This time, last year, I was a panicky basket case. I had just started my new career in teaching at a local college, teaching courses in law, on a part-time basis, to future paralegals and law clerks. Everything was so new - the place, the people, the courses, the routine. I hadn't … [Read more...]
Five Things Teachers Wish Your Young Child Knew How to Do
As a parent with children in elementary school, you probably often wonder, "how is my child doing?" Report cards only come out three times a year and the 15 minute interview that follows never seems long enough. You probably communicate regularly with your child's teacher through his/her agenda, … [Read more...]
I Don’t Want To
You know, I've been around the block enough times that I shouldn't have been quite so shocked the first time I heard those four words come from a young student's lips. Maybe it was because I genuinely saw the proferred activity as a reward, a break, a fun time-out from the regular classroom routine. … [Read more...]
other people’s words-passing the baton
"Parenthood is the passing of a baton, followed by a lifelong disagreement as to who dropped it" Robert Brault … [Read more...]
Earth Day in Earnest
Today may be Earth Day - but this book will provide talking points for a whole year.E is for the Environmentby Ian James CorlettSimon & SchusterISBN: 978 1 439 19455 3This book contains a handful of stories about a pair of children who begin to learn about ways they can help the earth, and how … [Read more...]
What I love about Teaching so far
Sorry I've been awol this past week. We had a beautiful new addition in our extended family and I'm a little giddy inside. I'm the proud auntie of a gorgeous new niece and she is everything precious, soft and beautiful in a little divine package! I started a new job in September as a part-time … [Read more...]
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Jeez, it sure has been a while since I last posted! What can I say...busy times around the Kat household these days. First I was miserably sick, and now the kids and my husband are down with bronchitis. Holy man, my kids have missed, like, four days of school in the last few weeks because they just … [Read more...]
When the Teacher is LEARNING the Lessons
Back in September, I wrote about some of the unforeseen mistakes I've made along the learning curve in my new job as a grade nine teacher at an Islamic school. I've played music in class, worn v-neck shirts, and grouped boys and girls together for in-class projects, all of which are no-nos, and all … [Read more...]
Back at Work…and feeling Rusty
I've been remiss in posting. All of a sudden my life has changed in some big ways, and I'm kind of running to catch up. My baby girl started Montessori. Now, in the mornings, my three kids are at school. Three backpacks, three sets of indoor shoes, three snacks. I'm back at … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids about Money Makes Good Cents
Money. It's something we all eventually earn and use, but often without much guidance or training. Although its face value is covered in school, wouldn't it have been nice if someone had given you a few lessons on how to handle money when you were young? While it may be impossible to travel in time, … [Read more...]