December was an exciting month is our classroom. I feel blessed we are able to celebrate Christmas, though not the real reason behind it.

Here are some of the lessons and activities that happened in our class:

We were secret elves to our Kindergarten Rocket Buddies. Every day we secretly sent a note and a fun surprise to their class. The notes all started with...
On the 12th (descending order) day of school before the Christmas break, my secret elf gave to me.....

What fun for both classes. The last day we barged into their classroom to deliver gifts to each students. We were pleasantly surprised to get a gift back from them, too.

Check out the fun!

Two cuties in their pj's!

Brothers and Buddies! Very exciting :) 

Student decorated this gift for one of their buddies! Isn't it beautiful :) 

Opening gifts is always fun!

I always feel so blessed as a teacher. December was no exception!

Benchmarks

(this is from October, I didn't realize I had not published it! and now we are getting ready for the second benchmark!)

Whew.. most of our benchmark testing is over for the first nine weeks. I have 2 who still need to finish tomorrow with the special ed teacher. While this is a stressful time, I really like having the data to look at and use.

It's hard for third graders, because they have never really taken a big test before. Using bubble sheets (I always want to call them scantrons but I am thinking that is not "politically correct") is new to them. Being totally quiet for an extended period of time is also new. I understand the big push in stamina for students, I just wish younger grade teachers would catch on.

The best thing is that our district has subscribed to Mastery Connect. Have you tried it? You can find it at www.masteryconnect.com.  You put your test in, the answers and align it to your state standards.Next you take a picture of your bubble sheet and it scores it automatically for you. It is amazing. It then scores it and you see instantly how your students did individually and as a whole class. I never knew it could be so easy!!

Coming back to third grade sure feels like I have come back home! While there are definitely bumps in the road, it feels good to be home.

The Top 10 Things I Miss most about Chicago (area)

I was a lucky kid. I grew up just less than 20 miles outside of Chicago in Bolingbrook, Illinois. At that time, Bolingbrook had only about 27,000 people (thank you Wikipedia.. I look smarter than the average bear now!). Today Bolingbrook houses over 75k!!! Amazing

I went back "home" this past fall to get my oldest, John, settled in at Wheaton College. He is a freshman and seems to be doing ok (thanks for asking!).

It really is as nice as it looks. 

I, on the other hand, am feeling homesick. For many of the past 20 (I hate admitting that, makes me sound old.. but I am not!!) years, I have not felt homesick for the area at all. But starting Thanksgiving 2011, I have been.

I want to share a list of what I miss most. Let me know your thoughts on what you miss about your hometown!

10. The way people talk. Never really realized it but having heard it, as well as some phone calls I have had with strangers lately, I miss it! Weird!! I know.... But I will tell you if I ever move back, I'm not giving up the y'all I have come to know and love!!

9. The beef sandwiches at Portillos. No way to describe how the gravy seeps into the bun and makes it just soft enough....yet not soggy. The rest stays harder, crunchier, for that just right taste!! A trip home wouldn't be the same without it.

8. The drivers. What?!??!!! Yes, the drivers. While they do seem to be more aggressive, they also are more polite. I noticed people always waved when you let them in ( no! not just with one finger), they seem more likely too to let you in. I like that!

7. Burritos. Football sized. Made by true Mexicans. No other explanation necessary!

My mouth is watering just thinking about the taste of this. Mmmm 

6. Life long friends. One of my best friends are from there. Well, she now lives in Vegas, but she can appreciate all that I know and love there. One of the best blessings this year is that John has met my high school best friend's sister, Annette. Annette and her family have somewhat adopted John. He is a part of their family now, they pick him up for church, have spent time with him, and truly seem to be loving him. This seems to go with #5 but not all went to high school with me, and how can you limit the amount you want to count the true blessings of friendship!

This is my friend, Ronni. Doesn't she look great!! She is the one who lives in Vegas, and while deciding which photo to choose, I figured one that shows her beauty (not sarcastic attitude) would be best. She is also a popular blogger. You can check her out here. 

5. High school friends. Believe me when I say there is nothing better than hanging out for the night with some friends that you have known over 25 years. The laughter, even some tears, just make you feel like your heart is home.

Some of my best friends, in life. 

4. Family. I am so fortunate to have a best friend in my brother and his new wife Glaiza. Growing up, yeah not so much, but today he really is one of my best friends. I also have a great cousin that I always try to connect with when I am lucky enough to be in town!

3. Always something to do. The museums are interesting enough that you could often and still enjoy them. The lake is amazing all year long. Once I went and was able to walk out on it all covered in ice. Train rides in and out are great for people watching. Lincoln Park Zoo is free. The Morton Arboretum is amazing. The list goes on and on. (I don't find Oklahoma City to be exciting, at all!!)

Arboretum, so peaceful
(photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum)

2. Chicago style pizza. Whether it is Uno's, Giordano's, Lou Malnaty's, or any others.... Nothing compares. Many have tried (trust me, I've tried many who claim to be just like theirs), but none have succeeded in even coming close!! I personally prefer to go to Uno's downtown; it's just fun!!

Waiting just builds the excitement!

1. A few months ago, my number one would have been different, but now that John is in the Chicago area, he is the person I miss most there. I am so proud of him. I am so looking forward to seeing the plans God has for him in his life. I do, however, have to admit that I am slightly jealous of him being there. I hope he learns to love it there as much as I do!

Moving on to third ........

2011-12 school year is over. I had the best year, working as a librarian in an elementary school. I made some great friends and met some amazing students. My principal was amazing. He gave me full reign on what I did, though I am sure he kept his eye on me!

With that all being said, I have decided to go back in the classroom. Back to third grade. Back to what I know and truly LOVE. I so miss having my very own class. I have been out of the classroom for 3 years, and I am so ready to go back.

I am also changing schools (but not districts), so I can teach third. Rollingwood is our neighborhood school, and thankfully I already know some great women there. I also just met our new custodian, and he happens to be the Dad of one of my favorite students from my last school. Small world!

Look for classroom posts, pictures, and questions!! If you have any advice for me, bring it on!! I am not too nervous, yet I know I have bunches to learn!

Happy End of the Summer!

Kathy

Found a great resource

This is a great article for teachers of all grades. With more emphasis on non fiction, you can't go wrong checking this out.


Online Sources for Informational Text

Blessings Gathering

Last night was my first Blessings Unlimited gathering hosted at my house.  I am hoping word will spread, and then the business will take off. We shall see! Here are some of the fun pictures from it.. notice my Abbie and her friend Molly. They were the "setup" gals!

If you still would like to order, please check it out here:
http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/kathywhitinger/default.aspx
If you are unable to attend, you may still shop online and receive the great Guest promotions available for each month. When placing an order online, please use the User Name and Password provided above at checkout to ensure your Hostess receives credit for your order.

Don't forget to come check out this new adventure for me :) I would love if you would see what it is all about. No PRESSURE.... Thanks :) Kathy

Hard working sweeties!!

More reserved and looking sweet!!

This is just a SMALL sample of what is in the catalog. Check it out!

I need to work on my photography skills! darn iPhone! :)

This apron is so adorable!

 

WHY YOU SHOULD READ CHILDREN’S BOOKS AS AN ADULT

WHY YOU SHOULD READ CHILDREN’S BOOKS AS AN ADULT

BY JEN ROBINSON

(From Donalyn Miller’s The Book Whisperer)

1. It’s fun.
2. It keeps your imagination active.
3. It strengthens your relationship with the children in your life who read.
4. It sets an example for the children in your life, making them more likely to become readers.
5. It clues you in on cultural references that you may have missed (both current and classical).
6. It’s fast. Children’s books are usually shorter than adult books, so if you don’t think you have time to read, you DO have time to read children’s books.
7. It allows you to read across genres. Children’s books aren’t limited to mystery OR science fiction OR fantasy OR literary fiction. They can have it all.
8. It’s like time travel- it’s an easy way to remember the child that you once were, when you first read a book.
9. It’s often inspirational- reading about heroes and bravery and loyalty makes you want to be a better person. And couldn’t we all do with some of that?
10. Did I mention that it’s fun?

Creating a Reading Culture at Home

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/

Parents often ask teachers and librarians for tips on how to encourage their children to read more at home. The conditions that foster lifelong reading habits in children are remarkably robust and apply to both home and school reading. Here are some suggestions for parents who want to create a reading culture at home.

This is my graduating senior!! who LOVES to read :)

Dedicate time for reading. If we make time for what we value, we must set aside reading time each day. Set aside at least twenty minutes each day for family reading time. Each family member may read something of their choice or the family can gather for a shared read aloud.

Carry books. Add a book for every family member to your leaving the house checklist. Running errands, doctor and dental appointments, haircuts, shopping--all provide stolen opportunities to read when children (and adults) are waiting and bored.

Read aloud. For most children, sharing books with family members is their first experience with books. Reading aloud to your children, even into the teenage years, reinforces a pleasurable bond between books and family. Sharing books as a family creates memorable experiences and provides topics for discussions, too.

Provide access to books. Children should experience a "book flood," with abundant access to a wide-range of reading material. Take children to the library, buy books as presents, and subscribe to children's magazines.

Role model a reading life. Children mimic the behaviors we model for them. If they see adults reading daily and enjoying it, children are more likely to perceive reading as meaningful. Adults, who read and share their love of reading with children, send a powerful message that reading matters.

Allow children to choose books. Children should choose most of the books they read. Forcing children to read books that don't interest them turns many kids off reading altogether. While you may bemoan the less than highbrow selections your child chooses to read, support his/her independence and self-direction as a reader by celebrating free choice.