Today our audiobook-loving district librarian challenged us to read Jason Reynolds' Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and you. Her reasoning: each day we challenge our students with the text that we present to them but when was the last time we challenged ourselves.

Okay. I'm in. I am always up for a challenge. 

Racism is a problem in the United States but not everyone is racist. I am hoping for a solution to the problem, for a better understanding of the issue and not more whining without resolution. 

I did it. I moved my website again! I just couldn't do it any more. I needed a place to write to you and reflect. It had to be simple and cost effective. You had to get the message. 

When I created my classroom website on Weebly Education, I knew I had found the platform that works for me. It was so easy to use! I had my site up and ready within a few hours. The domain was view-able! Why was that so difficult before? 

What a crazy world we live in. I am shocked by schools closing. Never did I think such a thing would happen. I apologize for all those times I wished for a snow day right along with my students. 

Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this right now. Do I rejoice over an extended Spring Break? Am I fearful for my family? Am I sad and missing my students? How is one to feel? What am I supposed to do right now? 

Our district librarian has finally worn me down. She LOVES audiobooks and listens to them in the car all. the. time. I am more of a give me a book to curl up with and read type of girl. I am not so sure I want to listen to someone read to me. I want to read to myself. 

However, my book purchasing budget is limited. When she said the magic word of FREE books every month. I was sold. I can try this. Maybe I will like this. Free books is always something I enjoy. 

​Leveled ELA Groups are (were) THE way to teach. I learned this in college. Watched mentor teachers demonstrate their skill in the practice and have used it in my own classroom. It is estimated around 90% of elementary teachers use this practice. and I am one of them! 

But we are wrong. What could be worse than teaching it wrong? We are damaging students abilities to learn how to read by continuing to do it wrong despite evidence to the contrary.

Daisies are a type of wildflower that grown in the harshest conditions. Yet in spite of where it finds itself growing it blossoms. As teachers we want to bloom wherever our classrooms are. 

​Daisies are symbolic of childhood innocence, new beginnings, and a hope for a better tomorrow. They are pure, sweet, and simple. It is a symbol of happiness, joy, friendship, and passion. 

The daisy perfectly represented everything I want to be as a teacher and it is also my favorite flower.