Refinishing old furniture

I am very excited about my newest project.   I took this old cubbies unit that was old and ugly and I repainted it white.  I added polka dots in green and blue and yellow.  I bought the buckets at target.  I love how it turned out.

Pondering, Planning, and Preparing

Summer always leads to thinking and reflection about how I can be the best teacher that I can be for the little learners that will soon be entrusted to me. I believe that the current educational system has forgotten that students are whole, real people and not just data points and test scores. I want so much more for my learners. The world is such an interesting place, a place of wonder... let's allow our children to explore, discover and create instead of testing, testing, testing. Creating and exploring allow kids to learn with purpose and passion. Let's build on the curiosity and creativity of our learners and make learning real. How can we do that???

I've been busy reading books about learning all summer. I've been pouring through books and websites about playful learning, mindsets, and all kinds of other things too as I ponder, plan and prepare for the coming year. My brain is filled with ideas, thoughts and plans. I love how sumner gives me a chance to reflect and learn new things to make me a better teacher. Some thoughts that have me laying awake at night involve the importance of making learning real and authentic for my learners. I want to add more exploration, discovery and creativity to my classroom this year. While at times it might seem difficult in light of all of the "stuff" that is mandated, I have come to the conclusion that it's a matter of passion and planning on my part. I'm excited about the possibilities this year holds.

I've still got quite a stack of books to read and summer is dwindling away. Back to my books I go...