That's a no brainer for me. Classroom. Definitely classroom. Distance teaching was ...... a test of nerves. Trying to find lessons that my kids could do at home, without assistance and without resources was almost impossible. It was almost enough to drive me into full time retirement. Or into hiding.  Not to mention.... turning my hair gray. 

Now, the classroom, on the other hand, is a joy. I love preparing lessons for my kids. I love setting up the stations or getting out the necessary materials.  I love the questions and the interaction. I love the "light-bulb" moments.  I love to watch them explore and think and reason out answers.   

I couldn't see any of that that through a computer screen.  For me, meaningful interaction was lost.  Due to our circumstances, I couldn't see their faces or hear their voices.  But even for my friends that had online class meetings something was missing.   

Replacing the excited voices of my kids was the tired voice of their parents trying to figure out a lesson that I had thought was perfect for distance learning.  I would search for hours. Looking for the perfect at-home lesson. Bam! I found it. I get it put together.  Distribute it to my kids and then it begins. Emails, text messages, calls.  At all hours of the day and night.   Where is this? Did you forget to include this in your packet?  Why didn't you have them do something different?  Do they really have to complete this assignment or can we just do what we want?   What are your expectations?  When do you want this returned? How do we send it to you online?

And on and on and on.   Until my eyes are crossed and my ears are buzzing and I'm counting down the days until it's over.  But is it really over?   Will I return to my school sanctuary only to discover that I'm back in the distance learning nightmare?   Will I be able to stay in my room, greeting my kids and sharing funny stories with my colleagues? Or will I be placed back in my home office, trying to figure it out? 

One of my favorites!! 

And a Boom Card for Christmas



GIVEAWAY DETAILS:  

Prize: $100 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

Giveaway Organized by: Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher)

Co-hosts:   An Apple for the Teacher,  Mrs Wenning's Classroom, Chocolate 4 TeachersLockwood's Little LearnersThe Chocolate TeacherKamp KindergartenA Plus KidsThe Monkey MarketTheBeezyTeacher Teacher Gameroom,  SOL Train LearningTeaching Math and MoreCatch My ProductsAngelica's ResourcesMrs Hansens HelpfulsJulie's Learning Corner Teach Me T, Trending Technology in TennesseeDazzling DanziezThe Pre-K CafeThe Froggy FactoryEssie's Classroom Resources - Esther BobbHot Chocolate ESL Education, and Jackie Crews.

 

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter to enter.  Giveaway ends 12/13/20 and is open worldwide. 

Are you a Teacher Blogger or Teachers pay Teachers seller who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your store and social media?  Click here to find out how you can join our totally awesome group of bloggers! 






a Rafflecopter giveaway 


                                                                   Privacy Policy  
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

No.  It isn't our job to teach our political views or opinions to our students. I do believe we can answer their questions, but we shouldn't teach our students that our view is the right way or the only way. We should teach them how to assess and research candidates and political issues.  Teach them history. Teach them patriotism. Teach the origin of patriotic songs.  But teach our opinion as the truth? No.  

We are not hired to persuade young impressionable minds to agree blindly with our viewpoints, political or not. We are hired to teach young impressionable minds to think. Encourage a love of learning.  Teach them how to read informational text. Teach them how to decipher the art of persuasion.  Teach them to think for themselves and form their own opinions. We are to value and respect them, even when they disagree with us.  

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Even when we think they are wrong.  Did you ever stop to think that they think you are wrong?  Sometimes we are so devoted to our own opinions  that we fail to consider that differing views can also be correct. 

At this time, particularly at this time, it is important to show kindness, love, and respect. 


Time for fall resources!! Time for a give-away!!






GIVEAWAY DETAILS:  


Prize: $100 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

Giveaway Organized by: Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher)

Co-hosts:   An Apple for the Teacher,  Mrs Wenning's Classroom, Chocolate 4 TeachersLockwood's Little LearnersThe Chocolate TeacherKamp KindergartenA Plus KidsThe Monkey MarketTheBeezyTeacher Teacher GameroomAR Tech Star - Eva GriffinSOL Train LearningTeaching Math and More,   Angelica's Resources,  Mrs Hansens HelpfulsJulie's Learning CornerTeach Me T,   and Trending Technology in Tennessee.


Rules: Use the Rafflecopter to enter.  Giveaway ends 11/13/20 and is open worldwide.

  

Are you a Teacher Blogger or Teachers pay Teachers seller who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your store and social media?  Click here to find out how you can join our totally awesome group of bloggers! 

 



Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

 Just a heads up to my readers.  For the next few weeks, I'll be off the grid.  We are in the process of packing and moving (which is major for two pack rats!) into a temporary location while our home is being built.  It may take awhile to get internet services.  In the meantime, look for short posts on the 6th of the month. These will be give-away posts. Giving you an opportunity to register to win a $100 TpT gift card.  


To say that this year has been crazy and stressful would be an understatement.  Many personal life changes occurred this year, as well as, things going on nationally.  I'm trying to keep up at school and at home. Something has to be postponed, so I decided my blog was the best thing to put on hold - except for the give-aways.   When this is over, I'll jump into blogging weekly again. 


Until then, enjoy the give-aways and Good Luck! 


My TpT  and Boom Learning stores are still open. I am creating digital activities on existing TpT resources as I have time.  Don't forget to do a little shopping! 

                                                                    Chocolate 4 Teachers 

                              
                                              Take a look at one of my Christmas Boom Card Decks! 



GIVEAWAY DETAILS:  


Prize: $100 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card


Giveaway Organized by: Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher)

Co-hosts:   An Apple for the TeacherTeach Me T,   Mrs Wenning's Classroom, The Monkey MarketWalk with Me a Second, Kamp KindergartenAngelica's ResourcesPurple PalmettoCatch My Products,  Mrs Davidson's ResourcesThe Owl SpotEssie's Classroom Resources - Esther BobbJulie's Learning CornerHeart 2 Heart TeachingTheBeezyTeacherChocolate 4 TeachersKB3TeachThe Homeschool Style-Katie RingThe Fun FactoryTrending Technology in TennesseeLockwood's Little Learners,  ThinkPsychIt's a Teacher Thing, and Chandra Martin - Teacher Gameroom

 

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter to enter.  Giveaway ends 10/13/20 and is open worldwide.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  


Are you a Teacher Blogger or Teachers pay Teachers seller who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your store and social media?  Click here to find out how you can join our totally awesome group of bloggers! 




Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

I still remember exactly where I was, what I did, and how I felt. Do you?  For some this day is forever etched in our memories and for others it is a tale that we've been told or heard about in school.  

It started as a normal day. Up at 5 am. Drive to school.  Do final prep for the class and move to door to greet my students.  Things were moving along.  Students were busy. We were all completely ignorant of what was taking place. We were tucked safely in our school in a small corner of Missouri.  

I heard a gasp in the hallway and walked to my door. I saw the principal talking to another teacher and she seemed upset.  I honestly didn't think anything about it at the time because she was frequently upset about something. I went back to minding my own business. 

A few minutes later, the principal knocked on my door and asked me to step into the hall.  He told me that two planes had just flown into the twin towers.  I looked at his face and waited. He was good at keeping a straight face while telling a joke.  I waited.  Finally I asked him for the punch line. He just stared at me. Then repeated his message.  I asked if he was serious and he said yes. 

 I was speechless, trying to fathom how this could happen. It seemed unreal. Impossible. Yet, when I turned on the television. There it was. The horror. The chaos. The pain. The courage. It was all real. Too real.  

My students and I sat at our desk. I was silently praying, as I'm sure many of my students were. I was numb. It didn't make sense.  It didn't seem possible. But I was watching this vile attack destroying so many lives and forever changing our nation.  My mind couldn't comprehend the evil that was unfolding.

The next few hours were a blur. I don't even remember driving home. I just couldn't get the images from my mind.  Though thousands of miles away, I could still feel their pain and confusion.  

On September 11, 2001 a nation grieved together and vowed never to forget.  I know I haven't. 




Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com 

 I've learned a lot this year. To say that 2020 has been a good year would be a gigantic stretch of the imagination.  You know the saying, "When it rains, it pours." Well, I'm drenched.  And have been since February.  I feel like I'm on a skateboard rolling down a greased hill.    

And then there's COVID. 

As if life couldn't get more complicated, the pandemic hit. At first I thought the radio was joking about a toilet paper shortage. They weren't.  I thought rationing my toilet paper squares to 4 per use would be the extent to my inconvenience.  But I was wrong. 

Enter Distance Learning.  I could call it other names. But I won't.  You get the idea.  Somehow I kept my sanity during distance learning.  And being on call 24/7.  

Next came the hand sanitizer shortage.  I scrambled around to find what we had in various vehicles.  Made sure I used them after leaving the grocery store.  And still, things weren't quite sinking in.  Until the mask.  

Now, I'm a rebel at heart, but I'm also an oxymoron. I'm tenderhearted and a rule follower. Until I've had enough, then the rebel appears.  But aside from that, I tried to be a good citizen. I bought masks.  I wore masks.  And then that fateful day came when I took it off. Inside the store. I watched to see when they'd call security to have me removed from the premises. They didn't. I relaxed a little. But still my eyes were darting around, just waiting for someone to drag me out the door.  Then came the rebellion. I had that "just try to make me wear a mask" attitude.  Nothing happened. Everyone acted normal. Store associates still smiled at me and talked to me. I still practiced social distancing and sanitizing, but I felt like I had come out from behind a curtain.  And then I remembered... I wasn't wearing make-up. 

Typically I make sure I'm ready for the world when I go out. I don't want to scare people. But the most important thing I've learned about myself during this crazy time is that it's okay to step out without make-up. Now, I know I'm making light of a serious situation, but please spare me the lectures. We all need a laugh.  

Years ago a former student had challenged her friends to go without make-up and accept their natural beauty. She encouraged others to find their inner beauty and not be afraid to step out plain face. I thought she was brave. I admired her. But I didn't follow her advice. I still loaded on the cover-up before facing the public.  

Taking the mask off that day and realizing that people didn't stare at my face was eye-opening to me. I gained a confidence that I hadn't had in years.  I realized that beauty is certainly more than skin deep.  I realized that my student was right. We're all beautiful. In our own, unique ways. We are all special.  

I'm looking for a bright spot in this serious time. Something that I can learn. Something positive in all this negativity.  And this is it.  I can accept myself for who I am and be confident regardless of what others may think when they see me.  If they are looking at every flaw and fault then that's their problem. Not mine. Sure, I'll still want to cover up a blemish, but the wrinkles aren't going anywhere. I am who I am. And that's okay. 


Did you miss this post?  Click now to read it! 



GIVEAWAY DETAILS:  

Prize: $100 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

Giveaway Organized by: Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher)

Co-hosts:   An Apple for the TeacherThe Homeschool Style-Katie RingThe Fun FactoryTheBeezyTeacherA Plus KidsThe Monkey MarketLockwood's Little LearnersSecondary Urban LegendsMrs Hansens HelpfulsJackie CrewsTeaching Math and MoreJulie's Learning CornerGuide Teach InspirePint Size LearnersTeachers ToolkitThe Cozy Crafty ClassroomMrs Wenning's Classroom, Angelica's ResourcesMs. KMickey's PlaceChocolate 4 TeachersIt's a Teacher ThingMind SparksHeart 2 Heart Teaching, and  Teach Me T.  

 

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter to enter.  Giveaway ends 9/13/20 and is open worldwide

 

Are you a Teacher Blogger or Teachers pay Teachers seller who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your store and social media?  Click here to find out how you can join our totally awesome group of bloggers! 

 




Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com


 Masks have not been mandatory where I live so I consider myself fortunate. However, there are many that choose to wear them. That's okay. I don't have a problem with those that choose to wear them or those that don't.  I practice distancing and good hygiene.  Keep my hands from my face.  


In my public excursions I've noticed traits that some masks wearers share.  The first is pretty obvious. Maybe you've noticed it too.  The lack of smiles. I know you're thinking that I just can't see them behind the mask, but I would beg to differ.  Smiles reach the eyes (to be real) and I haven't noticed any smiling eyes.  Many turn their heads and look away.  Forget the smile, they don't even make eye contact.  


Some mask wearers glare at those not wearing a mask. They stare and give a nod of disapproval until the rebel is out of sight.    Then they look at you to see if you'll join in their coalition.   I call this the stare down.  Usually I just smile back at them.  If I'm not masked up, I get the glare.  I guess they're trying to make me feel guilty.  It doesn't work. 


Masks tend to give some people a sense of security- not safe from the virus security- safe from people. If they're wearing a mask, they feel somewhat empowered. Braver. Invincible. Or maybe they feel invisible. Either way the result is the almost the same.  They go about their business like they are the only ones there and ignore everyone around them.  


Regardless of whether or not you are a mask wearer, we can still be kind and courteous. We can still make eye contact and smile.  Our manners don't have to be put on a shelf just because we have half of our faces hidden.  We can still help the elderly (or vertically challenged) person who can't reach an item on the top shelf.  We can still wish people a good morning or afternoon.  We can still hold the door open for others. We can still respect the opinions and feelings of others.  Even if they differ from your own. 


And that goes for anywhere that you are- not just the store.  Being respectful and kind should never be socially unacceptable. 


Some Fall Favorites!! 



Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
Kids need socialization. Kids need to feel safe. Kids need to play. Kids need to be around other kids. Kids need to have a teacher. Kids need to be in the classroom.  At least that's one side of the argument. Others think it's too dangerous to place kids in the classroom.  It's too dangerous for teachers. It doesn't matter who you ask, the decision of whether or not to send kids back to school, is still up in the air.  Even 20 experts can't agree!

The CDC director wants kids back in school. He thinks that not opening schools will have a dire consequence on kids in the fall.   He, along with many school officials, stress the importance of opening safely and smartly.   The New England Journal of Medicine published an article stating that not opening schools can severely affect some students.  The article properly reports that schools closed in the spring because it was believed that students were the most severely affected by Corona Virus.  Now, the scientific community has discovered that children are the least affected. 

And still...... the question goes unanswered and highly debated.  Some strongely recommend that schools reopen and some use props to demonstrate that teachers' lives will be in danger if school reopens.   Some teachers even stoop to the level of making dramatic posts. Social media posts are filled with images and slogans about the subject.  Some teachers are afraid, some are angry, and some just want to see their kids.    

Who knows how this will end.  I can only hope that I'll end up in the classroom. With my kids. 


I'm getting ready for fall. How about you? 






Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
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