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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Louis Sachar's Holes Jeopardy
$4.00Whether teaching remotely or in person, this PowerPoint is a fun way to review what students remember after reading or listening to Holes by Louis Sachar. It includes a six-category game board with 30 clues and answers, optional theme music on...$4.00 -
Gary Paulsen's Hatchet Jeopardy
$4.00Whether teaching remotely or in person, this PowerPoint is a fun way to review what students remember after reading or listening to Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. It includes a six-category game board with 30 clues and answers, optional theme music...$4.00 -
Shiloh Digital Novel Study in Google Slides
$5.00Whether your students are in the classroom or doing distance learning, this interactive novel study can help. When I lead a book study with students, my two main goals are to 1. Give them opportunities to think and discuss, as well as 2. Help them love...$5.00 -
Home Alone Digital Christmas Escape Room
$4.00This Christmas digital escape room presents students with 5 challenges and some on-line hints to help solve them. The premise is based on the classic Christmas movie Home Alone." It presents students with a fun, authentic reason to...$4.00 -
Escape from the Haunted House Halloween Digital Escape Room
$4.00This Halloween digital escape room presents students with 5 challenges 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 make...$4.00 -
The Long Way Westward Digital Novel Study in Google Slides
$4.00Whether your students are in the classroom or doing distance learning, this interactive novel study of The Long Way Westward can help. When I lead a book study with students, my two main goals are to 1. Give them opportunities to...$4.00 -
The Long Way to a New Land Digital Novel Study in Google Slides
$4.00Whether your students are in the classroom or doing distance learning, this interactive novel study can help. When I lead a book study with students, my two main goals are to 1. Give them opportunities to think and discuss, as well as 2...$4.00 -
Digital Persuasive Writing Lesson and Practice Activities in Google Slides
$5.00This product made in Google Slides can be used to introduce, reinforce, and practice persuasive writing with intermediate and middle school students. Teachers have the freedom to use it for distance learning by assigning it in Google Classroom...$5.00 -
U. S. Presidents Jeopardy Game
$4.00This PowerPoint is a fun way to review what students have learned about the Presidents of the United States. It includes a six-category game board with 30 clues and answers, optional theme music on each slide, and a final Jeopardy question. I project...$4.00 -
Introductions Poster Set: 10 Good Ways to Hook Your Reader
$4.00No matter if students are writing narrative, informative, or persuasive pieces, a good hook is a must. This 21-poster set for intermediate grades gives students 10 ways to write strong introductions based on the theme of careers. Each technique is...$4.00 -
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