School Supplies!

I have a secret to share!  Lean in and come a little closer as I share this secret.  It is a secret that only my family really knows!  I am sure that they want to form or find a support group for me.

Here it is . . .

I love school supplies!  I love school shopping and getting my materials ready for school.  I love all the colorful goodies associated with organizing and preparing for school.  All through the year, I cannot resist strolling down the school supply isles, whether I need something or not.

There is just something so special about the anticipation and excitement that comes with gathering my supplies for a brand new school year!  The colors and styles speak to me!  They call out to me to be creative, innovative, and resourceful!

Whether it be a new folder in my favorite color, a brand new composition notebook, or a package of crisp, white folder paper, I am always inspired by what "school supplies" mean to me.  It means that it is a time for new beginnings, new ideas, new ways to create, explore, and stretch my wings!  It is a chance to try new things, search for new ideas, and discover new ways of learning and teaching.  As a teacher, this is fuel for my heart and I love it!

As a child, my Mom made preparing for a new school year a special event!  We all looked forward to purchasing a new outfit or two for the coming school year!  So much fun!  As we looked over our supply lists for the coming year, we all participated in the planning and execution of searching for supplies for five kids!  It was a math lesson to figure out exactly how much of each item was needed, but it was also a team-building lesson too!  We had to work together to accomplish our task and we loved it, or at least I did!

My Mom always let us join her for our annual pilgrimage to our local "Longs Drugstore" to choose and purchase our new school supplies.  It felt like Christmas to me as I chose my items with careful consideration to color, style, and design!  I remember the joyful anticipation as we unpacked each brown paper sack and made a pile for each child in our family.  Each item in my pile represented new hopes for the coming year:  to succeed, to make my parents proud, and to learn new things.  In her sweet and gentle way, my Mom communicated to us that she believed in us, school was a priority, and she wanted us to be completely prepared!

As a parent and teacher, I want the kids in my life to know that school is a priority and I will do whatever it takes to prepare them for an outstanding new year!  So . . . as I prepare each homework folder and each new bulletin board, I hope to communicate that I value each student!  As I organize my supplies, lessons, and activities, I hope to demonstrate excellence and the joy of learning to my students!  As I get my classroom ready for the new school year, I want my students to know that I love that I get to spend my days being their teacher!

To this day, I think that is why I love school supplies!  It is a reminder of the importance of remembering just what a new year represents.  It is not just about pretty new folders and sweet smelling erasers . . . it is about HOPE and NEW BEGINNINGS for my students and for me!

Encouraging One Another: Mom to Mom, Teacher to Teacher

For those of you who don't know, I am a mother of five.  I have been a teacher for 20+ years and have homeschooled my children.  I have taught in private and public schools. I am currently teaching for a hybrid school.  We use the "University School Model." Students come to a regular classroom setting twice a week.  On the other three days of school, students do the assignments that I have given them. Students turn in their assignments twice a week.  With parental support and teaching on the other three days, students are supported and encouraged.  This brings together the best of two worlds in education! Accountability is provided through assignments and a classroom teacher.  Love, support, and encouragement from parents brings about stability and allows a student to thrive.

                              Hi HeiDee-

                              So, I thought of a specific question for you. I want to encourage my students/children to listen attentively through positive reinforcement, yet I'm not always sure how. The older ones have been getting better at this but it's getting the younger two on the same page. A session can look something like this: All sitting around the table and I start to teach. Someone blurts out so I stop to explain that we need to raise our hands and wait to be called upon. This sometimes follows with silliness ('ok, ok, ok') moving around, tapping. I've tried simply tapping a bell to regain order. This works for some, while others think it's a game and make comments about my bell use. While I am trying to explain

that the response is disrespectful I'm starting to loose another. Meanwhile the 2 year old is dropping 

his project and calling, 'mom, mom, mom.' I really just want to get back to the lesson but feel I need to

stop for the distractions. I feel like I'm going to loose it and shamefully do sometimes. Not sure how to

reestablish 'order.' How do I share my expectations (listening quietly without fidgeting) and hold them

to it? Thank you for any advice you have!!

PS- they really are good boys, but I feel the more orderly we can be, the more productive and the more

peaceful the environment.

“Teacher and Mom”

                       

                                   

Hello “Teacher and Mom”           

Home schooling multiple ages and grades is always a challenge. For the most seasoned teacher the 

task is looked upon as daunting for two reasons. First, teaching multiple grades requires more of a 

teacher in lesson planning, but also in time management. Planning lessons for multiple grades and 

being creative becomes a challenge as you strive to meet the needs of everyone. Secondly and most 

challenging is the classroom management aspect. It is difficult to keep some busy, while addressing 

the needs of others.

                                   

To be honest, the latter is always the toughest! Whether you have been homeschooling for one or ten 

years, keeping a handle on the management aspect of the classroom is often difficult in teaching a 

variety of ages. I will tell you that the scenario above is all to common in homeschooling classrooms. It

sounds like you work at being organized, and that is always a huge plus! I remember many "silly" 

episodes with my kids. Some days, I was extremely patient and was able to quickly redirect their 

behavior back to a lesson. Other days proved itself to be quite difficult. Sometimes, my patience was 

lacking. I will tell you this. When I am patient and in control of my classroom, my students follow with 

respect and are quick to respond to my expectations. Now, I am able to have complete control of my 

classroom when I am teaching other children. Somehow, during the days of just teaching my own, it 

was far more difficult. As a Mom, that is their teacher also, we play so many roles. It is difficult for our

children to always separate them. There is never a break for us and our kids, so I think I learned to be 

more patient. I was a stricter teacher with my kids, than I was as just their mommy. If the silliness 

became out of control and too often, Dad was included very quickly in the discipline. When they knew 

that they had my discipline, as well as Dad's discipline to deal with, behavior quickly changed.

                                   

I also looked for ways to separate my kids during serious subjects like math or english. When it came 

time for art, science, or history, we did things all together in a more relaxed atmosphere. I would set a 

timer next to the little ones and give them an activity, usually in 30 minute increments. They were 

nearby, but in a different area of the room. This helped me focus on the big kids and more difficult 

lessons. I would do this 2-4 times a day. I would also break up the mini lessons by doing two in the 

morning and two in the afternoon.

                                   

                                   

Another great way to help with management issues is to teach in small groups. Choose other families, 

with like views on teaching and child rearing, to teach with. When you can switch off or teach together, 

it helps with your kids' behavior and it gives your children variety. For some reason, learning with 

other kids seems to help with behavior issues. The desire to do well and encourage some "healthy 

competition" is sometimes very good for boys and learning.

                                   

                                  We also employed behavior charts for our kids to show Dad at the end of the day. A great day would start with 5 happy faces. If someone didn't respond to correction quickly and with a happy heart, a happy face would have to be turned in. My boys would work diligently to have all five at the end of the day.

                                   

                                   

Here is my last suggestion for today. I always have instrumental worship/classical music in the 

background. There is always a steady dose of "noise" in the classroom. For some reason, I think having 

a steady amount of background sound helps cut back on silly behavior, because the brain is always

engaged in a positive way at all times. I have done this for years. Also, studies show that music in the 

classroom keeps the brain engaged in a learning mode, thus reducing classroom discipline problems.

                                                               

I hope some of these ideas were helpful.                             

                                   

I was thinking of posting your question to my blog, anonymously, of course, with my answer. I would 

only do this if you gave me approval. I work with homeschooling families that deal with similar 

situations and I know it would be helpful to get some answers to great questions like yours.

                                   

                                   

By the way, I know that your boys are good boys. I dealt with the same types of issues with my kids. I 

can tell from your blog posts and your overall Facebook posts that you are a great mom with a great

family!

                                   

                                   

Hugs,

HeiDee

Building a TEAM of Classroom Leaders!

I believe in empowering my students to take ownership of their choices, actions, and reactions.  I also believe in creating an environment where students feel encouraged to share their ideas and respect the ideas of others!  The very nature of this environment encourages the development of leadership in each student!  Every child can be a leader.  I want to support the development of strong individuals that make wise choices and care for others.  I desire to build strong leaders for tomorrow.  Now that's exciting!  

We can all develop our students to be leaders!  Here are a few tips!

1.)  Verbally state your belief in your students, individually and as a group.  Every child thrives when he/she feels that there is someone who believes in him/her!  Be their cheerleader in the classroom and do it often!

2.)  Create lesson/activities that allow your students to exercise their leadership "muscles" by being a team leader of a small group (team).  Here are a few suggested scenarios to encourage this process:  science experiments, group projects, math games, or center activities.

3.)  Look for ways to encourage leadership by giving your student(s) responsibilities in the classroom.  When we have ownership of an environment, there is pride to care for it and make it better.

4.)  Develop team spirit and a caring classroom by using creative team building games and activities.  

5.)  Look for ways to praise your students individually and as a class (team).  Verbally support your students and encourage their success.

6.)  Students (Leaders) thrive in a positive atmosphere.  Always state your expectations, be fair, and be consistent in the classroom.  A positive working environment is foundational to developing the best team of students possible.

7.)  Be the best teacher you can be and model leadership character traits that are consistent with excellent leaders. (i.e. dependability, trustworthiness, kindness, patience, respectfulness, and hardworking, just to name a few.)

8.)  Reward wise decisions and give credit to the team when there is a success!  Leaders need to be guided and encouraged regularly.  Look for opportunities to point out when students are successful!  Positive reinforcement is the way to go!

9.)  Provide goals for your students to work towards!  Leaders need clear expectations and goals to conquer!  Inspire your students to strive for excellence and work towards classroom goals.  To achieve and conquer a goal is to succeed!

10.)  Finally, be a good listener and help your leaders to be good listeners too.  When we take the time to listen to others, we establish a caring environment.  Leaders need to care for others well.

These tips have worked for me in my classroom.  I love watching my students grow and become leaders in the classroom!  It is exciting to be a teacher!  I hope that these tips will encourage a teacher or two.  Here is to teaching our leaders for tomorrow!

Hugs,

HeiDee

Lessons from our Little Ones!

Fortunately for me, this week is a time to enjoy our family and little ones!  I am so thankful for family!  We can learn so much from the children in our lives, if we stop to listen! Today has been a reminder to appreciate the little things in life!  My husband and I have "adopted" into our hearts the Dozier family.  They have three beautiful boys!  I am visiting them this week, and I consider them my grandchildren.  This morning I was awaken by their three boys.  They are 16 months, 2 1/2 years, and 3 1/2 years old.  They were full of giggles, hugs, and joyful energy!  Being around them today has inspired me to write down the wonderful things we can learn from our little ones!

1.)  I am so grateful for the way children love!  Their hearts have the capacity to love completely and wholeheartedly.  There is something so special about the purity at which children love!  When children love those around them, it is out of a heart that is secure and at peace!

2.)  Children approach each day with boundless energy, enthusiasm, and excitement!  God has so much in store for us!   We can learn from the enthusiasm of a child!  Simply putting a topping on a small cup of frozen yogurt can light up a child's face.  We are able to cultivate an attitude of gratitude when we stop to appreciate God's goodness and blessings!

3.)  Children approach relationships and friendships with a pure heart.  They crave connection, acceptance, and love.  When they are encouraged with kindness and gentleness, they easily imitate that same behavior.

4.)  It is amazing the way simple things can bring so much joy to a child.  Today we sang and danced to  "Jingle Bells" in June!  Children celebrate life with singing and dancing.  We can learn from their joyful celebration of life!

5.)  I strongly believe in reading aloud.  There are so many benefits to reading aloud to children.  We read several books together today.  Of all the benefits that come with exposing children to amazing literature, the one I adore most is the interaction and connection that happens between the reader and its listeners!  There is nothing sweeter than snuggling up to a good book with precious little ones!

All of these wonderful scenarios above occur when a family takes a moment to enjoy each other.  The qualities of a healthy and happy home can be applied to the classroom.  Care, love, encouragement, kindness, and respect should be the cornerstone of any happy home or classroom!

So here is what my "take-away" is from my beautiful day . . .

Let's remember to dance a little more,

sing a song or two,

laugh with those we love,

appreciate the kindness and generosity of others,

look for signs of God's goodness,

use caring words with our loved ones and friends,

and take a moment to appreciate the sweet friendships and family God has given us!

Mark 10: 14

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples.  He said to them, "Let the children come to me.  Don't stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children."

Hugs,

HeiDee

Just a Snapshot of Me . . . The ABC's of Mrs Bieber's Classroom!

I love my job . . . I get to spend my days with kids!  When you do what you love, I believe that creativity and a desire for excellence naturally follow.  I am driven to create, develop, plan, organize, and produce my best for my students.  This teacher's heart is the driving force behind my love for teaching!

My classroom is an extension of my heart and because that is true, I always quickly establish my expectations for mutual respect and care in our environment.  As we work together to establish what a quality students looks like and talks like, students share their thoughts. After this happens, classroom expectations are written and displayed for all to see.  Character traits of a quality student are discussed and students quickly realize that character counts in Mrs. Bieber's classroom!  Establishing a classroom where students are expected to treat others with patience, kindness, and care, is one way that quality character traits are encouraged and developed in students!

Once school begins, I love keeping my students engaged and busy throughout the day!  Together we work hard, striving to accomplish our daily goals.  We give our very best to all that we do, while we care for one another!  When the expectations are clear and the bar of excellence is set high . . . students always reach  higher and for more!  Children thrive in an environment where they are expected to succeed!  When someone believes in a child's ability to be excellent , they always strive for their very best!

With all of that in mind, here is my a snapshot of who I am as a teacher.  It is a look into my hopes and heart for my classroom this coming year!

A is for Always Available!
I am always available to my students.  I want my students to always know that I am here for questions, concerns, and encouragement!

B is for Bright and Beautiful!
I will always work hard to establish and create a bright and beautiful learning environment!

C is for Caring!
In my classroom, everyone is expected to take care of each other!

D is for Dedication!
I am dedicated to work hard and give my students my very best!

E is for Encouragement!
I believe that an encouraging environment helps everyone grow!  We all need a word of encouragement to remind our heart that we do matter!

F is for Failure is not an option!
I work hard to make sure that everyone is on a steady path of growth academically and emotionally.  I will always work hard to figure out an alternative when a challenge arises, because failure is not an option.

G is for Generous!
I believe in being generous with whatever God has blessed us with.  Therefore, sharing is a part of our daily caring for one another.

H is for Honor!
Honor God, authority, family, and friends by being respectful at all times!

I is for Inspire the Inventor in all of us!
I love to encourage and challenge my students to build, create, develop, and invent!

J is for Joyfulness!
Be joyful, by being thankful!  No grumpy-pants people in my class!  Choose JOY.

K is for Knowledge!
We will always desire to learn and grow in all academic areas

L is for Living with a Lovely Attitude!
I believe that having a lovely and sweet attitude towards things can always make things better.  Add to the goodness around the classroom by displaying a kind and lovely attitude.

M is for Maximize each Moment!
Together as a class, we will work hard to maximize our time and use our time wisely!

N is for Navigators!
Navigators map out a strategy to get from one place to another.  Students will use this skill to plan and figure out lessons and assignments individually and in small groups.

O is for Outstanding!
We will work hard to give our very best for an Outstanding grade of excellence!

P is for Patience and Peacefulness!
We will all strive to have patience with one another.  In my classroom I believe in establishing a peaceful learning environment!

Q is Quick-Thinking!
We will challenge our minds to think quickly as we learn facts and figures!

R is Readiness and Resourcefulness!
We will be ready and prepared everyday!

S is for Success!
Everyone will be successful, as we work together, learn together, and try our best together!

T is for Trusting!
You can trust that I will give my very best and I will work hard to establish a safe and trusting classroom!  You can trust me!

U is for Understanding others!
We will work to develop a caring classroom by showing others empathy and kindness, as we work to understand one another.

V is for Victorious!
We will conquer challenging academic areas with a winning attitude of victory!

W is for Walking in Wisdom!
How do we walk in Wisdom ? We stop and think about our actions and words first!  We use self-control and ask for help when needed.

X is for eXtra eXcellence Everyday!
We will strive, desire, and work towards excellence each day!  Let's give a bit extra to work towards excellence!

Y is for You are valued!
You are valued!  Your child is valued!  Your family is valued in this place!

Z is for Zany fun!
We are going to learn a lot, but we are going to have a lot of zany fun too!

Ten Simple and Engaging Learning Activities!

Here is a list of fun activities to do this summer that encourage learning and fun!

1.)  Encourage your child to write.  You may purchase a plain postcard with postage on it for $.32 each at any post office!  For less than a dollar, you can have your child write three postcards and brighten someone's day!

  

2.)  More writing is a finger tip away.   Set-up a parent-protected email account for your child at google mail.com.  This is a great way to encourage your child to write.  Email letters can be written to grandparents, family members, and friends.  

3.)  Visit your local library weekly.  Our local library is a wonderful free gift to all of us!  Most have a summer reading program that your child can participate in!

4.)  Purchase a sketchbook and encourage your child to spend some time outdoors drawing and sketching.  With a box of crayons, colored pencils, and markers, your child can create to his/her hearts content!

5.)  Cooking Fun!  Let your child assist you in the kitchen, as you bake or make a meal.  Measuring is math, plus reading a recipe is both educational and fun!

6.)  Photography Fun!  Digital photography has made it easy to allow our kids to become amateur photographers!  Have your child take a photo a day for the entire summer to chronicle your family's adventures!

7.)  There is a limited time in a child's life for reading aloud with a parent.  Maximize this time and use these summer days to read aloud to your child!  Wonderful adventures are just around the corner with each book that is shared.  Here is a wonderful list of read aloud books with book descriptions. 
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/whatsnu-reviews.html

8.)  Get on out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of North Georgia.  There are so many wonderful parks, walking/biking paths, and hiking areas to enjoy.  Sawnee Mountain Preserve is one hike that is great for the whole family (Ages 5 and up).  Students can take a sketchbook and sketch at the top of the mountain.  Remember to pack a bottle of water too!  http://www.sawneemountain.org/#!

9.)  Check online to find out about FREE summer programs held by Lowes and Home Depot!  Both programs encourage your child to build and create!  These activities promote and develop listening skills, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity!

Lowes:  

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

Home Depot:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=HT_WS_KidsWorkshops

10.)  Many of you already have a craft area in your home.  When my children were growing up, we had  a file cabinet called the "Inventor's Box."  Here was where I placed all kinds of craft and recycled items.  My children would create for hours and to this day, they still talk about it.  A file cabinet is a great place to house all of these scrap items, I mean "treasures."  Encourage creativity and fun in your child with a few of your unused or unwanted arts and crafts items!

Feeling a Bit Cluttered?

I am currently in the process of organizing at my house and in my classroom!  I am a night owl, so most of my inspiration and drive happens after 10pm.  I know it is crazy, but that is when my creative juices really flow!  For the past two weeks, I have been in high gear for this annual event at my home!  I think I may be driving my family a bit crazy, but they have been sweetly putting up with me!  I will be sharing some of my progress in pictures to come.  I will also be sharing a few blogs that have inspired me along this exciting adventure of cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering my life!

The first blog that I have enjoyed getting ideas from is Charlotte's Blog:  AttemptingAloha.  She recently moved to Hawaii and shares her organizational and DIY tips!  Enjoy!

Hugs, HeiDee

A Teacher's Heart and Passion!

Plain and simple . . . teaching and empowering kids to learn and grow is my PASSION! I love designing lessons, creating engaging activities, and discovering new ways for my students to learn.  My passion to teach flows from a heart that was nurtured by a gifted teacher, my MOM!  Education is in my blood! In one form or another, all of my siblings have taught or continue to teach.  I am a mother of five and now my oldest daughter is about to student teach this coming fall, while my second oldest is currently a dance teacher.  Teaching seems to be our "family business."

My husband and I have been married for 27 years and we love kids and families!  We love hearing lively voices and laughter in our home!  We currently have four adult children, and one teenager getting ready to be a sophomore in the fall.  We have loved the privilege of being parents to our five children.  Parenting has been a gift and a responsibility that we have welcomed.  Together, as a team,  we have desired to raise children who love one another and respect each other.  From these core beliefs, we hoped that they would take that love and respect to reach out and care for others around them.  We are a family that loves being together and it is such a joy to celebrate and enjoy all that is evolving and developing in their individual lives!  We feel so blessed to be a part of our Bieber family!

The joy of family and friendship has spilled and overflowed into my classroom.  My classroom has always been an extension of my heart!  Each year, I desire to provide a learning environment that allows children to thrive, a place of encouragement and growth!  I love learning, so I am always researching and creating new activities for my students.  I am always looking for new ways to teach concepts and ideas to enrich my learning, as well as my students! 

In this blog, I hope to share some of the wonderful things we are discovering and learning in the classroom this coming school year.  I will also share some Bieberisms, regarding parenting and family life!  I hope that someone out there is encouraged by my posts about education, the classroom, and the family!  Happy Learning . . . HeiDee