I’ve been meaning to create a teaching blog for quite some time
now. In fact, I’ve created a few, but then deleted them. I didn’t have a plan.
I was just basically talking to myself and realized I needed to have an idea of
what I wanted the blog to be about. I knew I wanted it to be about teaching,
but what about it? The responsibilities of a teacher are infinite. Therefore,
how could I choose a focus? I simply couldn’t. And at that moment, I knew what
I wanted to do.
Let’s first talk about the name of my blog: The Classroom Pantry.
If we break it down, the title includes my two loves (well, somewhat).
“Classroom” represents my love of teaching. No matter where I am each year, the
classroom I am placed in is considered my 2nd home. “Pantry”
represents my love of food and cooking/baking. Before I taught, I just thought
cooking was a lot of fun. However, once I started full-time teaching, cooking
became my stress relief. Additionally, there is also a meaning when you put the
two words together. To me, “Classroom Pantry” means an assortment of ideas/routines/strategies.
When you walk into a pantry, you’ll typically find various foods/beverages.
Furthermore, when you walk into a classroom, you’ll walk into a room full of
different personalities, a room full of different materials, and a room full of
possibilities. So, that’s my idea of what “The Classroom Pantry” stands for and
I hope it makes sense to y’all.
Now, I’m going to breakdown the plan. Every day is a new day,
especially for teachers. So, depending on the day of the week, I will be posting something very specific. Read below for more details! I will not be posting every day, I hope to get at least 3 posts in each week. I hope you enjoy my blogs and learn something from them :)
Managing the Day
Monday’s blog will be about classroom management. I may share
something I learned, or something I tried in the classroom. I may even provide
an example of something that happened to me in regards to classroom management.
By no means I’m a pro at classroom management. In fact, this is my weakest
area. Therefore, my blogs may be more reflective than informational. Monday’s
blog might just become my journal of remembering strategies to try in the
classroom…you never know!!
Book Talk
Tuesday’s blog will highlight a book that I’ve read that’s either a
part of my classroom library, or one that I was thinking to add to my library.
Most of the books I have now, I haven’t even read. I’ll provide my opinion on
whether or not this book should be included in your library. If the book had a
powerful message, I will certainly provide my insight on various lessons that
can be taught based on the book. One of my first posts will be of a book that I
have read many times, and one that I feel is a MUST READ for students in 3rd
grade and up!
Academic Strategy-Talk
Wednesday’s blog will be strategy-based. I’ll highlight strategies
I use in my classroom, and I may even share a strategy I learned, whether it is
from a professional development workshop or from another colleague. I am a
lifelong learner and whenever I learn something new that fascinates me, I
always want to share. Although the strategies I discuss can from any subject, I
do feel it is necessary to mention that I am a huge advocate of close reading.
This is a skill I’ll certainly be addressing a lot in my blog. The strategies I
share on this day will be strictly related to ELA, Math, Social Studies, or
Science. Classroom management strategies can be found on Monday’s blog, and
anything related to character education can be found in Thursday’s blog.
Building Character
Thursday’s blog will focus specifically on character education.
Building character is just as important as learning the subjects taught every
day. Students need to learn the importance of being kind and respectful. There
are so many resources out there that can be used that will teach children
powerful lessons on being kind. This blog will highlight pictures books,
videos, or any other resources that I feel can have a profound affect on how a
student acts and treats others.
Food for Thought
As mentioned before, another passion of mine is cooking. I love it.
Therefore, Friday’s blog will have nothing to do with teaching, but everything
to do with food. I’ll share something I just recently made, or recipes that
look good to me. I am not at the point where I can create something totally on
my own. I need a recipe book near me. With that said, I am getting a better
understanding on various spices and what goes well with what. I can’t wait to
share some of the recipes I use with you!
Finally, Saturday or Sunday’s blog will be where I share something
with you. It may be a physical resource, like a graphic organizer, or I may
share something that happened during the week with a student, colleague, etc.
It may be a positive or negative experience. Who knows!
Just so you know, sharing time happens on either Saturday or
Sunday. So, there will be one day out the week I will not have a new post (Saturday or Sunday).
I feel more motivated than
ever now that I have a plan in mind. My personal goal is that I am consistent
and keep this up to date. But, professionally, a goal would be that this blog
has a large audience and that people are learning from it. I really want to
share everything I learn with you. I want to inspire fellow teachers. I want to
be as reflective as possible. But, most importantly, I want to share my passion
with you. Becoming a teacher was a dream come true. I am living out my dream
and I am excited to be at a point in my life where I feel I can share my
experiences with you!! J
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