Math Exchanges

Stenhouse Publishers are offering a free online preview of this book at their website - the link is http://www.stenhouse.com/shop/pc/viewprd.asp?idProduct=9509&r=ue111028

There is an entire chapter regarding Kindergarten Mathematics. I am curious to see how this relates to Math Work Stations by Debbie Diller. I have implemented math work stations into my classroom gradually over the first six weeks and we are ready to use them - very exciting!

I use Everyday Math in my kindergarten classroom and have created SmartBoard files to use daily - you can download these from my website http://www.abc123kindergarten.com/Site/MATH_TABLE_OF_CONTENTS.html
if you are interested.

Happy Teaching!
Patsi K in MN

National Board Certification

In 2002, I became a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist. It was a LIFE-CHANGING endeavor. There was no monetary incentive from my state or my school district. I simply did it to see if I could. I was also in a Graduate Program at the time so Professional Development was the common denominator in my life - Now, 9 years later I need to decide if I want to renew my certificate. It would be yes in a heartbeat, but the $1150 fee is a little steep. So I am undecided. If you have ever considered National Board Certification I would definitely say GO FOR IT! For more information - click on the links below:
www.nbpts.org
www.ecgen.org - a community support group for candidates

If you have gone through the renewal process, I'd love to hear from you!

Patsi K in MN

Blue Ribbon School!

Our elementary school was notified about 4 weeks ago that we were selected as 1 of 8 National Blue Ribbon Schools in the state of Minnesota! Yippee!!!! It was so exciting for our students and staff! We work so hard to meet the needs of all the learners and families in our district. In November, I get to travel to Washington, D.C. for the national celebration!!! Sooooooo excited!

Patsi K in MN

Balance

As I work to balance everything going on when the school year gets rolling, I always find myself searching for ways to help me feel like I am in control! After 20 years in the same classroom and 22 years in the same house, I do have some ‘clutter’ (if you define clutter as things you don’t love or use. )Things get tucked back in behind something else, standards change, kids grow….. you get the idea. I did find a great website with a list I could relate to – check it out here: http://www.bemorewithless.com/2011/50-more-ways-to-leave-your-clutter/

I especially love #32 – stop getting organized. I would agree. I would like to just LIVE.

Make it a great day!

Patsi K in MN

Where has the time gone!

Okay - I THINK about blogging almost everyday, but the reality of life is teaching a busy room of 5-year-olds, FB cheerleading practice (I'm the coach), 2 or 3 VB games each week for my senior daughter, 3 FB games each week for my freshman son,  and being the bookkeeper for the business my husband and I own. I know..... blah, blah, blah...... but I am getting better at letting things go, unfortunately the blogging had to wait and so did the housework. But in MN, we get a 2 day break in mid-October for our teacher union professional conference, so it's time for me to catch up. Even if I haven't been blogging myself, I have been following LOTS of GREAT blogs thanks to my macbook and the mail program. So I have a few links to share and have been digging through other interests - so stay tuned...... but don't hold your breath (I don't need that guilt!) :O)

Make it a great day!
Patsi K in MN