Did You Know Fun Fact

The Hamilton Troll Series by Kathleen Shields

Check out the website of Kathleen Shields, an award-winning Texas author.

She writes the Hamilton Troll series, an educational and fun set of books that explores various fun topics and boosts self-image.

She also hosts Troll TV (videos), as well as provides a coloring and activity, plus curriculum workbooks that include language arts, math, and science.

 For more information, visit her website KathleensBooks.

Sharing a Moment From Amanda Cox

I found this on Facebook and had to share:

Today I was running low on pencils so I asked all of my kids to pull out any of my pencils that they had in their desks. I had one student ask me if he could keep his pencils that his mom gave him for school. Of course, I said yes. He then said, “well, I guess I’ll give you a few so my classmates can have them too.” I thought nothing of it and took the pencils that he handed me. When I was sharpening them, I noticed writing on a few of them. I then realized that my student’s mother took the time to write on his pencils. I asked him if he would mind showing me the rest of them. What I read melted my heart:

- You are so talented.
- This will be a great year.
- You are creative.
- You are phenomenal.
- Never give up.
- You can do this.
- You are knowledgeable.
- You are a math whiz.
- You are intelligent.
- Proud of you everyday.
- I love you.
- You have a brilliant mind.
- You are wonderful.
- You are a problem solver.
- Follow your dreams.
- You are perfect.
- I am proud of you.
- You will change the world.
- You are amazing.
- You are the best.
- You are important.

This probably took his mom a few minutes to do yet it lit up his whole day at school. He wasn’t embarrassed that his mom wrote on his pencils. Thanks to his mom, he was reminded of his self worth and wanted to share the same feeling with his classmates. THESE are the things that we should be reminding our kids (both parents AND teachers). Imagine the look on a child’s face when they are reminded that they are important, talented, loved, knowledgeable and so much more. Help them know that someone believes in them and is proud of them in everything they do. Even if you think it is cheesy or you don’t have enough time or that you will have little impact, remember that you may be the only one telling and reminding them these things and EVERY kid needs to know their value. This is why I teach. 

Did You Know Fun Fact

Call It Out!

Parents and the First Day of School

Did You Know Fun Fact

A Trauma Sensitive Classroom Tip

Find Someone Who...Teacher Work Week Edition

Did You Know Fun Fact

52 (Hands-on) Games and Activities to Make Learning Letters and Sounds Fun

Link Here

Did You Know Fun Fact

Let Them Start the School Year With a Clean Slate

Announcing a Change in My Friday Posts

In the past couple of years I've been posting a series of pictures and facts that teachers could use throughout the year. In the 2017-18 school year, it was "5 Minute Science Lessons". In the 2018-19 school year, it was "Up Close - What Is It?", featuring microscopic pics of ordinary things that gave children a different perspective on them.

This coming school year, 2019-20, I'll be posting "Did You Know?" and "Fun Facts" that I found both interesting and fascinating. Feel free to use these pictures to springboard classroom discussions about similar topics.

I hope you all enjoy!