Desktop Learning Adventures

image from reptilekingdom.net The other day we’d just come back from running errands, when   I stepped out of the car, looked down and saw a little baby bull  snake, about 5 inches long.   If you’re familiar with bull snakes, you know they can get really big!   Well, this little guy was not happy that I picked him up.  My neighbor and her one-year-old grandson were outside, so I thought I’d let him experience his first snake.  Have you ever tried to teach a one-year-old not to squeeze, just touch something small and wiggly?  Not sure why I thought I could, but I saw the baby snake’s life in jeopardy, if I continued with my, “just touch it, don’t squeeze” approach.   By this time the little guy (snake, not the baby) was wrapped around my finger for dear life!   OK, I get it.  Show and tell is over.  I fully intended to put it back close to where I found it anyway, just slightly removed from the driveway. ...

Back to school is a great time of year.  For those of us around my state, it means the leaves will soon turn and temperatures cool. Well, that's great for me, anyway.  (Apologies to those that like it hot.)   It is the time when everything is fresh and new in my classroom.  New ideas, new comp books for math journals, fresh bulletin boards, and new pencil sharpener (...again. I don't understand what happens to those simple machines, but I always have to buy new ones. My favorite is iPoint from Costco. Hmmm, maybe I should find a new favorite if they keep breaking...) The name tags are ready and desks are arranged.  Now, for the final touch that will make everything perfect, some fresh new ideas.    It's also time for the gigantic Back to School Sale from  Teachers Pay Teachers! This summer, I had a chance to meet a fun group of teachers from Colorado.  We hit it off like we'd known each other for years.  In chatting about our ...