So I realized after a couple of blog posts I never really explained why I decided to start this blog and what the meaning is behind the name.

I have been so inspired by other teachers who generously share their creative ideas and awesome worksheets that I decided it was time to contribute what I've discovered and created in my 3 years of teaching.

So here is a little info about me. I will be starting my fourth year of teaching this fall. Since I started teaching, I have taught a combined kindergarten and first grade class. So that is where the idea came from to name my blog: steppin up to first grade. Most of my students start with me as kinders and then "step up" to first grade and I get to teach them for another year. There is actually something really special about being a child's teacher for the first two years they are in school. I love having the privilege of watching them learn and grow. They mature so much by the end of first grade. One of my favorite things about first grade is that they start the school year with reading readiness and finish it as readers!

It always excites and inspires me to watch kids discover the joy of reading and grow in their confidence to take learning into their own hands.

I can't wait to see what next year will look like. I couldn't be happier to be a kindergarten and first grade teacher and I look forward to sharing the journey with you!

President's Day and the 100th Day

Here is a picture of an art project I did with my kids last year. We ripped up red, white and blue tissue paper and then crumpled it into balls which we glued on the profile's of Lincoln and Washington.

We discussed how shadowing and color contrasting is used in art to help show variation. We used different colors for the president's hair and skin to show the difference between them.

When we did this activity, I divided the class into two teams. The kids loved working together to create our master pieces!

This picture was taken on the 100th Day of School. I tried to find an item of clothing that I owned that looked like it had at least 100 circles on it (I think this dress had more than enough!).
I'm also holding up a poster I had each of my students make on the 100th day.  They had to add 100 things (paint dots, feathers etc.)

And We're Off...

Well here goes nothin. I decided to finally start a teaching blog where I could share my ideas and join the blog community officially.  I have been following several blogs for awhile and have been so inspired by the incredible teachers who find the time to create, share and inspire.  Two of my favorite blogs are by the inspired apple and the first grade parade. I cannot get enough of these two blogs and am so grateful these teachers are both creative and generous with their resources. Thank you so much for all the worksheets you have created and shared! They have made this year so much easier.

I hope to share some of my own ideas that I have implemented in my classroom as well as some cute projects and units I have found and loved. Feel free to follow me on this new adventure!