So good to be back!

It was so great returning to work this week. Your children make healing an easier job! After a few days, I felt like I had never left. Here are some pictures of the awesome bulletin board that the kids put together for me. I have never had a bulletin board dedicated to me...sigh!

Checking In

I received cards from the kiddos yesterday. They made my day, but the coolest, was my google hangout with the kids last week. Via our laptops, I could see them and they could see me. It was so awesome to see their smiley faces again. I really can't wait to get back. I know there have been questions about how I am doing. I thought this would be the easiest way to update everyone. This isn't really information for the kids, but you can share the info in a way that you find appropriate. I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on April 17th. After two days in the hospital, I am home recovering. I was diagnosed with Pagets Disease of the Breast and, as expected, I had more cancer within my breast. However, the GREAT news is, it was early stage and chemo won't be needed. Radiation also isn't necessary because of the mastectomy and my lymph nodes were clear. So...when will I be back? I was hoping to be one of those "tough ones" that could be back in two weeks. However, my body is telling me no. I still have two drain tubes in, which would be difficult to deal with at school. Also, there's the fact that I still feel as if I have been hit by a large bus! I am hoping to return on the 11th. I want to return when I know I am healthy and ready to give them all they deserve. Ms. Waterman is doing a wonderful job and I feel so happy they are with a competent and dedicated teacher. Thank you for all your kind words and concerns. I can't wait to return!

While I'm Away

It's official! I'm out of the "office" for about 3 weeks. It was hard to say goodbye on Friday, but I know they are in good hands with Ms. Waterman. I was fortunate to have her shadow me in the classroom so she knows the classroom routines and structure. I told the kids I would try to correspond some through my blog. However, it may be a bit after surgery before I feel up to doing so. I encouraged them to write to me in the classroom and share any concerns. I will miss you all but can't wait to return in May!

Two Vowels Go Walking

Our spelling words, this week, are words with two vowels. All I can say is...tricky, tricky, tricky. Kids must be exposed to these words over and over and simply memorize the spelling. When writing it, they can hear the long vowel but don't know if it's the bossy e or two vowels walking. This weeks blog challenge is to look through newspapers and magazines and cut out 5 words that have the two vowels walking pattern. Glue them on a paper and bring to school to share! Here's a short video to help with the concept!

Learning through Songs

I love that technology has provided me with many amazing resources for teaching. YouTube has so many fun and engaging songs that reinforce a concept. I promised the kids 2 weeks ago, yikes, that I would put this song on the blog. They love it and I have to admit it makes me smile each time we watch it. It's especially fun for me to put it on in class, because I get to see the students sing along and there is a whole lot of head moving going on!!!

Carnival Basket

A big thank you to all that have sent items for our craft basket. It's looking to be a fun basket for the carnival. The PTA is giving each student who brings an item, a ticket to use at the carnival. I will send these home the day of the carnival so you don't have to worry about keeping track of it!!

Our class snack supply is depleted. Many of you have sent snack several times. If you have not, please consider sending a box of snacks. It's not ever a big snack, but if we skip it..... I hear about it!

Looking forward to a fun, Spring-like week with the kids!

A new month

It's hard to believe that we are beginning a new month. This week we will begin a new Lead 21 unit and continue to work on greater than, less than in math.
Spelling Challenge: Use each of your spelling words in a sentence. Don't forget to start with a capital and end with punctuation!! Bring it into Mrs. King for a treat. Here is a link for a fun greater than, less than game that the students enjoy:

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/earlymath/BPGreatLessEqualWords.swf