Thinking about thinking about it

Wow, I haven't posted in a while, sorry about that.  I've been living the life of a stay at home mom, and really loving it.  We've been spending the mornings in our PJs then getting on our beach gear and heading to the beach in the afternoon.  Nice life huh!

So I've decided I need to start thinking about thinking about getting back in gear.  We don't head back until Aug. 27th for teachers so I still have some time to ponder ideas.

I did make this behavior chart, which I like but I might revise my system to include an orange or blue color so they are really more ways to promote awesomeness!

I also created a back... it might be too overwhelming but I am going to include it as well and help that maybe you can give me feed back to make it more manageable.

Document front

Document back

If you want any changes or anything please let me know!

Easy as Pie Webpage

So I created my classroom webpage using my iWeb, on moblieme via Apple.  It was so adorable.  Then chazam!  It stopped... no longer available since they moved to iCloud.

So I made a new web page using Webs.com.  It was very, very easy!  LOVE it.  I guess my only complaint is I can't change the fonts (I am a font crazed girl!)

But if you need a classroom web page, I suggest checking web.com out.

You can also give me feed back on my page!

http://melissajoneskindergarten.webs.com/

Well, I am not politicial....

That is what I always say.  I don't like hearing about political things, I am not a leader in Congress, and well, I "trust" that the people in office will do what is best for our country.

But as I sit on the NEA Representative Assembly, I get a little nervous.  Do they have our best interest?  Who really attacks teachers?  Sure... the delegates from some of the larger states like California and Michigan... they seem to have a lot more to say.  At first, I admit, I was ignoring the California propaganda, but it seems like they do have somethings to say.

I am fairly conservative.  I don't want big government, I don't want a socialist society.  But I want our leaders to trust me and let me lead the way in my classroom.  I keep hearing that "teachers are under attack"  big businesses, leaders of our nation want to get rid of public education and move everyone to charter schools, all schools to be run as a business, and principals and administrator can make drastic changes on a whim.  Is this true?  Should I be worried?

I was privileged enough to listen to Joe Biden, our Vice President, as he addressed the NEA yesterday. It truly got me thinking.  I, of course, am going to do my own research.  I want to know, what is a stretch and what is a truth.

Joe Biden speaks to the NEA delegation

Listen to his speech.  Let me know what you think.  I know you don't come to my blog to hear NEA issues and political action, but it is time we do more.  Don't you think?

Mrs. Bradley Makes it to Washington!

Day one at the NEA conference. My family and I got into Washington DC around 9:45 last night right before the storm hit. My whole family snuggled in the king sized bed watching the rain and lightening. It was sweet.

 I got up early this morning for a new delegate meeting held by my state. I learned all about the different subcommittees, budget, social, new business, resolutions, and NEA procedures. Immediately after we had our first state Caucasus. It was interesting but not too much business to discuss. As the meeting was about to adjourn there were several other caucaus looking for members. Did you know there is a Jewish caucaus an Italian American caucaus you name it there is probably a caucaus for it. I think I should start a kindergarten caucus!!

 Next I headed over to the convention center to officially register for the RA. They also have a big expo so I got to walk around there for a few hours. I was excited to see the exhibits but longed for more. I think there should be a Teaching Blog Addict booth or even a Teachers Pay Teachers booth. That would have really made my day.

 Tomorrow I have an early wake up call. So I had better settle down!  I just thought I would share my journey with you!

Here are a few pictures of my day!

I didn't get to go visit Lincoln yet, but Joe (my husband) took the girl.

Maggie at the Korean Memorial.

Erin at the Air and Space Museum.

At the Air and Space Museum.

I look horrible here, but after my meetings this is where I wanted to visit. 

It is just so pretty.

Back in the hotel lobby!  

Mrs. Bradley Goes to Washington

I know a lot of you are gearing up for the Kindergarten Conference in Las Vegas... I wish I could go!  But I am packing up to go to Washington DC.

I am a delegate for the NEA conference!  I am a little excited and a little nervous.  I am not a huge fan of crowded places.  But I am interested in learning more about our democratic process, how all this works and how our voice is heard.

I am also raising money for the NEA Children's Fund.  I am sure your organization has asked you for money.  Maybe you gave, maybe you didn't.  But I am going to add my link to my page if you'd like to give.


As a member of the NEA, I know that one of the most important things we can do for our schools and our children is speak up for public education in Washington. And you can help strengthen the NEA’s voice by making a contribution to my GO NEAFund page. Your gift will also go a long way towards helping me meet my fundraising goal, helping the NEA stand up for educators in D.C., and helping our state affiliate have a strong showing at this year’s RA.  Even dollar counts so any amount you'd want to give is appreciated!

Here is the link to my personal page:
https://www.NEAFund.org/go/GuilfordEA


And if you don't want to give to my page, look for someone from your state to give! (or go ahead and give to me!)

HELP! Do I need the kitchen area?

So, as I was gearing up to go for the summer, my principal posed the question/suggest of me getting rid of the kitchen area in my classroom.  She said with the common core the place of a kitchen/play area has run its course.

Since we are only half day kindergarten, we don't get recess.  So I view my play area as an important center in my classroom.  They only go there once every 6 days.  Sometimes I pick the activity for them blocks, legos, puzzles, kitchen etc.  But most of the time they decide on the activity themselves.

I feel like if I let it go, then our only opportunity for them to socially interact without my direct instruction is gone.  Plus, they love it there.

Am I wrong in my thinking?  Is the place of play out in our day and time in the K classroom?  HELP!

That is a wrap!

Well, its all over!  Whew, I am tired.  I survived the last day as well. It went by really fast and I didn't even get too weepy!  Why do they really make us totally put everything away.  Do they really scrub our classrooms?  My room looks like a skeleton.  But I am already printing ideas for next year and I moved my desk so I see the classroom with a new point of view. 

I am going through my google documents... I am just curious how people keep it organized?  It seems so full of random things.  I started making folders but it is hard to keep things organized. 

I am just adding this one because my daughters are loving the photo booth!  Everyday I am finding new pictures.

Finally, to wrap up the day I took the girls to the library to start the summer reading program and I ran into about 10 of my students.  That was a nice thing to see.  Then we went to Friendly's for dinner and ran into other students from our school.  I guess that is the glamorous life of a teacher!