Has it SERIOUSLY Been 2 Years??!!

What??!!!
How did this happen?  It is seriously been 2 years since I have written a blog post for this blog.  I want to apologize to any followers who may still be out there! 

No excuses, but WOW, the last 3 years have been filled with change for this teacher! 
After a family move...

2013-2014 school year
I taught self-contained 2nd grade in a rural school that was an hour commute each way daily.  After 5 years in my previous school, I cannot say I made this change with as much grace as I would have liked.  I was hired the day before Meet the Teacher night, and the entire year I felt disorganized and out of my element.

2014-2015 school year
I taught my beloved 4th grade at a charter school much closer to home (only 25 minutes away).  I began the year teaching Math and Reading to two classes and added Writing later in the year.  It was a challenging year, but a year of beautiful people and children I will likely never forget!  Teaching 4th grade again was a dream, except... the state standardized tests that tortured my students. I decided at the end of the year that I would leave teaching and asked listened for God's direction.  I was distraught to leave teaching, but knew it was the right thing at the time.

God has a plan, perfect timing, and a sense of humor!

2015-2016 school year
I got a call asking if I would be interested in teaching at the school in our community (12 minutes away).  Before I realized what was coming out of my mouth, I said, "YES!"  I was hired the week before school started, and again I didn't feel organized the entire year!  I taught 2nd grade Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies with a huge team of 10 to 2 adorable classes full of kiddos.  And...I'll be back doing the same next year minus Social Studies.

I'm glad to finally be working in our community where my husband and I can more easily meet people, as this has been difficult.  When you are "empty-nesters" you no longer have "instant friends" through your children. It's been quite an adjustment.

Our school is going to implement a balanced literacy program next year using Fountas & Pinnell.  I'm super excited about this, especially since we have a specific time set aside for writing!

I shall try to get back into the swing of things, as I have missed blogging.  I hope all of you are having a fun, relaxing, safe summer!  I hope you have turned your teacher brain to low power for at least some of it. :) 

Finding New Inspiration and a Challenge for YOU

Tomorrow will be August 1st -- the month school starts... and this "inspired writing teacher" finds herself without a classroom for the first time in five years.  My family made yet another move from our beloved "Aggieland" to "Bear Country," due to my husband's job at Baylor University.  I am now longingly walking through the Back to School supplies, knowing there is no reason to even purchase a box of markers - but they are on SALE and such a good DEAL right now!! 

For anyone who was following me in the early days of this blog, you will remember that my passion was teaching writing to 4th graders. (It actually still is.)  It was difficult, but so rewarding!  I taught 4th grade for 7 years in both self-contained and departmentalized classrooms.  The job was becoming more and more difficult, life was handing our family many challenges, I had a few health issues, and my dear, dear Daddy passed away...  So, I made a change and moved to 2nd grade - a whole different ballgame - also fun and rewarding.  Blogging took the FAR back seat, like outside the car.  Oh, I was still following and "pinning" away, but was not able to write.  Some "Inspired Writing Teacher" I have been.

My Daddy was seriously incredible, and I miss him dearly.

Then came this move, and the obvious need to resign from my job.  I mean, it was time, but it didn't make leaving that empty classroom and turning out the light any easier.  Don't get me wrong.  I know God has other plans, but guess what... He hasn't let me in on them yet.  "So what is to become of this lovely blog?" I have been wondering.

Well, I am enjoying a new "season" of life I realize.  We have a new home which we are loving.  Our daughter just graduated from college, and our son just graduated from high school.  (Expect a sad post coming as he (our baby) leaves for college in August.) Yep, we are about to be "empty nesters."  I have no idea how that happened so quickly. 

Aren't they ADORABLE!!!  Kelsi - Texas A&M 2013, Kyle - Bryan High School 2013

I am applying for jobs, have had a few interviews, but no new job yet.  I wait faithfully, knowing God has a plan and knows what is best. (Did I mention, He hasn't let me in on it yet?)  I am trying to use this time to rejuvenate and refocus.  I am trying to lose the weight I have packed on and heal my body that I have not treated well.  I am spending more quiet time, more time with God.  I'm spending more time writing... Wait, What?  Writing???   Hmmm...

It occurred to me this morning that I have not only taught writing to children these last ten years.  I have also tried to share my passion with the adults in my profession.  One of the things I found so often was teachers who just didn't feel confident teaching Writing.  We all know we teach less of what we don't personally enjoy.  We also know students get excited when we are excited about what we are teaching.  It is the modeling that is missing in many cases. 

"But I can't write."  "But I never liked to write."  "But I don't have anything good to write about."

Do any of these sound familiar?  We've all heard our students say them, and I've heard teachers say them too.  Do we let them get away with not writing?  I HOPE NOT! 

Here comes the FUN part =)
How about I try to "Inspire" YOU, my TEACHER friends for a while?  I don't know if I can do it, but it's worth a try. 

Like I said, tomorrow is August 1st, and we all know school is starting soon.  We will soon be (likely already are) putting so much time into school that we will once again be trying to find "time for ourselves."  I'm going to remind you that you are not very good for anyone if you do not take time for yourself.  I want you to take some time each day, or if that is too much to fathom, every other day.  In addition to other activities you may enjoy, I want you to do some writing.  BREATHE, please :)

Now, we are in this together.  I would never just thrust a challenge at you and call it "inspiration."
We'll take it step by step, one day at a time.

Step 1:  Gather your materials

You'll need something to write on and something to write with. 
So grab one of these:

Used from home or OH SO CHEAP right now!!!

 Or one of these (filled with paper of course):

You can even customize the cover or pick a pretty color.

Or for those of us who want to make this special, (We all know who we are.)
one like these:

Now we're talking ;)  All sizes, styles, and colors - YIPPEE!

Then gather a few of these (or more depending on your level of school supply hoarding collecting):

A small sampling of my collection...

You will probably want to grab one of these:
(If you'd rather have an "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" drink and are over 21, I certainly won't tell. lol )

Find a comfy spot, and WRITE!  About anything.  Really.  Anything.  Do not limit yourself.  Write, Doodle, Draw, Make Lists, just WRITE!

But for those of you that get completely freaked out by open-ended writing, I'll give you some ideas:

*Make a Title page for your new Writer's Notebook - yeah, I talked you into getting one so that's what we're calling it.
*Make a list of reasons it is important to write, or a lists of things to write about in the future
 Brainstorm - that means all answers are written, even if they are never used.
*Write about what excites you about going back to school.
*Make a list of places you visited this summer, or a list of places you would like to visit someday
  (or both)
*Make a list of as many things as you can think of that you are grateful for today. (This is a great starting spot anytime you don't know what to write about.)

If you need more ideas, drop a comment below, and I will help you out.

I hope no one is saying, "Well, she's not talking to me.  I don't TEACH Writing." 
We all know that every student should be writing across the curriculum.  In my opinion, we, the teachers are responsible for modeling this behavior.  You're not getting out of this. :)

No matter if you love to write or you have hated to write.  I want you to take a deep breath and take this one day at a time.  By the time you go to school, you will be able to share your own Writer's Notebook you started this summer.  Your kiddos will be IMPRESSED! 

Who knows?  Maybe you will teach INSPIRE one of your students to be as excited about writing as this dear former student of mine was:

Happy Writing!!

New Class List -- and so it begins

WOW!  Just got my class list today -- 21 sweeties for my 1st year of 2nd grade
IT'S GOING TO BE AN AWESOME YEAR!!! 
Getting the class list with names always makes it so REAL -- I'm doing this another year.
I have taken on the responsibility of teaching and nurturing children for 9+ months!
No pressure, right?

So much work to do, but I'm heading to bed -- exhausted and helping present to staff tomorrow.
I'd rather teach kids any day :)

I hope you're all doing well out in blogland! HUGS!

Positive School Year 2012-2013

Today I return to work -- not the fun, creating fun stuff/printing off cute things/surfing Pinterest and blogs for hours/decorating my classroom kind of work, but the "I have to be there from 8:00 - 4:00" kind of work.  We have 7 days of various trainings, presentations, etc. before the students arrive.  That is certainly more than usual.  One day only is a "work day" to be used in our classrooms, which is the usual... I have been a teacher long enough to know that even that day will be filled with random meetings and "putting out fires" that may arise.

I am committed to keep my passion for teaching alive this year!  I am grateful to God for giving me a job where I am often (not always) able to see the fruits of my labor.  I know how important it is to be a teacher.  I know there will be times this year that I will feel like I don't know what I'm doing, like I can't get it right, like maybe 2nd grade wasn't a good idea, but I refuse to give in to the negativity.  I will tell myself the TRUTH:

God called me to this profession.
My worth comes from Him.
I am a servant, a cheerful giver.
I always do what I believe to be right for students. 
I am loved and blessed beyond measure.
I love and try to bless others!

I hope each of you remembers these things as well.  Welcome Back to School 2012-2013!

I Think I Might Be ADHD...

I know there has been quite a bit going on in my life lately, but I am thinking more and more each day that I might have ADHD.  A lady of my age probably should have figured this out by now... Do any of you feel this way?  I used to be pretty organized and I long so badly to be that way again, but...

Exhibit A:  I have the materials for several Pinterest projects around the house and a few projects even started, but seem to not be able to sit down and focus on one at a time.  I WANT TO DO THEM ALL!!!

Exhibit B:  I clean, decorate, and organize like some kind of crazy person - at home and at school!  I start working in one area. I see something that doesn't belong in the area where I am working.  I pick it up and take it to its proper "home".  Before I know it, I am working in THAT new area - oh my...I eventually get back to where I began...sometimes...

Exhibit C:  I am reading at least 4 books, no 5, no 6, oh, I'm not sure but more than 1 book.  I have books EVERYWHERE (Some, I am certain, would call it an obsession.)  Here are a few of the books I am reading now.  Would any of you like to tell me which to sit down and finish? Please? ;)

Professional Reading:

Finishing The Daily 5 from last summer...
and  Teach Like a Champion

 
In my bathroom right now:  

        A Return to Love






On my Kindle, being read, but not finished:



 
Wild and
 The Energy Bus 

Believe me, there are others, but I think you get the idea...  I think I would understand more if they were not good books, but they are all AWESOME, AND I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT MORE!!!  I'm overwhelmed and am not the world's fastest reader, cleaner, decorator, etc.  Any advice or help is appreciated, as well as any "ME TOOs" out there so I don't feel quite so crazy - lol
Anyway, I'm going to get back to Wild, which I was reading before I got sidetracked by the computer.  ADHD?? I don't know.  What do you think?
 =) Beth 

Where to Begin?

I literally don't know where to begin this post.  I have put off writing it for so long, because I just do not know where to begin.  However, I told myself I will NOT give up on this blog!!!  So here goes...

As my previous post explained, 2011 was quite a year!  Well, 2012 began with all of the best of intentions and most positive thoughts, but life continued the barrage of challenges: 

The new Texas STAAR Writing test was quite a challenge for all Texas 4th grade teachers.  Being departmentalized and teaching 65(ish) students, added to my challenge.  We did the best we could and while I think the "test" results were ok, the writing growth for our students was AMAZING.  I hold true that it is ridiculous to judge a child's writing based on a standardized test.  One of my students was taking the test the week after his father passed away... Was he really supposed to perform a the top of his ability?  Just one example and enough said on that topic...  Good news is my students loved writing FAR more and had far more "tools in their writing tool kit" by the end of the year than they did at the first of the year and I am very proud of them! =)

On a very sad note, the last 2 weeks of school, my father, who lived in a nursing home because he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, took a fall and broke his leg.  This caused all sorts of other problems in a chain reaction that sadly and unexpectedly ended his life.  Thanks to an INCREDIBLE teaching team and school faculty and staff, I was allowed to be with him the entire time he was in the hospital, and afterward was able to help with funeral arrangements and be there to support and be supported by my family.  I sincerely did not worry about school during that time, because I am so blessed with teachers who are friends.  Some even drove 6 hours to attend his funeral!  I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude for all they did for me and my family during one of the most difficult times of my life.  I miss my Daddy.  Though I did not live right near him, we were very close.  He taught me so much, and above all else loved me unconditionally.  I am so proud to know he is with Jesus now, but I will never not miss him.  He is one of the biggest sources of inspiration in my life.  I am certain I will write another post soon in his honor.

Lastly, after 7 years of teaching 4th grade, with 3 teaching Writing exclusively, I knew it was time for a change.  I am excited to say I will be teaching 2nd grade next year in my school!  This is going to bring it's own challenges and OMG, I HAVE TO CHANGE ROOMS, but I am thrilled for the opportunity!  There are many, many things I will miss about 4th grade and I can see returning there, but it will be so much fun to see younger readers and writers.  I am going to learn SO MUCH!  It will also be fun to teach Math & Science again :)  My hope is to inspire the teachers of younger grades to take writing as seriously as the other subjects and to inspire them to ENJOY teaching writing!

So...I'm not sure what direction this blog will go, but for now I will keep the name "Inspired Writing Teacher," as that is still my passion.  I welcome any tips, comments, advice, and prayers! 

Have a Marvelous Monday!!!
HUGS,
Beth

Loyd Smith (Daddy) atop "Rodeo" - one of his favorite horses.

Loyd Smith -- WWII veteran U.S. Army

Happy 2012

2012 Action Plan

Happy 2012 to my blogging "family." 

I must admit 2011 turned out to have some unbelievable challenges for me, my family, and my fellow teachers.  A new superintendent, along with more budget cuts to education, have made our jobs overtake our lives!  Well, I have worked, and worked, and worked, and...well, you get it.  I worked so hard I had little time for some of the other important parts of life.  I had become so burned out and had nothing to give to anyone else. 

One of the lessons I am learning at my ripe old age is I have no other choice but to prioritize - not one of my strengths.  I became so engulfed in my passion for teaching students (while following all of the rules that come along with that) that every other part of my life took a back seat.  I have become unhealthy physically and mentally and am going to find my way in 2012 to a balanced life. 

I am one who goes "all out" when I get something into my head, and I won't lie - I am slightly scared that I will put so many pressures on myself for this "balance" and how it is "supposed to be" that I will end up becoming discouraged and give up.  This is where #1 up there on my list comes in.  God is #1.  No matter what "pops up," personally or professionally, I MUST go to God and look for His guidance. 

The 2nd item up there is "Write" and I am doing that right now.  I love the blogging community and have received "Freebies," ideas, and inspiration all over the place.  I have, therefore, not blogged out of guilt numerous days, actually months, because I don't have as much technology "know how" as many of you and it takes me so long to figure it all out on my own. 

This year, I will "write," since the definition of "blog" is:  : a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer; also : the contents of such a site.  THAT I can do and should be doing, since a Writing Teacher should um, WRITE!  Therefore I will write in this blog, as I am inspired.  I may not offer as many "Freebies" as I would like in order to repay you all for the ones you provide to me, but I will learn and in time will become better at that.  I so enjoy sharing and believe we are better teachers when we do so. 

I realize the lack of freebies could cause me to have fewer "followers," but that is just how it will have to be.  Do we all really want followers who want nothing but free stuff?  Hmmm... I must take it slowly.  After all, the teaching is important.  For those of us also preparing students for high-stakes tests this Spring, things could get hectic at times - lol.

So, please know I am here to support each of you, and I am learning as I go.  I am committed to this blog, but will most likely do more "writing" than creating until summer rolls around again.  Ahhh, summer...what a wonderful thought!