So Am I Diabetic or What?

This journey began for me 25 years ago. I was in the second trimester of pregnancy with my first child. When you're pregnant, you go to the Ob/Gyn a lot. You pee in a cup... a lot. They take blood often, and they know at least as much about your personal spaces as your man …

Looking for a Top-Notch Employee? Hire a Teacher!

The state of K12 education in the U.S. has teachers sprinting out of our classrooms and into the job market. Why should you hire us? What types of jobs would a good teacher be qualified to do? The best of the best in every profession have benefited from the skills of good teachers. Many will …

Simplify Fractions Accurately Every Time!

In my experiences teaching math to 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, few things in their math education pose greater stress or a lower level of self-confidence than simplifying fractions. Students tend to fall into one of three categories with this particular skill: 1) they have no idea what to do; 2) they can sometimes get …

It’s Been A Very Long Time, So I’ll Start with Comfort Food

I haven't published anything in quite awhile. When you're a teacher, you give up a great deal of personal freedom. People Google you, and if they don't like what they find it can make an entire school year or even your entire employment experience unliveable.  Many of my teacher friends use only their first and …

Teaching Grown-ups

Homophones on the road We've been out of school on fall break for two weeks.  This is a souvenir I received from someone really special.  This is one of those priceless little gifts that probably nobody else will really understand.  It's from a husband and wife who come and mentor my little reading rock stars. …

Creating Healthy Eating Habits In Kids

1003256 Advice for parents,particularly parents of young children: Don't force your kids to eat food they don't want, or make them feel obligated to clean the plate you, or someone else, loaded for them.  Yes, I'm dead serious. Think outside the box. Have rules about trying a bite--just one bite. Fight that fight. Do it …

Does Summer Fun Equal Learning Loss?

The short answer is YES!  With nothing resembling education, they lose the momentum they gained week over week all through the school year.  But, we don't have to rain on their parade in order to maintain their academic success. Like every parent out there, I want my kids to have a really fun summer.  Like …

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom

Dear Mom, I know I wasn't an easy kid to raise.  I think that's why God gave me to you; He knew you could do it.  And you did!  I'm far from perfect, but I'm way better than just OK.  You taught us what truly matters in life--love, loyalty, family, faith, education, and moral standards. …

Why I Decided To Become A Teacher

I can't seem to find the origin of this quote.  I didn't say it first (oh, I wish I had!); but it seems well worth keeping.

A New Life With A Fifth Family Member

Emma grows with us... The only dogs I've ever had are ones I raised from tiny puppies, or one we inherited from a family member, that was raised right, and at 16 years old left very large paws to fill. : (  Emma is my first foray into taking on someone else's neglected pet with …