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Four Gifts I have Received this Year at APR

I have to first say that I haven't been sticking to my blog post writing nearly enough these last few months!  I have found myself incredibility busy working with students in classes which is probably the best problem EVER to have!  This school year, has been one of growth, physically since I'm pregnant 😆and professionally because I have been learning from all of my teachers at APR and across the county. Each and everyone of you has made this year special and I feel like I've already been given gifts in the form of lessons.  Here are the top four "gifts" I will take from this year:

1. Gift of Excitement

Elementary School Students are excited...about EVERYTHING. The school students excitement makes me want to work harder for their benefit.  It's infectious in the best of ways! I look forward to helping and teaching the students because once they learn about a technology tool, they take it and RUN.  It is always so exciting to see how students incorporate technology into their world, especially because their perspective is so different than mine.

2. Gift of Belief

Kindergarten, First Graders, and Second Graders are way more capable than I could have imagined. If you ever want to be amazed, stop into a Kindergarten classroom and watch them work on a Chromebook. While the teachers in these grades have been an ESSENTIAL component for students incorporating the devices into the classroom thoughtfully, the students awe me in how fast they can grasp complicated tasks. For instance, in Deanna Jageman's class, we had students download and upload a file in order to play an educational game.  Both Deanna and I were a little apprehensive, but we figured we would try it and within about twenty minutes students were using chromebook to display their own knowledge!  It was quite a win!  Additionally, Jamie Pasquale introduced me to coding toys for young students....which I'm already plotting to buy my little one once he is here and old enough!

3. Gift of Fun and Real World Learning

Fifth Graders (and perhaps many elem. students) enjoy being featured in Videos and/or Photos so they can show off what they know. One of my favorite activities with students this year was working on the Live Broadcasting of the announcements.  When I was asked about it, I said, "Yes!  Let's do this!" but I knew I was going to have to figure out the nuts and bolts of how it could all come together. Of course, I did not do this alone!  Thankfully, Betty Saunders, Cindy Hoffman, Pam Hoyle, and Justin Raymond helped developed the process for our student association to become anchors on the APR Morning Show.  Only within two sessions, the students are a well oiled machine. Observing the student anchors, they are SO serious about the broadcast and act more like they are on Good Morning America than at their elementary school which of course is what we wanted them to do. Can't wait to see how they continue their new tradition!

On another note, students love to be featured on Twitter. I take lots of pictures and post them to share with our division what we are doing to help students succeed.  When I ask to take student pictures, they pose...right on cue. I have learned that using this type of media can help inspire our students to learn! 

4. Gift of Love

LOVE permeates the logical thoughts and actions we take for our students. The love that the educators have in the building for the students makes a BIG difference in the lives of many. I am thankful to see how much love and energy you pour into enabling your students to learn to the best of their capabilities.  This may be the BEST gift a teacher can give to their students, and I look forward to seeing it more and more!  Thank you!

For the rest of your year...

Please take the time off and rest your bones. I intend on watching Hallmark movies near the tree with some hot chocolate myself! However, this time is also one of reflection over the past year.  I encourage you to reflect upon one thing you want to try with your students in the new year.  Take a risk and let me know how I can assist!  Life is too short not to take risks!

For now though...my family -- husband, Eddie, and our pup, Penny --  wish you the VERY BEST for your holiday season.



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