I'm excited to start the year...new kiddos, new staff members, new school events...so exciting!!
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Back to School
It's that time....BACK TO SCHOOL! We had a short summer this year. My school district is transitioning to an early release (before Memorial Day). YAY!
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Always Thinking
People talk about how teachers get the summer off and just lounge around the pool....WRONG! I (and most teachers) are constantly thinking and planning for the upcoming year. We are looking for fun equipment and how we can creatively use it with our students.
Here is a perfect example...and I hope to get some ideas from you! I am in search of the dice that came in the Chick-fil-A Kids Meals. I have a handful and could kick myself for all of the story cubes that were thrown out. UGH! They look like this....
I am trying to think of some different ways to use these cubes in PE. I was thinking that small groups could use them to find out which station they go to. This will determine at random which activities the kids will do.
What ideas do you have?
Here is a perfect example...and I hope to get some ideas from you! I am in search of the dice that came in the Chick-fil-A Kids Meals. I have a handful and could kick myself for all of the story cubes that were thrown out. UGH! They look like this....
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| Story Cube Kids Meal Toy |
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| There are different versions of the story cube. |
I am trying to think of some different ways to use these cubes in PE. I was thinking that small groups could use them to find out which station they go to. This will determine at random which activities the kids will do.
What ideas do you have?
Monday, July 16, 2018
Not Your Typical Scooter
There are a couple pieces of equipment that I can bring out to ALL of my classes and they will ALL get excited. The one I want to talk about today - SCOOTERS! You might be thinking of the scooters you or your kiddos ride in the drive way or through the neighborhood. Nope, I'm talking about the square piece of plastic on four wheels.
Seriously - the kiddos love it...I'm talking preschool class to fifth grade. I don't even have to have a game or activity to go along with them. If we are on a shortened schedule or space is limited due to risers in the gym, I will give the kiddos a scooter - and their eyes light up! (I promise - behind those rainbows are HUGE smiles 😁😁😁)
I prefer to use the larger scooters. It is nice because ALL of my students can feel comfortable on the scooters and can be successful. Unfortunately, I do not have a class set of the larger scooters. To help with this issue, I have put together a DonorsChoose.org project. Check it out!
When we use the scooters, we have three main rules:
1. Do not run over fingers - your fingers or a friends ✋
2. No bumper cars.
3. Have FUN!
We have played soccer, floor hockey, run through obstacle course, had relay races, etc. Do your kiddos enjoy riding scooters? What games to do you play?
Seriously - the kiddos love it...I'm talking preschool class to fifth grade. I don't even have to have a game or activity to go along with them. If we are on a shortened schedule or space is limited due to risers in the gym, I will give the kiddos a scooter - and their eyes light up! (I promise - behind those rainbows are HUGE smiles 😁😁😁)
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| Older grade level scootering in PE. |
I prefer to use the larger scooters. It is nice because ALL of my students can feel comfortable on the scooters and can be successful. Unfortunately, I do not have a class set of the larger scooters. To help with this issue, I have put together a DonorsChoose.org project. Check it out!
When we use the scooters, we have three main rules:
1. Do not run over fingers - your fingers or a friends ✋
2. No bumper cars.
3. Have FUN!
We have played soccer, floor hockey, run through obstacle course, had relay races, etc. Do your kiddos enjoy riding scooters? What games to do you play?
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Teeing It Up In Class
The last two years we have been fortunate enough to have the First Tee Roanoke Valley come work with our 4th and 5th grade classes. Coach Bill and Coach Drew bring the SNAG indoor golf equipment. Not only do they teach and practice golf skills, they also incorporate healthy nutrition and core values. I think our kiddos can't get enough of that! It is also nice for them to hear from people other than their parents and teachers 😉
On the first day, the students are introduced to the equipment and work on rolling shots/putting. When they are practicing this shot, they are not just using a putter, some stations that are rolling or tossing a tennis ball. This is nice because it breaks up the stations.
On the second day, the students move into a full swing. They are able to hit the length of the gym. The same safety protocol is used as the day before. The class really get excited when someone hits the back wall 😀
It is a great opportunity for our students to experience an activity that can be played for a lifetime!
If you have a First Tee program in your area - REACH OUT! See if they can come and be involved with your school.
Check out some of our pictures....
On the first day, the students are introduced to the equipment and work on rolling shots/putting. When they are practicing this shot, they are not just using a putter, some stations that are rolling or tossing a tennis ball. This is nice because it breaks up the stations.
On the second day, the students move into a full swing. They are able to hit the length of the gym. The same safety protocol is used as the day before. The class really get excited when someone hits the back wall 😀
It is a great opportunity for our students to experience an activity that can be played for a lifetime!
If you have a First Tee program in your area - REACH OUT! See if they can come and be involved with your school.
Check out some of our pictures....
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| Coach Drew going over the lesson for the day. |
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| First Tee does a great job of providing "safety zones" for the students. This protects them from getting his with a club or ball. |
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| Students practicing the skill for the day. |
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Poster Paints
I'm pretty sure that in a former life I was a cheerleader...hahaha! I LOVE making large posters using my poster paints. I just recently cleaned up my set and purchased some refill paint.
If you don't have a set like this, I encourage you to check it out. A cheer team donated the set I have to our school, but I purchased the refill paint at SUPERIOR CHEER. They sell the kits and refill paints. I thought their prices were very reasonable!
Here is a sample of a poster I've made with the paints. I love being able to hang them from the screen that is on our stage. Since the walls in the gym are HUGE - it is nice to be able to make such large posters.
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| Yes, that is my Starbucks in the background. :-) |
If you don't have a set like this, I encourage you to check it out. A cheer team donated the set I have to our school, but I purchased the refill paint at SUPERIOR CHEER. They sell the kits and refill paints. I thought their prices were very reasonable!
Here is a sample of a poster I've made with the paints. I love being able to hang them from the screen that is on our stage. Since the walls in the gym are HUGE - it is nice to be able to make such large posters.
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Friday, May 25, 2018
Surprise!
A friend of mine from church (THANK YOU DENISE) introduced me to a website called DonorsChoose.org (DC) It is an amazing program that helps teachers get equipment and supplies that they need to provide a fun learning atmosphere. I have been blessed to have had twenty-two projects funded. 😲😲😲
Just last week, I had four projects funded. Here's the cool story......
I was asked by DC to go to a local TV station and talk about DC and how it has helped my classroom. I was super nervous and excited - but it is always cool to have POSITIVE education segments in the news. During the interview, a new local business, BJ's Wholesale, came onto the set with four bags of equipment and news that they would be funding ALL DC projects from the Roanoke area - that's $50K!!!! 😂😂 WOW! I still can't believe it!! How awesome is that!!?? I can't say thank you enough to BJ's. What a great way to give back to the community - supporting education!
I would like to thank DC, WSLS Channel 10, Daytime blue Ridge, and BJ's Wholesale for this awesome surprise and support! Here is the news segment and some pics!
Just last week, I had four projects funded. Here's the cool story......
I was asked by DC to go to a local TV station and talk about DC and how it has helped my classroom. I was super nervous and excited - but it is always cool to have POSITIVE education segments in the news. During the interview, a new local business, BJ's Wholesale, came onto the set with four bags of equipment and news that they would be funding ALL DC projects from the Roanoke area - that's $50K!!!! 😂😂 WOW! I still can't believe it!! How awesome is that!!?? I can't say thank you enough to BJ's. What a great way to give back to the community - supporting education!
I would like to thank DC, WSLS Channel 10, Daytime blue Ridge, and BJ's Wholesale for this awesome surprise and support! Here is the news segment and some pics!
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Back to Blogging
Ok - I had no idea it had been sooooo long since I had posted a new blog! Holy Moly! I have had such an interesting year - lots of excitement, some frustration, a new baby, and a life changing decision. Let me get you caught up.
Lots of Excitment
We have been blessed by having some DonorsChoose.org project funded. I'll share some blogs soon with more details on the DC projects. I have been blessed with a newly painted gym floor. This may not excite you...but when you see the pictures I bet it will make you smile :-)
Frustration
Don't we all have frustration during a school year? haha! If you have a school that every child is happy, respectful, and does everything right, the FIRST time you ask - then consider yourself in heaven.
New Baby
Yes, you read it correctly. My family and I welcomed Heath William Crawford into the world in February. He is doing great and his brothers are IN LOVE!!! Of course, this means I was on maternity leave. I took six weeks and had the most AMAZING long term sub. She was a former volleyball player and an unbelievably awesome young woman! I am so excited for her -she is getting married this month AND got her first teaching job. I know she will do fantastic things!!!
Life Changing Decision
For some of you, this may not mean anything to you. But if you have ever coached, you will understand how hard of a decision this was. I decided this past February to step down from coaching volleyball. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I know it was the right one, but that still doesn't make it any easier. I started coaching at Northside HS when I was in college. My Dad had taken over the program and I helped when I was home for Fall and Winter break. After I graduated, I coached a JV team two years and then in 2004, I took over the Varsity program. So, after twenty years of coaching, I am stepping down and spending more time with my family and carting my own kiddos around to their events. I absolutely LOVE it and am excited about all of the new adventures God has in store for us!
So, that brings you up to speed on the BIG things! I will be posting a couple times a week with thoughts, activity ideas, DC information, product reviews, etc. I am excited to get back on the Blogging Train! Come along for the ride!
Lots of Excitment
We have been blessed by having some DonorsChoose.org project funded. I'll share some blogs soon with more details on the DC projects. I have been blessed with a newly painted gym floor. This may not excite you...but when you see the pictures I bet it will make you smile :-)
Frustration
Don't we all have frustration during a school year? haha! If you have a school that every child is happy, respectful, and does everything right, the FIRST time you ask - then consider yourself in heaven.
New Baby
Yes, you read it correctly. My family and I welcomed Heath William Crawford into the world in February. He is doing great and his brothers are IN LOVE!!! Of course, this means I was on maternity leave. I took six weeks and had the most AMAZING long term sub. She was a former volleyball player and an unbelievably awesome young woman! I am so excited for her -she is getting married this month AND got her first teaching job. I know she will do fantastic things!!!
Life Changing Decision
For some of you, this may not mean anything to you. But if you have ever coached, you will understand how hard of a decision this was. I decided this past February to step down from coaching volleyball. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I know it was the right one, but that still doesn't make it any easier. I started coaching at Northside HS when I was in college. My Dad had taken over the program and I helped when I was home for Fall and Winter break. After I graduated, I coached a JV team two years and then in 2004, I took over the Varsity program. So, after twenty years of coaching, I am stepping down and spending more time with my family and carting my own kiddos around to their events. I absolutely LOVE it and am excited about all of the new adventures God has in store for us!
So, that brings you up to speed on the BIG things! I will be posting a couple times a week with thoughts, activity ideas, DC information, product reviews, etc. I am excited to get back on the Blogging Train! Come along for the ride!
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