The Chalk's Cyber Sale

Who doesn't love a sale? Stop by The Chalk Store for a discount on absolutely everything in my store.  Save up to 28% with PROMO CODE CYBER2016.



Creating A Network of Support: Have You Heard About Ben Franklin Circles?

What good can I do today?  That is the question Ben Franklin asked himself daily.  Franklin gathered a group of likeminded people committed to mutual improvement.  The group met weekly to discuss ways in which they could support one another by answering guiding questions and discussing thirteen virtues Franklin believed were important.  Many civic innovation projects began as a result of the Ben Franklin Circle including the lending library, the volunteer fire department and the post office.  This video explains the concept of building capacity within a peer group to encourage and empower.  As educators, we organically develop support systems.  Participating in Ben Franklin Circles will help educators focus in on initiatives that will impact more students, teachers and the community.

 

Enjoy!



Autism Awareness Activities

Light It Up Blue! April is National Autism Awareness Month. These posters and activities are a perfect way to promote Autism Awareness and begin the dialogue with young children.



Let's bring awareness to the cause by spreading the word.

Enjoy!

Using Kagan Structures to Engage All Students

This introductory video on Kagan Structures highlights how many students opt out when not engaged.  I've been using  Kagan Structures in my educational leadership program and they work.  Everyone is actively involved.  Check back soon for more student engagement activities.





Enjoy!



The Chalk's February Currently

Hello February!  Better late than never...I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy It's Farley for the February Currently.  Here goes...

LISTENING:  Hello is such a great song. Adele has a powerful voice indeed.  I can't wait to see her perform on the upcoming Grammy Awards.





LOVING:  For the first time in NYC we're off on Monday, February 8th for the Lunar New Year!

THINKING:  Midwinter Recess is coming up shortly and I have three MAJOR assignments due for my administrative class.  Although I will be extremely busy, I am grateful to have the time off to get things done.

WANTING:  I have been working on how to balance work/home for years, yet I'm still where I started. What do you do to slow down?

NEEDING:  My iPad needs protection...LOL! If I drop that thing one more time.....

SWOONING:  Friday was Go Red for Women Day and my school raised $679 to be donated to the American Heart Association.  We're committed to spreading awareness.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!



Curriculum and Instruction

Here is a clever way to think about the difference between curriculum and instruction.

Curriculum = WHAT

Instruction = HOW



Equality vs. Equity

What is equity? Equity means fairness, which is not necessarily the same thing as equality. It’s not about everybody getting the same thing, it’s about everybody getting what they need in order to be successful.

Janaury 2016 CURRENTLY

Hello 2016!  I'm excited to link up with Farley over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the January Currently.  Out with the old, in with the new.  I'm looking forward to the possibilities that a new year can bring.

LISTENING:  Unforgettable in every way...I was saddened to hear about the death of Natalie Cole yesterday.  R.I.P Natalie...







LOVING:  I am going to drink more water this year!  I downloaded the Water Alert – Drinking Water Reminder and Tracker app. I'm hoping that the reminders will make the difference. The app is free.

THINKING:  CHEERS to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. -Oprah Winfrey.  LOVE this quote! I am a collector of quotes.  Check out my Quotes board on Pinterest.

WANTING:  My clip art collection is a disaster.  I have purchased and downloaded so much clip art but have not taken the time to get it organized.  Any good ideas?

NEEDING:  I've decided to make a vision board to start off the new year.  I think a digital version is the way to go.  I might create it in PowerPoint of get an app.  I will definitely make it my screen saver so I can remain focused on my vision throughout the year. 

ONE LITTLE WORD: DETERMINATION - I have goals to accomplish the year and with determination, I WILL.
 

Happy New Year!!!