Common Core Questions

I have some questions for all you 4th grade teaching peeps out there today:

{I know that both of these curriculum people have documents that they say align to Common Core.  I have poured over those documents, and I would be hard pressed to say that many concepts are taught to a level of assessable mastery.  Please don't refer me to those documents.  If you've looked at them, you know what I mean.}

How do you work Everyday Math and Common Core Standards together?  There is no way that the program takes kids to mastery in the fractions department, especially.  How and when do you supplement?  Do you have any other tips?


Do any of you Reading Street users have a great writing/grammar program that aligns to Common Core?

I don't want to reinvent the wheel, but I know that this year I'm going to be begging, borrowing, and the good kind of stealing!  I'll also share anything I come up with that seems to work!

I do have loads of other questions/concerns with the Common Core, but I hope this will give me some place to start.  Thank you, in advance!

Inspiration From The Lake

Sam and I are spending the summer by the lake--Lake Erie, in Lakeside, Ohio.  I don't get much alone time, but I got to take a solo walk by the lake last evening.  It was so restorative to my spirit.  Here are some images:

I sure hope you have some way to restore your mind, body, and spirit this summer!

Today's Paintings

Today I worked at Miss Mercedes in Marblehead, Ohio.  I met some amazing people.  I also got to paint!  That makes me happy deep in my heart.

Here's what I did today:

Impatient Impatiens 

Dancing Flowers of the Field

I sing because. . .

I hope that whatever you did or didn't do today left you happy deep in your soul!

4th of July in Review

There are a couple things I need for the 4th of July to feel like the 4th of July.  They are:  a parade {the more Americana the better!} and fireworks.

Since we are at Lakeside, Sam got to be in the bike parade.  It was hysterical and wonderful!

Then it rained off and on all day, but in the end we got to see amazing fireworks--Lakeside and Put in Bay!  And Sam got to enjoy his first sparklers!

I hope you had a good weekend!  And summer marches on--I wish I could just freeze it sometimes!

Painting This Week

So I'm on this brave painting mission.  I'm selling my art.  Originals are available at Miss Mercedes, both the Lakeside and Marblehead locations.

Here I am with "Restore" in Miss Mercedes Lakeside shop

Here's a peak at what I've been working on:

I hope you're getting to do something creative and fun on this holiday week!

Happy 4th of July!

Are you sustainable?

Teachers are burning out left and right.  Do you know what it will take for you to be sustainable?

Over at my website, Brave Teachers, I've started to write about the elements that I think are needed to be sustainable in the teaching profession.

Last week I wrote about To thine own self be true.  And there are more thoughts here.

This week I've written about Knowing your limits.

There will be more to come, so stay tuned!

What sustains you?
What do you think it means to be a sustainable teacher?

Painting Up A Storm

Last Tuesday, I was able to spend time while I worked at Miss Mercedes at the Marblehead location {413 Main Street, Marblehead, Ohio}.  It was so fun to sit out on the deck and just imagine what should happen next on a few canvases!  I met some delightful customers and visitors.

Eventually a little rain storm arrived, chasing me back inside!

I'm sending you a special invitation to join me, this Tuesday, July 2, at the same location for a day of shopping and enjoying life near the lake.  I will be painting off and on between 11 am and 5 pm.  I can recommend some yummy places for lunch or ice cream and other local sites.  To my friends back home, this would be a great one tank trip!