At the same time that I was getting my degree in Elementary Education, I substitute taught for Nebo School District in Utah. I substitute taught in a Junior High School drama class, a High School computer class, some special education classes, and a lot of kindergarten through 5th grade classes. Once I got closer to graduating, I learned that my favorite grades to teach were 3rd-5th. Even though student teaching for Provo School District in a Dual Immersion 4th grade classroom was one of the hardest things I've ever done, I fell in love with teaching 4th graders. They were the perfect age to teach, in my mind. When I was hired to teach 4th grade at a charter school in Springville, I was ecstatic. I absolutely loved teaching 4th graders for the 3 years I taught. It was a hard choice to leave, but one that felt right, since I had two small kids. Shortly after leaving the classroom, I began Lotts of Learning, and have loved growing it ever since!
Engaging and hands-on lessons with a lot of questions and peer discussions. It took me a while to figure out why SO many of my students were raising their hands to use the bathroom right when we were lining up for their specialty class. It was because they were so engaged in my lessons, that they didn't want to leave. :) I write VERY detailed sub plans and lesson plans. Comments I have received in response to seeing my sub plans: From my husband: "I figured out why your lesson plans take so long to write.... It's because you write them in such a way that even someone who has never taught will know what to do." From our assistant principal after he received my maternity sub plans: "Your lesson plans... Oh my! So detailed! Wow! You are welcome back anytime you want a job back! You are missed!"
Team of the Year (2016)
I began my college career at BYU-Idaho. It was there that I decided to pursue Elementary Education instead of Psychology. (But, of course, I never really left the subject of psychology because it is still part of being a teacher!) After receiving my Associates from BYU-Idaho and traveling to China to teach English, I received my Bachelors from Utah Valley University.
I have a thing for puns. I make horrible science puns... but only periodically. :)
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Homeschool, Staff, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Grammar, Specialty, Math, Fractions, Numbers, Other (Math), Science, Basic Principles, Earth Sciences, Social Studies, U.S. History, Arts & Music, Drama, ELA Test Prep, Canadian History, Literature, Word Problems, General Science, Short Stories, Writing, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas-Chanukah-Kwanzaa, Autumn, Halloween, Winter, The New Year, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Spring, Summer, Informational Text, Test Preparation, End of Year, Classroom Community