LIVING THE DREAM! #RONCLARKACADEMY

guys.  I quite literally lived my DREAM when I attended the National Educators’ Conference at Ron Clark Academy at the beginning of June.  yeah. RON CLARK ACADEMY!!  …I have spent every day since then trying to figure out exactly how to put into words how truly amazing this experience was.  I’m still not sure if I am going to be able to do it justice, but I am certainly going to try.

It all started last summer. …I mean, I have always been a Ron Clark fan.  The summer before I started college I remember reading his book, The Essential 55, and being completely inspired.  …but last summer, after I read Crash Course by Kim Bearden, the co-founder of RCA, I officially added visiting Ron Clark Academy to my bucket list. It is, hands down, the BEST professional development book I have ever read.  I laughed, I cried, and I learned so much from this book, yet not one sentence was written to tell me how to teach. It was honest, moving, inspiring, and motivating.  READ IT!! 

okay.  Visiting Ron Clark Academy was officially on my to do list, but I didn’t actually think it was going to happen any time soon. …then, we did it.  We leapt.  We decided we were going to make it happen.  period.  [Can I just tell you how truly blessed I am to be on staff with these ladies!?  Holly @ Mrs. Ehle’s Kindergarten Connections, Brittany, and Michelle are the most incredible support system.  I love them and all of the amazing plans we have for the future!  #positiveposse.]

…so on Thursday we started our road trip. Fort Wayne, Indiana to Atlanta, Georgia is a little much for one day, so we made a detour to Nashville where I splurged on my first Kendra Scott necklace and went on a self-guided tour of Opryland. 

[I know, Michelle is missing, but don’t worry, she catches up with us in Atlanta.]

This sounds ridiculous, but I had so many butterflies as we rode that shuttle from our hotel to RCA for the first time.  I had so many expectations, but at the same time I had no idea what to expect.  …well, let me tell you, it blew every single one of my non-expectations out of the water.  As we entered the library, and had our picture taken with THE Ron Clark, the music was blaring, everyone was dancing, and we were immediately greeted by the students of RCA. The rest of the evening is a bit of a blur; the students gave us tours of their AMAZING school, we were able to observe some of the BEST teachers in action, and we were sorted into houses. #reveurforlife.  oh, and there was one heck of a party in the gym.  …and by party I mean a full out concert. 

On Saturday we attended a variety of workshops, observed students and teachers in action, attended a special viewing of their spring musical, AND became SLIDE CERTIFIED!! …because why should we be taking the stairs when we can take risks and SLIDE!!?  …but honestly, by the end of the day, my brain was spinning.  I was in awe of RCA’s expectations of students and staff.  There was just so much to take in.

[yes, that is Hope King!!]

As if everything we had experienced so far wasn’t enough, TAcKy PRoM was Saturday night.  oh my goodness.  …I think this picture speaks for itself.


…it was our last morning in Atlanta that truly pulled everything together for me.  I had so many ideas swirling around in my brain. I just kept asking myself, how do I take this back to my school and make a difference? How do I create this excitement for learning?  How do I inspire my students to succeed; to take the SLIDE?  …it was like the RCA staff was reading my brain.  We spent the morning hearing from some of RCA’s exceptional educators.  Wade and Hope King talked about the changes they made at their school after they visited RCA for the first time.  Kim Bearden reminded us to seek SIGNIFICANCE not achievement.  Ron Clark talked about connecting with the students and making each learning experience an adventure.  #bestdayever.


okay.  …so, here are the things I am taking away from my trip to Ron Clark Academy.

1. Next year my room is going to be THE place to be.  I already kind of love my classroom, but I plan to add a few extra personal touches to take it to the next level.  “It isn’t fluff.  It is the first step to engagement.”
2. I WILL put in the extra time to transform my classroom for some of my favorite units.  …I’m not exactly sure how, but my classroom will look drastically different when my students show up on that first morning of my Picture Book Production unit.
3. I will be AWESOME!!  …let’s face it, teachers are entertainers.  If I want my students to buy into their education then I better be ALL in with them.  I will definitely be using some different “call and response” chants in my classroom next year and if I can get my short little legs up on our desks without breaking myself, that will happen too!!

okay.  #longestblogpostever.

Ron Clark Academy was AMAZING!! …really, AMAZING doesn’t even begin to describe it.  …and since I didn’t get a good picture with Kim Bearden, I fully intend to go again!!

go.  seriously.  Just make it happen.  It will be so incredibly worth it! 

THE VALENTINE’S SURPRISE

“Create moments that will have a lasting impact on children's lives." -Ron Clark

It may not be the most educational moment that takes place in my classroom, but it is definitely one of my favorites moments!

…while student teaching, I had the best cooperating teacher ever.  She went above and beyond to share her passion for teaching.  She was an expert at creating moments in and out of the classroom.  ...and if I am being honest, I totally stole this moment from her.

[The Valentine's Day Surprise]

I love using Valentine’s Day as a unique opportunity for parents to remind their children how much they love them.  I provide the construction paper, the streamers, and the opportunity for parents to sneak into their child’s classroom the evening before Valentine’s Day. Parents provide the sweet treats, the love notes, and the creativity.

  

…because I teach at a small, Lutheran school, most of my students know it is coming; that only seems to increase their excitement!  I love the looks on their faces when they see the Valentine's explosion that seems to take place in our classroom overnight.  They smile from the moment they walk into the classroom, until I send them home on a sugar high that afternoon.

 

…and these beautiful flowers from one of my students made me feel loved as well. 

THE PIRATE'S LIFE FOR ME

okay. I am getting a little jealous of all these pictures everyone is taking with THE pirate himself, Dave Burgess. 

I didn't attend one of his seminars this summer, but I did just finish reading his book, [Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator] and I cannot wait to pirate it up this school year. 

"It doesn't matter how much material you teach, it only matters how much is received."

My copy is now littered with notes, highlighted text, and hook ideas that are applicable to what I teach. This book doesn't just tell you "what" other teachers do, it explains "how" you can make it work in your class, with your curriculum, all by asking the right questions. 

Read it, figure out exactly what PIRATE, stands for, and WANT to be GREAT. 

"To ascend to the level of greatness, you have to be on fire with passion and enthusiasm."

[no, I was not asked to write a review; these are just my fabulous opinions. You're welcome.]

SUMMER BUCKET LIST

okay, I know.  Many of you have probably had your Summer Bucket List organized by priority and color-coded for weeks, but I am just now getting around to even thinking about all that I want to accomplish this summer.

1.  I love reading.  I kind of made this ridiculous goal back in January to read 52 books this year; an average of a book a week.  ...so far I have read twelve...  I've decided that at least three of the books I read this summer should be for professional development.  This one has been in my car since I received it at a conference last August.  It is slightly smudged, but I feel as though it is full of potential.

2.  I also want to create another novel unit for my fabulous sixth graders.  ...I just have to pick a book.  I am currently leaning toward Wonder by R.J. Palacio or possibly The Westing Game.  ...other suggestions are welcome. : ]

3.  I need a better system.  I am so horrible at documenting all of those little behavioral outbursts, keeping track of incomplete homework, paying attention to who has supplies and who doesn't...  Help!! If you have a system that works for you, I would love to hear all about it.   ...seriously, help me.

4.  In addition to teaching, I am also the Youth Director at my church and I have spent many hours planning a Summer Mission Trip to COSTA RICA!!  I am so excited, and so very blessed, to be taking a group of high school youth to Costa Rica where we will have the opportunity to share HIS LOVE  in word and action.  ...there is still lots to be done, and pulling off this trip is going to be one of my biggest priorities this summer.

I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20.

5.  Relax, relax, relax.  I need me some me time!!  I can think of nothing better than endless hours at the lake, sleeping in my hammock, laying in the sun, and breathing the lake air.  ...and I am hoping this summer's Jimmy Buffett concert is even better than the last.

[with the best friend at Jimmy last summer]

Well, wish me luck.  I LOVE summer!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: OUTDOOR EDUCATION

I am once again linking up with Miss DeCarbo @ Sugar and Spice for another Wordless Wednesday.  "In the world of teaching, a picture can say it all!"


Last week was Outdoor Education!!  My 6th graders and I ditched the classroom and made our way to Camp Lutherhaven for an two-day camping extravaganza.  The weather was fantastic!! 

While on our Outdoor Education adventure, we learned how to use a compass, got creative with nature, learned a bit about probability, and went on a pretty spectacular scavenger hunt.  We also enjoyed tether-ball, kickball, volleyball, night hikes, canoeing, archery, a whole lot of sunshine.  …and I SURVIVED!! 

Check back later for a post all about our trip 

to Camp Lutherhaven for Outdoor Education! 

What EXTREME field trips do you take near the end of the year?  Is any one else brave enough to take their fabulous students on an overnight adventure?  Do you know any classes that have an "outdoor education" experience?  What activities should I work into NEXT year's trip?

THE JOYS OF TEACHING

I love my job.  LOVE.  …I especially love all of those random moments that I’m not expecting that bring a smile to my face.  This week was full of those moments and I just have to share a few of them…

1.  Apparently I am allowed to leave the building during my prep time?!?  Say WHAT??  How did I not know this?  (Probably because I only get one, forty-five minute prep period a week and I am frantically using that time to be as productive as possible.)  …this week, I just really needed caffeine.  Hello, giant Dr. Pepper from the gas station down the street!!  #instantenergy

2.  On Wednesday, a few of the 8th grade students took on the responsibility of leading chapel as part of an optional honors program we offer to our middle school students.  There is nothing that can bring more joy to my heart, or make me more proud, than watching my students share their faith and talk about how God is working in their lives.

 “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

3.  Oh, Wednesday Words.  I think I have created a monster, and I like it.  Every week we learn a new Wednesday Word, a unique vocabulary word to incorporate into conversations and spot in our reading.  As they find these words in their independent reading, they can redeem them for Jolly Ranchers. *cough* BRIBERY *cough*  Check this out.  Apparently one of my students was a little desperate for something to write on when she found a Wednesday Word in the book she is reading.  Yes, that is a straw wrapper. 



I also heard one of my students yell, “Ugh, this game is so arduous!” while playing basketball at recess.  …she immediately looked at me to see if that would earn her a Jolly Rancher. 

4.  I BLEW my students’ minds when we discovered that there are 6,402,000,000,000,000 different ways they could arrange themselves in a single line for a panoramic picture.  Yep, over six quadrillion ways my eighteen fabulous students could line up to walk down the hall!!

5.  If you teach middle school and you have yet to come up with a reason to play Disney music during work time, find an excuse to do so.  At one point during art on Friday, I am pretty sure that ALL eighteen of my students were singing along to “Let it Go” from Frozen.  I’m not talking a subtle singing, I am talking full out belting those lyrics.  Yes, even my macho boys.  …the looks on their faces while working on an art project and rocking out to Disney songs were priceless.

I repeat, I LOVE my job.