Curious Minds Want to Know

Laptop-3317007_1920 by Darkmoon Art, licensed by Pixabay

I *love* to learn! Why be in education, otherwise?

I like this image, because it includes all that I need when I am learning:

• computer with a ton of bookmarks
• notebook/pen because I'm a kinesthetic learner
• drink (I'm always dehydrated.)
• snack (Late nights bring on the munchies.)
• phone because I need reminders because I can't remember anything
• sticky notes (What did I do before them?)

Last year I taught students virtually. I had to use a lot of images and videos and this is how my district required the attributions. Like any new process, there was a learning curve, but I got used to it.

Anyway . . .

My problem with the internet isn't difficulty finding information. My problem with the internet is that there is too much information! I get easily distracted, and *TIME* is no teacher's friend.

I have found a few favorite bloggers that help me narrow down my searches to what I can really use. Here are some of my favorites:

Leslie Simpson of Kindergarten Works

I always work hard, but I need help working smart. Her motto is: 

"Teach smart so they will love Kindergarten -- and you will, too"

How great is that!?!

I got hooked 20 years ago when she came out with the Leslie's Hand font, and I still follow her. She has done a magnificent job of balancing the tried-and-true with staying current. I love the way she sorts through all that is available, picks the best of the best and emails them to me right when I need them.

She has so many genius tips and tools for how to save time and stay organized, two of my greater challenges.

Kathryn Warner of KindergartenKindergarten

This girl is really my very most favoritest! Can you tell that I like her? She really knows her stuff! I consider her an O.G. I don't even know when she started, but everything this girl puts out is *golden!* 

I think she may be a perfectionist, because everything that she puts out is so clearly illustrated with narratives, photos and docs. Her docs are cute but clear and simple, which are perfect for littles who don't need too much to look at. She doesn't publish very often, so I am always checking up to see if she posts anything new. (This is probably because she is a working Kindergarten teacher and has a life.) But I use *everything* she has, and they last so I can use them every single year -- her resources are that good!

Tara West of Little Minds at Work

If you have taught littles for any amount of time, you probably have something from this author. She is quite comprehensive and thorough -- and she keeps growing! (TPT has 1.6K products listed.)

If I am looking for something fast, or something that I need to start from ground zero, Tara West is my go-to girl! She does not disappoint.

Donna Boucher of Math Coach's Corner

My list would not be complete without this woman. She has been a math specialist in a Houston district for years and knows exactly what math learners and teachers need. 

Tangent: I have always wondered why so many of my elementary teacher colleagues, who are otherwise brilliant, can't do and hate math. Then, my second year, I taught in a school district that actually taught me how to teach math conceptually. (We used Kathy Richardson's original brown Unifix Cubes book.) My theory is that it's a self-perpetuating cycle. People who don't feel comfortable with math teach elementary math, and their elementary students don't learn good math concepts, so only the ones who have a natural knack for math "get it." Those are the ones who pursue math formally.

Unfortunately, this is the exact OPPOSITE of what needs to happen! Countries with really strong math skills put their best teachers in the early years, so that all their students have strong basic math concepts. Foundations matter, people! 

I don't think I learned math very well, either, until I learned how to teach it properly. Now I tell all my students, especially girls, (I have taught intermediate grades, too.) that I will make math easy to them by making it make sense. After all, numbers always have to follow rules -- at least they do in the elementary years. It has worked for me every year.

I emailed Donna when she was still working for her district, and she couldn't communicate directly with me about math instruction, because I worked elsewhere. She may be retired now? She's an official "math consultant" now. Good for her, and great for the rest of us!

There are so many excellent resources out now! If you have any favorites, I look forward to learning them from you!