Curley Girl
I grew up in Gary, Indiana, the youngest of nine children. I earned my B.A. in special education at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and my M.A. at Indiana State University, also in special education. I later earned my elementary education certification at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Since then I have continued my education through multiple graduate classes and seminars.
My philosophy of teaching is based on what has worked for me and the students that I have been fortunate to work with over the past 35 years. I believe we all learn best when we are actively engaged and are enjoying the process. That is why I rely a lot on humor, games, and group interaction. I believe strongly in the social aspect of learning, which is very different than the way I was taught. When I was in elementary school, we did much of our work in silence, copying sentences or math problems down without speaking to anyone else. I try to utilize the benefits of collaboration with my students, giving them many opportunities to work with a partner or in a small group. As I listen to their discussions, it is obvious that they are talking about their thinking, clarifying their ideas, and relying on each other for support when they need it. I also believe it is important to spend time building a classroom community where all students feel like they have something to offer. Much of this “community building” comes from involving them in shared experiences, such as reading good literature together, playing games, or putting on a play. My teaching is based on the idea that we are more likely to remember what we enjoy. Besides that, fun and laughter just make the day go faster.
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A to Z Mysteries Digital Novel Study in Google Slides
$3.00Whether your students are in the classroom or doing distance learning, this interactive novel study can help. This product is designed to help students understand and enjoy good literature. This digital notebook gives students the...$3.00 -
Wonders 2020 5th Grade Vocabulary Taboo Game Cards
$4.00We all know how important vocabulary is to comprehension, but copying definitions or doing vocabulary worksheets can be SO boring. These Taboo game cards will have students thinking hard about word meanings while having a blast. Each card lists a...$4.00 -
Wonders 2020 4th Grade Vocabulary Taboo Game Cards
$4.00We all know how important vocabulary is to comprehension, but copying definitions or doing vocabulary worksheets can be SO boring. These Taboo game cards will have students thinking hard about word meanings while having a blast. Each card lists a...$4.00 -
Wonders 2020 3rd Grade Vocabulary Taboo Game Cards
$4.00We all know how important vocabulary is to comprehension, but copying definitions or doing vocabulary worksheets can be SO boring. These Taboo game cards will have students thinking hard about word meanings while having a blast. Each card lists a...$4.00 -
Civil War Jeopardy
$4.00This PowerPoint is a fun way to review what students have learned about the Civil War and a great way to practice before a unit test. It includes a six-category game board with 30 clues and answers, optional theme music on each slide, and a final...$4.00 -
Escape from Summer Camp Back-to-School Digital Escape Room
$4.00The first week of the school year can seem like a month until procedures are in place and you get to know your students. This back-to-school digital escape room will add fun and engagement to these first days. It presents students with 5 problems to...$4.00 -
Theme-Based Spelling for Intermediate Grades
$8.00Have you ever looked at your students' spelling lists and wondered "Who thought these up?" Instead of random words that are seldom used in authentic writing, these real-world word spelling lists will be put to work as students do various...$8.00 -
Map Skills Jeopardy Game
$4.00This PowerPoint is a fun way to review what students have learned about maps and a great way to practice before a unit test. It includes a six-category game board with 30 clues and answers, optional theme music on each slide, and a final Jeopardy...$4.00 -
Escape to Summer Vacation End-of-the-Year Digital Escape Room
$4.00It can be can be tough to keep students' attention the last few weeks of the school year. This end-of-the-yeardigital escape room will add fun and engagement to these crazy days. It presents students with 5 school-based problems to solve and hidden...$4.00 -
Escape from Plymouth Rock Thanksgiving Digital Escape Room
$4.00Escape rooms allow for learning at its best; the engagement and excitement of solving problems while trying to beat the clock make learning an adventure. Digital escape rooms do NOT need any of the set up or materials but are just as much fun. There is...$4.00 -
Escape from the Leprechaun St. Patrick's Day Escape Room
$4.00This St. Patrick's Day digital escape room presents students with 5 classic brain teasers and on-line hints to help solve them. Escape rooms allow for learning at its best; the engagement and excitement of solving problems while trying to beat the clock...$4.00 -
Escape from the Locker Room Digital Super Bowl Escape Room
$4.00This digital escape room about the Super Bowl presents students with 5 math challenges related to the big game. They will figure out things like the area of a football field, how long the Bears went between Super Bowl appearances, and the difference in...$4.00