Little Girl, Big World

5th Grade. It may be challenging sometimes (most times), but I love it. I'm proud of the sense of community we've established; it still surprises me how much they step up and show me that they are capable of having genuine, mature discussions. Many of them are naturally motivated to succeed, and that inspires me to get the rest on the same page!  My largest goal is to push them to be independent thinkers and problem solvers by the time they go off to middle school next year. Keep your fingers crossed for me.    Here are some of my classroom pictures!! Sorry it has taken so long for me to post some. Enjoy!  84 jobs you cannot have if you drop math. All about the real world application! Reading area... This is an AWESOME goal-setting app that I am in love with.  I have my rules. Then I thought they should make their own as well.  Reading Nook assignment-- kiddies had to make a Nook ...

This weekend was my first traveling adventure in Venezuela! We drove 8 hours to sleep in hammocks in the middle of the lake. It was awesome. The drive--not so much. The worst part was that we were squished in together and it was difficult for me to move my long limbs around. The best part was that we REALLY got to know each other. Friday night we arrived around 1am; we slept in a hotel-like place. Saturday we woke up, had some breakfast and explored the property. The nature was so beautiful... AND I got to see a golden retriever! Can't get much better than that! After, we went to a place that had a cave and a zipline. The cave made me really think about how difficult it would be to be blind (of course I would think that way). Some parts were terrifying, but the craziest part was that bats were flying all around us.  I hit my head a number of times on the sharp rocks that stood above me. The guide told us about the myths that carry on about the cave, and the pirates and treasures th...