Welcome to DreamBigTeachBigger. After years of following different bloggers, I decided to create my own blog about my classroom. I am stepping way out of my comfort zone!
This year marks my 21st year in teaching. I am currently teaching 6th grade Language Arts and History, but I have also taught 5th and 2nd grade. As a middle school teacher, there is never a dull moment. Creating an invigorating, positive, and structured environment can be a challenge, but the end result is remarkable.
Something so inspiring and magical happened to me last year and it completely transformed my classroom and how I teach. Two words: RON CLARK. If you don't know who Ron Clark is or have never heard of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, I urge you to do a little research.
Let me tell you how my journey transpired. The day before students started back to school last year, our district hosted a back-to-school professional development conference. "You've got to be kidding me," I thought to myself. I couldn't believe the timing. My to-do list was a mile long and the last thing I wanted to do was to listen to a speaker who I had never heard of. Boy, I had no idea what I was in for. The moment Ron Clark took the stage, I was hooked! Where has he been all my life!?! I left knowing that my classroom was going to be transformed and my teaching would never be the same. That afternoon when we returned to our schools, I threw out the upcoming lessons for the week and created a new plan filled with energy, passion, rigor, structure, and love. Creating this type of environment was going to take a lot of imagination, creativity and magic. Stepping out of my comfort zone was not easy but I knew it was something I had to do and the reward would make it all worth while.
I began by ordering, reading, and applying all that I learned in Ron Clark's books. Then, I hit the jackpot: I was chosen to attend teacher training at the Ron Clark Academy. Let me tell you, that was the best thing that has ever happened to me as an educator. When I returned home, the challenge became where do I begin? I decided to focus on a few areas and then add more as I felt comfortable.
This blog will show you how I:
incorporate houses on my team, use drums to add energy, excitement, and to help ADHD students, integrate music into my lessons, use the Essential 55 rules, and create an environment where my students LOVE to come to school. Of course there are many methods that I apply that are in addition to this list.
I am excited about this new journey and I am glad to have you join me!
