Simplifying Summer Plans

I have decided to simplify my summer plans because every year I make huge plans for myself concerning learning and self-improvement but I end up unsatisfied. This year I will be setting five goals for myself to acheive between now and September 1st.

1.Keep an  up-to-date blog by posting every other day.

2. Read at least 20 pieces of literature that will add to my knowledge of Y.A or Children's Lit. (Currently still working on Wildwood).

3. Rent a tandem kayak for Alex and I so we can paddle on the Columbia River.

4. Organize my school materials so I am better prepared for Fall semester than I was for this past Spring semester.

5.  Keep to an exercise plan by running at least three times a week. This will be difficult....especially as I am looking at the ten day forecast that does not dip below the triple digits.

Organization: A Life Saver

I've always been a "list" girl but that's going to have to change when I get my own classroom. Lists just won't cut it when it comes to lesson plans and standards so I have been on the hunt for tools that I can use for the during my student teaching and in the future. The best resource that I have found was from the KindergartenWorks blog by Leslie. This blog post has it all! She describes the binder she uses and provides templates for easy organization. I was so excited to find this great resource! The templates that she provides are easily  customizable for any grade level or subject.

Link to post:
http://www.kindergartenworks.com/2011/08/binder-basics.html

 My current organization looks like these petroglyphs located in Vantage, Washington:

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First Week of Summer

Wow, it doesn't seem like I have been on summer break for the last week; traveling has made it seem like longer. Throughout the last week I have started to work on my summer reading list and exploration of the Common Core standards/assessment.

 I am currently reading a book titled, "Wildwood" by Colin Melody and Carson Ellis (see link below). I am only half way through the book and I am already pleased with my experience! The novel has an interesting plot line that allows for imagination and character development. This book would be ideal for grades fourth through sixth (this book is long so endurance is needed). The story follows a character named Prue as she tries to rescue her brother from a place outside of Portland called Wildwood. Her character is joined by a schoolmate, Queens of the forest and by magical animals.  I am about half way done with the novel and cannot wait to finish it!

My other interest this past week has been reviewing Common Core ELA and Math standards. I figure I better get use to these standards as they slowly begin to get intergrated in to Washington state schools. From the exploring I have done so far, the ELA standards appear to be comprehensive and aligned to the WA state standards that are already in place. However, the Common Core appears to be more detailed and organized in a more linear fashion. I will continue to explore the standards throughout the summer so I can make use of them in my student teaching next winter.

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun!

http://www.wildwoodchronicles.com/books

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/pilot-test/

A little introduction

Hello all! I'm currently a student at University of Southern California via their distance Master in Teaching program; I am located just north of Seattle. I am in my second semester and have been fairly happy with the program (but like any other, there a low and high points). I have been studying education for the last 4 years at the Evergreen State College here in Washington state and my concentrations are elementary, ESL and special education. Right now I am just starting to explore the profession of teaching and have started this blog in order to share resources and experiences. If you would like to contact me, my email is hattieosborne4(at)gmail(dot)com.

If you are interested, here is the link to the program I am going through to obtain my Masters.

 http://rossier.usc.edu/