Category Archives: Teaching

Learning to make mistakes

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Joanne Toft

As an “old lady” trying to learn new things I find myself struggling to struggle. Does that make sense? I am thinking children may be in this same spot at times. We begin to learn a new skill by looking … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Slice of Life – April is off and running

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Joanne Toft

March was a busy month with blogging daily for the March Challenge, working some and a small local trip planned. All that said I found time for reading, walking and just doing a few things for myself.  I found quiet … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection, Teaching | 1 Comment

Day 28 – Slice of Life Challenge – When students become teachers

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Joanne Toft

Today was day one of testing for our 5th graders. We are stepping into this testing season slowly with just the science test. Two days, two sections and then they are off for spring break. The first group showed up … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection, Teaching | 3 Comments

Day 27 – Slice of Life Challenge – And so it begins

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Joanne Toft

The e-mails were flying today, and the conversations with teachers was a bit on edge. Tomorrow it starts for our school and everyone is unsettled. The spring state tests are what starts.  I work part time in a k-5 inter … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching | Tagged | 2 Comments

Fact, Opinion and Fake – Thinking About Navigating the News

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Joanne Toft

I have fallen behind on my reading kids books. I am reading to many newspaper articles, magazines and blog posts and wondering how teachers are helping students make sense of the current political situation. How do you help students navigate the … Continue reading →

Posted in non fiction, research, Teaching | Tagged | 3 Comments

Muscle memory and beginners mind

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Joanne Toft

I began the first round of testing with students today. It is a pre test (an optional test) that is suppose to help teachers track students learning and also give our third graders a chance to know what the spring … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection, Teaching | 6 Comments

It’s Monday! What are you reading? historical fiction

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Joanne Toft

This has been a long season of election material in the news. It has been history making for sure. It has also let me know that as a nation we have lost touch with our history and our government. There … Continue reading →

Posted in historical fiction, Teaching | Tagged , | 6 Comments

It’s Monday! What are you reading? – a little of everything

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Joanne Toft

I have not posted for awhile because I try to always post after I have finished reading a book or two. At this point in my year I have reverted back to my ADHD self and am reading three, four … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Reflection, Teaching | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Worn down by computers and testing

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Joanne Toft

The spring state testing has started! There is not much to say about it. I am spending my days setting up computers, logging in students, tracking issues and telling everyone it will be ok! Kids are working hard. They are … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection, Teaching | Tagged | 11 Comments

For the love of words

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Joanne Toft

“No, no you need to go to the dinosaur story – just wait she will leave!” As a writer I love listening into others conversation and today I had the perfect set up. I was school (think big city, mainly … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading, Teaching | Tagged | 6 Comments