Take a look...

It's in a book...Reading Rainboooooow!

If you were a child of the 80s-90s then you remember this popular PBS show starring the ever-famous LeVar Burton.  A children's story was narrated throughout the series with a lesson usually discussed at the end.  This show helped foster my love for books & sadly has been replaced by shows like the rude & annoying Spongebob Squarepants...I hope I don't ever have to subject Dane to that show.  Bleh.  I do hope to subject Dane to A LOT of books, and early.  Devin & I have already started the bedtime story routine, one that both of us were a part of growing up.  I want him to love reading as much as his mama.  Now, his daddy - well I would like to have words with whoever taught him comprehension strategies.  As in he has none.  But, he does do the dishes...and all of the laundry.

Back to books.  I love them.  From the elementary years with my nose in The Boxcar Children, to The Babysitter's Club (who didn't want to be JUST like Stacy??), to being obsessed with Twilight & The Hunger Games, to crying through a memoir or a biography, I love them all.  Lately I have seen people list their Top 10 favorite books on facebook, so I thought that would transfer to a fun blog post.  I don't have as much time to read now, but if I have an extra 15 minutes here & there, that is probably what you will find me doing.  So, in no particular order...

* Bloom by Kelle Hampton: easily creeping up to my favorite book of all time.
* Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen: just magical.
* Columbine by Dave Cullen: a whole new perspective on this tragedy.
* The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks: it's a given.
* Twilight/The Hunger Games series: haters can hate, but long live Katniss & Bella.
* Love The One You're With by Emily Giffin: fiction, but makes you remember the reason why you chose The One.
* Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: recent fave, & swooning over Ben Affleck as the mysterious Nick.
* The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd: I recently read this & the whole book is pretty much highlighted. Really its full of good advice on how to be a positive person...not just a positive mom.
* My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: My first Picoult book & the only fictional story that actually made my heart ache.
* The Help by Kathryn Stockett: very few movies are as good as the book & this one is close.

Books that are on my list to read:
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Divergent series by Veronica Roth (just because I'm a teeny bopper at heart)

What are some of your favorites?  What should I add to my list?

"Everyone is a reader...some just haven't found their favorite book yet." ~ unknown

mrs. carter...& my home away from home tour.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. Well, for a short time - a dolphin trainer/marine biologist too. Just like every other little girl in America. But, that was only for a short time, folks. When my friends were out riding their bikes, I was making my brother play school. I couldn't have ridden a bike anyway...I didn't learn how to until 6th grade (another post for another day). When my friends were getting Barbie Dreamhouses for Christmas, I was getting a real teacher desk and gradebook. The obsession started early.

This pretty lady is my mom. She is on her 33rd or 34th year (sorry Mom, can't remember the exact year) of teaching special education. Um, can you say - free ticket into Heaven? Now, I know that can't happen, but if it did she would be first in line. She is an AMAZING teacher. And, hopefully the teacher genes passed on to me.

When I was first hired, I couldn't believe that I was in charge of teaching these little 5 year olds how to read, write, spell and count. And not pick their nose. I remember crying when my room was finished and ready for my very first class. I told my mom that I already loved them so much. And, I still do. My first class walked down the aisle in my wedding and they will forever have a place in my heart. It's been almost seven years now, and they are in junior high. Don't forget about good 'ol Mrs. Carter, kids!

I truly believe teaching is what I was meant to do. For life. I'm really good at bossing people around, so this profession is perfect for me. And Donald Trump - just kidding. His hair would scare them away!

I love...
* hearing my students in the beginning stages of reading. Their faces literally light up.
* hugs that only reach up to your knees.
* notes & cards & drawings...times infinite. I wish I could keep them all.

* my team. kindergarten rules, everyone else drools. we have so much fun together & it's great to work with people who care about their students just as much as you do. it's also great when they come dressed as gangsta's for your birthday party.

* my kids' parents. also fabulous. Anything I ask, need, want...done.
A fabulous Carter Mom secretly had my entire class over to her home to stamp their feet on this banner for me. It was my good luck charm before running 13.1 miles.
Maybe if I had 200 banners I would have come in 1st place. Doubt it.

* the dull moments. Oh wait, there aren't any. Whether someone is asking me to ride the bus home with them, or tying themselves to a chair with their shoelaces, there is always something exciting or hilarious going on.
* unconditional love. It doesn't matter what I'm wearing, how my hair looks, or the type of day I'm having, my kids love me. And, I love them. I want them to succeed, strive to be better people, and of course - learn everything there is to learn.

Come on a little tour of Mrs. Carter's classroom with me. It's all ready for a new group of buckaroos.

I know there are a lot of things going on in the world of education right now...good & bad. But, as long as I keep doing what I know is right for my students then everything will be just fine.

Hip Hip Hooray for teachers...and summer breaks. :)
~ abs

I'll be back soon for a post dedicated to this playa. Holla back, y'all.