And so it begins...

Hi! My name is Shannon and I'm beginning two journeys this year!

 So you know a bit about who you're chatting with, let me tell you a bit about me. Next school year will be my 16th year of teaching, 15 of which have been at the same school. I am teaching third grade now after having taught kinder, first, fifth, and second. I've gotta say, I love third grade!

I've also got an incredible family. My husband is just starting to understand the teacher workday doesn't end, well, ever! My son is always busy with baseball and just being a boy.I think sometimes he gets frustrated with how much I have to do for work, but I try my best to balance it all. The last few days, however, have been grueling.

And now, about those journeys...

I've spent the last two days cleaning out my classroom. I'm getting ready for a new experience. I'm going to implement whole brain teaching this year! I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous to begin this journey, but I think the excitement outweighs the nerves. I've been studying Chris Biffle's book, Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids, and watching as many of his videos as possible on YouTube.

Thus far I have conquered the Class-Yes strategy by practicing in the mirror. I felt pretty goofy, but someone in the forum suggested it (forgive me because I do not remember who) and it's been helpful. The real test will come on the first day of school! Mr. Biffle, or Coach B., says to teach the kids the Class-Yes strategy while in the hallway. I'm not sure I will do that, but the strategy will definitely be the first one I teach! The group coming up is a bit rowdy. I know this because I could hear them through my wall last year. Everyday. All day. That's why I went looking for something new to help their sanity and mine! Whole brain teaching is going to help bring the fun back into teaching. I've been stuck in the hum-drum too long and can't wait to try it!

Then there's my second journey that I am tackling this year. This blog! I'm technologically challenged and have never done this, so please be patient with me as I learn. I promise it will only get better! In any case, I have to thank Sarah Meador at www.wbtforme.com because I have been using her blog page to help me learn. I couldn't have done it without her!

Well folk, seeing as it is Sunday, I think it's time to be with my family. Thanks for stopping by and I will be back soon with more updates and a few ideas!