Don't you just love when this happens?

I love teaching my students! I try to make it fun and memorable. Well, today it was proven that I do just that, at least with some.

Here's the story...

I love to craft during my free time. I make jewelry using mostly crystal beads and charms. I've actually turned it into a small business.  I attend craft and peddler shows when I can.  I love to create and meet different people.  I often ask my husband, "How does it feel to be married to an entrepreneur?"  I hope the expression he gives me means that he knows what that word means. Jus' sayin'!

I know! I know!  You're thinking, "What does this have to do with teaching?" Just give me a little time!  I'll get to it.  :D

Well,  I was at a Mini Peddler show that took place in my home town, which happens to be the same place I have taught throughout my entire career.  So there I was, meeting, greeting and crafting.  Then out of no where, one of my former students walks in! A really sweet girl that actually graduated just last year.  She happened to be my student when I was teaching fifth grade.  Now, that was nine years ago!

I know what you're thinking. Wow!  This teacher must be in her twenties!

Anywho, while we were chatting back and forth, two of her younger siblings, a brother and a sister, came over.  She introduced me as her former math teacher and almost immediately their eyes became as huge as saucers! The sister asked in a shocked tone, "You were her teacher?" almost as if it was impossible.  I guess my gray hairs had something to do with that.

Well, the four of us continued to chat. Some of the conversation was about the jewelry I created and some of it was about how she, my former student, was doing.  She told me that she is going to school to become a nurse.  She said she really like helping people and she also loves to bake.

Now, let me give you a little background about this sweet, young girl.  As a student, she was very quiet and a bit shy. She struggled quite a bit in math, but she NEVER gave up!  Just to she how she blossomed and how she shared her future goals with me was the highlight of my day!  I am very proud of her.

As we finished our conversation, she started to walk away but suddenly turned back to face me and with a HUGE smile on her face she said, "Miss, you remember that song? Two, three, five, seven, eleven..."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!  You see, sometimes our students don't understand or grasp concepts right away, so you have to be creative and give those particular students what works. So, during a prime and composite numbers lesson, I ended up creating a song that would help them remember the prime numbers up to the number fifty. It's a strange but peppy beat and I am proud to say pretty catchy.

When she stopped to tell me that one thing, well, that just made me gulp and smile. Yeah. My eyes also did water up a bit.

I've encountered many former students and our conversations often do lead to "Miss, remember when..."  I love those moments, because they remind me that everything I do in my classroom with my students will impact them in some way.  They will remember.  With that said, I'm going to be sure to give them something wonderful to remember.

:D

Here are the lyrics:

The Prime Number Song

2, 3, 5, 7, 11
Unlucky 13
17 Magazine
19, 23, Michael Jordan's number,
29, the last of the twenties.

31, 37, 41, 47,
"Don't forget about me!" says 43.

I'll try to post a recording later.  

Ready for a New School Year!

Summer has come and gone and a new school year is upon us. I have been spending several hours preparing my classroom as many other fellow educators have been doing.  Organizing, arranging, throwing out, and putting in items to make it look and feel like a safe, suitable, comfortable learning environment for my incoming 7th graders. Let me give you a tour.

Here is the display space outside my room.  It's simple but with a great message. "Your attitude determines your direction.  Make it a good one!"  At the beginning of every class, students will line up in front of this area.

Welcome!  7th Math and a little motivational sign I created.

Here is a close up of the sign.

Just a reminder that it's truly all about them!

Am I the only one that thinks that this is the cleanest my desk will be all year?  BTW, notice the emoji taped to the corner of my computer.  It's a note to remind me that I have morning and afternoon duty all week, the first week of school.

Front view of my desk with my name on the pennants.  You think my students will actually call me this instead of "Miss" this year?

Side view of my area. You can see how I make my table skirt HERE.

"Cell Phone Parking" using a shoe organizer.  Because, when your two-period block class becomes a 45 minute class from one year to the next, "ain't nobody got time for that" phone!  Well, only when it's incorporated into the lesson.  ;)

I started this last year.  Both types of clocks, analog and digital, to help students practice telling time.  Yes, many seventh graders still do not know how to tell time on an analog clock.  I blame it on the digital era.  Underneath my clocks are "Ask Me!" badges.  Students that prove they have mastered a skill get to wear this and act as my "teaching assistants".  They love it!  They get to teach/help other students in the class and let's face it, sometimes students would rather ask a peer for help then ask the teacher for help.  It's a WIN, WIN!

Focus/Agenda board ready!  Love the cute pencil shaped dry erase board eraser.  Dollar tree item!

My closets actually closed!!  Just kidding.  There is still room in there.  Last door: I'm challenging my students to "change their mindset" this year.

Math Reminders! Because, sometimes they need a little reminding!  I adjust as needed throughout the year.

Journals go here. And they WILL be put away neatly.  They WILL I say!!!

F.Y.I. board.  The "Missing Parts" pocket in the lower left corner is a lost and found for station pieces. It's a life saver!!! Find more info on it HERE.

Group trash bins are upside down with the corresponding group tool kit.  Trash bins are great when students need to cut pieces from paper.  Just wad up scraps, place in trash bin and when it's time to put away, a designated student "takes out the trash".  It's easier than picking up papers from the floor.  Tool kit contains color pencils, glue, scissors, pencil sharpener, etc...you know, school tools.

That's all folks!!!

If you are interested in some of the motivational mini posters and pennants, you can find them in the links below.

Posters, Group Trash Bin, Mini Posters and more!

Pastel Colored Pennants

Bright Colored Pennants

If you are interested in anything else you saw, just contact me and I'll be happy to help you out!  :)

I hope this tour of my classroom was helpful!  Thanks for looking and I hope everyone truly has an amazing and productive year!!!