sharing a brief summary of a favorite classroom activity/project.

I don't have a specific classroom activity/project (bouncing around and maternity leave ;) However, in all grades that I have been in I try to make learning fun and hands on, typically trying to bring my love for crafting into it. Some of my best memories from when I was in school was when we were working on a project. This past year at my new school (it is a lower SES school), I saw my students light up and get excited about learning when I turned it into a project.

My blogging goal (and teaching and life) for this year is to document more. I always have the best intentions to journal, blog, take pictures, but after long crazy days it seems to take the back burner. I want to document my teaching so that I can learn and grow, and possibly inspire/help others. I want to take pictures of my students learning so they can look back in 20 years and have a good laugh. Hopefully, you will want to join me on this journey and hold me accountable!