Thankful for...

What the Teacher Wants and Oh Boy 4th Grade are hosting a Thankful Linky Parties. We are linking up.  Answers in red belong to Emily.  Answers in orange belong to Antoinette.
In the Classroom:
    I am of course going to say my students.  I have this really mellow class.  They are good-natured and great little independent workers. 
    As far as classroom supplies, it has to be the mini laptops my kids get to use.  I have been participating in the eMINTSforAll program.  The focus is on using inquiry based learning and integrating technology.  It is such a great motivator for the kids.
   I am also thankful for my students.  I was lucky enough to loop up to fifth grade with them and even luckier that my new additions are pretty wonderful as well.
   Not to copy Emily, but the technology in the classroom really takes my teaching to a higher level.  With the mini-notes, the students are able to practice skills on my website, research any questions they might have, and present projects in a variety of ways.




Person:
  I am supposed to say my husband, right?! (Seriously, I have been with this man for 10 years, I LOVE him.)
But really, I am thankful for Antoinette and all the ladies I am close with at work.  I love trading ideas with them!  They rock!
  I am thankful for my family whom are my biggest fans and are always there for me no matter what.  I am also thankful for my close group of friends/co-workers whom it would difficult to keep a smile on my face without.  Emily is not only a great friend, but inspires me to learn more and broadens my daily vocabulary lol!  Tracy inspires me to take my teaching to a higher level everyday.  Kristin motivates me to look to the positive and keeps me smiling and laughing everyday.

3 Blogs (only 3...)

Thoughts of a third grade teacher
Julie was our first follower!  She has some great ideas.

Ladybug's Teacher File
She can do amazing things with graphics!

Pitner's Potpourri
Oh the freebies!!

Guilty Pleasure:

CHOCOLATE!!!  Everyone I work with knows I have a drawer full of two things, Coke (aka The way I survive the afternoon) and CHOCOLATE!  Plus, I bring it to EVERY meeting. 
   My guilty pleasure would be caffiene.  I love my coffees from Friendly Bean or Starbucks and I love my diet vanilla cokes from Sonic.  I also love my coffee breaks with Kristin in her office.  Chocolate of course is always a guilty pleasure of mine. :)



My chocolate drawer!!!



Most thankful for:

My crazy, busy, overwhelming (at times) life.  I take on more than I should, and forget things ALL the time, but I wouldn't have it any other way!  This is why in the past 3 months I have painted my kitchen cabinets, am taking a grad school class, took 2 district seminar-type classes, started a blog with my pal Antoinette, took on the CAFE strategies and math workshop, District Math rep for my building in a year we are revamping everything for Common Core, as well as spent time with my husband and my dog!

   Having a career where I get to work with some wonderful people and awesome children.  I love getting into the classroom and teaching.  The kids, although difficult at times, have such great personalities and for the most part are eager to learn.  I love seeing the lightbulbs come on for them.  It is such a rewarding career.

Antoinette & Emily