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Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits

Teaching with Heart and Creativity

Keeping the Joy in Teaching

This is my seventeenth year of teaching primary age children.  I have seen education fads come and go.  Some have impacted my teaching greatly and some have not.  It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy fads but as days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, what sticks in the rigorous classroom is what truly works for both teacher and student.

Due to the demands of teaching, teachers have learned to “show off” what others want to see.  The true art of teaching happens when no one is watching.

Walk into a classroom unexpectedly on day 148.  What you will see is the true teach.   New teachers crave to understand it and experienced teachers refine and reflect on it daily.

We begin with the optimistic joy of teaching.  It is the twinkle you see in a brand new teacher’s eye when she learns she has the first class of her career.  It’s the experienced teacher’s bag bursting with a new week’s lessons.   We take our joy and love for teaching combined with the true teacher that we are when no one is looking and the result is our classroom life.  

There is also an art to teaching.  What do the most effective classrooms do?  We can change how we teach based on what we learn along the way.

These qualities sum up what I have found in my teaching experience to be effective classroom happenings:

  •  There is a risk free relationship from teacher to student and peer to peer
  • The teacher maintains a simple predictable structure/routine to the day.  
  • The student’s work changes to meet the needs of the student from simple to complex in every subject.
  • Students can sustain the work they are given because the teacher has given them an instructional level of work.
  • The teacher makes the best use of  time with individuals, small groups, and whole class teaching time.
  • The student knows what they are learning,  why they are learning it,  and how they can learn it
  • The students take part in goal setting and reflection
  • The teacher uses his/her strengths but also attempts to engage areas of weakness for growth
  • The students work from his/her strengths but also attempt to develop areas of weakness for growth.
  • Lessons do not always succeed
  • Trials and challenges are fuel for learning and not to be avoided but rather put into the spotlight for growth potential
  • No year looks exactly the same because the teacher creates the classroom climate and culture based on the students present this year.
  •  You can change how you are teaching if it isn’t working and your students will move right along with your change. 
  • Students use each other as a resource as well as the teacher
  • There is undeniable joy for learning

Many times teachers give up the joy of teaching due to all the demands that are
pushed down upon us.  We walk into our classrooms and can’t see our students through the same eyes any more.  We stress out when they need our help.  We fuss when they need a loving explanation. 
The classroom joy turns to stress and resentment.  We rock out an amazing learning week then realize our planning for the next week will consume our weekend.  This is a reality
for every teacher I have ever worked with or come into contact with
through my career.

I am humbled when I receive letters
from teachers.  These letters ask how to stay motivated.  They ask how to stay positive.  This is a real issue.  New teachers, teachers raising families, veteran teachers: We all struggle with the time and demands.   Sometimes I feel like I can answer the letters and other times I am clouded with stress and work and can not read them without tearing up.

The
demands on teachers can steal the art of teaching.  Our work day is for students.

Every minute of our day is spent
teaching/interacting/facilitating/disciplining/loving those amazing
students.  That’s our joy!  But what comes at the end of those days requires another full work day without students.  We don’t have that time.   It becomes our evenings and our weekends.  This reality leads to teacher burn out.

In order to keep the joy alive here’s what I have found that helps keep me motivated.

  •  Close your door, look at your students, breathe deeply, and teach from your heart like no one is watching. 
  • Slow down and listen – Focus on the little hearts and minds in front of you.  Does anything else really matter right this second?
  • Pray for your students, school, and administration every day
  • Be honest without being negative
  • Focus on small things to make big changes over time.
  • Let go of what is out of your hands.  
  • Be the point of positive impact for that student or that team teacher
  • Find something that brings you joy with your students and be sure it happens often.  
  • Find one area you feel lacking in {we all have those areas} and google it. Research and read all you can until you feel like you have a plan to change one part of what you are doing to make it better.  You may even find that what you are doing is actually right on track! 
  • Prioritize and let the rest go
  • Be yourself  because you are amazing…you are a TEACHER!

Have a fantastic week!  We are in this together! 

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    Comments

    1. Hardlyable Farm says

      April 6, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      WOW! It is like you were reading my mind. I needed to be reminded and refreshed and your post did just that. I was grumbling about all the pressure, stress and requirements of day to day teaching, family life, college courses etc. and not remember how lucky I am to work with an amazing group of first graders who need and rely on me daily! I totally agree with the statements you shared…especially about closing the door and teaching like no one is watching. If we just do what is best for the students in our classrooms all the rest will fall into place. Great post!!!!

      Reply
    2. Lessons Learned says

      April 6, 2014 at 8:20 pm

      Thank you! I am in my 7th year, my 4th at my current school – as my spring break begins this week – I really needed to read this. You hit it on the head for me. I was debating writing a post quite similar to this just today – I think I will now. And I have to agree, I always say, "when all else fails, close your door and teach. Teach your heart out."
      Thanks again!
      – Sydney
      Lessons Learned

      Reply
    3. Lauren S says

      April 6, 2014 at 8:28 pm

      Thank you for this beautiful post! I've been teaching for nine years and definitely have my days or weeks when it's hard to stay positive despite the constant demands. I always remind myself that my students are just 6 & 7 years old and they're doing the best they can to meet high standards.

      Reply
    4. Courtney B says

      April 6, 2014 at 8:35 pm

      Love this post! I have been feeling completely burned out from things that really are not in my control and it was good to read your tips for keeping my joy. Thanks for helping me change my attitude towards my week.

      Reply
    5. Debra says

      April 6, 2014 at 9:21 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Kristin Wynegar says

      April 6, 2014 at 9:27 pm

      Beautiful post! I cried a couple times. A positive classroom is an effective classroom. Glad to see a veteran teacher who still finds joy in the moment to moment life of a teacher.

      Kristin
      http://www.thereadbox.com

      Reply
    7. Anonymous says

      April 6, 2014 at 10:25 pm

      I'm going to keep re-reading this to stay motivated! I have more burn-out moments than not. Knowing that it doesn't help to give into negative thoughts and wanting to keep positive ones doesn't always happen for me. I find that I often feel so inadequate when I visit teacher blogs and know that I'm not perfect. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂

      Reply
    8. Serita Braswell says

      April 6, 2014 at 10:37 pm

      Thank You!

      Reply
    9. Brittany Brune says

      April 6, 2014 at 10:41 pm

      Reagan,

      Thank you! This is exactly what I needed!

      Reply
    10. Sylvia Parker says

      April 6, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      Thank you, Reagan for putting into words what is on the mind and in the hearts of many teachers. Just what I needed today.

      Reply
    11. Melanie Morgan says

      April 6, 2014 at 11:32 pm

      Thank you, Reagan, for your inspirational words. It is also a gentle reminder about the WHY and the WHO. Thank you! It was an uplifting read for my upcoming week! I know I'll print it and share it with many teachers. I may just need to post it in our teacher's lounge!

      Reply
    12. Anonymous says

      April 7, 2014 at 12:16 am

      Thank you so much! I really needed this! We were on Spring Break last week, and I have been feeling kind of down about going back. This really inspired me and gave me the peace I needed to feel at this moment.

      Reply
    13. Jodi says

      April 7, 2014 at 12:28 am

      This is perfect Reagan!
      ❀Jodi
      Fun In First

      Reply
    14. Barbara Robbins says

      April 7, 2014 at 12:44 am

      Reagan, you are an amazing, articulate writer who truly knows children and teaching. Thanks for motivating me on a daily basis and saying what I know those of us who are meant to teach, really feel.
      Have a wonderful week.

      Reply
    15. Anonymous says

      April 7, 2014 at 1:36 am

      Thank you! Can't wait to look at my students with a fresh set of eyes tomorrow! I am a 1st year teacher and just turned 51 years old!!

      Reply
      • Norma Mueller says

        April 7, 2014 at 5:24 pm

        I was reading thru Reagan's encouraging post and all of the feedback and came upon the above on the comments. To be a 1st year teacher at 51 is incredible and and she should be truly commended for her efforts!

        Reply
      • Judy says

        April 9, 2014 at 4:06 am

        Love this!

        Reply
    16. Like2teach2 says

      April 7, 2014 at 4:06 am

      Thanks for the heart felt post. I've been teaching 25 years and love, love, love the kiddos. It's the paperwork and unrealistic demands that weigh me down. Your message was a good one..focus on what's important & teach.

      Reply
    17. Positively Learning says

      April 7, 2014 at 7:16 am

      FANTASTIC! I always tell my students "do the right thing even when know one is looking." Loved reading the same message here for teachers! Thanks you – a wonderful early Monday morning read to get ready for the week! Thanks!
      Jen

      Reply
    18. Anonymous says

      April 7, 2014 at 8:16 am

      Thank you for this great blog. It was what I needed after a trying day relief teaching. 🙂

      Reply
    19. CarolP says

      April 7, 2014 at 10:00 am

      Thank you so much. I feel like your points helped validate me. This is my 21st year teaching & I do believe I still have the joy of teaching. I also think I make a choice everyday to start fresh & stay positive. I've seen teachers become so negative & I don't ever want to go down that road! You are very insightful. Thanks! Carol

      Reply
    20. Kelli says

      April 7, 2014 at 10:12 am

      Amazing!! Thank you!!

      Reply
    21. Deedee Wills says

      April 7, 2014 at 10:38 am

      Yes! Just what I needed to hear on a Monday morning! Bless you!

      Reply
    22. KeepCalmAnd LoveFirstGrade says

      April 7, 2014 at 12:05 pm

      Well said!!! You are so well spoken and this was the perfect thing to read to start another week!! Great post! Keep on doing what you are doing, you inspire so many!!
      Melissa
      Keep Calm and Love First Grade

      Reply
    23. jenbrett says

      April 7, 2014 at 12:16 pm

      Thank you so much for your wonderful words of wisdom! Well spoken and just what I (and my fellow teachers) needed to hear! I am off to a wonderful Monday with my students~ So glad I opened up my email from you this morning!

      Reply
    24. Miss Trayers says

      April 7, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      So true! I especially love the list of things to remember in keeping the Joy in Teaching. May have to print that out and post it somewhere for myself. 🙂 This is the time of year that I think everyone gets extra-stressed-so much to still get into the students' minds and so little time left. Thank you for your positive thoughts.

      NotJustChild'sPlay

      Reply
    25. Carmen Seegmiller says

      April 8, 2014 at 12:08 am

      This is beautiful. I went into work today with the mantra "This day belongs to my students" and it made all the difference. My own worries dissipated. Your words and pictures are lovely!

      bookandbliss

      Reply
    26. Kerri Buckner says

      April 8, 2014 at 12:12 am

      Love this post! I've had a similar idea for a post in my head for a while. Thanks for posting this. Thanks for reminding us that it is about our students and nothing else.

      Reply
    27. TeacherChicks says

      April 8, 2014 at 1:20 am

      Thank you for this! It is interesting that you posted this as my wonderful teammates and I were just talking about a lot of this. I couldn't wait to share this post with them. I found some very encouraging words and it helped to redirect my positivity for teaching. Just like some wonderful coworkers keep reminding is that we are here for the kids and we need to stay focused on them. Thanks again!

      Jamie
      3 Teacher Chicks

      Reply
    28. Springychick In First says

      April 8, 2014 at 4:04 am

      Amen!

      Reply
    29. Katie Knight says

      April 9, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      This is so true. Thanks for a real post about real teaching :o)

      Reply
    30. Maestra Vero says

      April 15, 2014 at 1:28 pm

      Thank you for keeping it real!

      Reply
    31. See Jane Teach says

      April 21, 2014 at 1:30 am

      Your post was beautiful, thank you for your positive attitude!

      Reply
    32. MissCoffey says

      April 22, 2014 at 12:48 am

      Thanks for this awesome, reflective post. And I also wanted to say how much I appreciate reading about what's going on in your classroom. I've stopped reading many blogs because they no longer talk about the day to day classroom happenings, they only try to sell their products. Thanks for putting your ideas out there and inspiring others 🙂

      Reply
    33. Shawna says

      April 26, 2014 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you!
      Shawna
      The Picture Book Teacher's Edition

      Reply
    34. KidWhisperer says

      May 9, 2014 at 12:38 pm

      Amen, Amen, and AMEN!!! You brought me joy on this day.

      Reply

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  • Welcome!

    Reagan Tunstall

    Hi y’all! I’m Reagan Tunstall, an educator, author, speaker, and developer of Guided Math curriculum Kinder-5th grade with 22 years experience in education. My passion is empowering teachers to make their classrooms a community of thinkers through engaging lessons and materials.

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        • Mother's Day and Gifts for Helpers
        • Teacher Appreciation Week!
        • What's Your Behavior Number? Freebie
        • Science Writing and Technology
      • ►April
        • Word Wall Centers For Any Word Wall!
        • May Math Journal
        • We've Got their Whole World In Our Hands
        • Camp Number Sense!
        • Keeping the Joy in Teaching
        • All in a Day's Work...
      • ►March
        • Neon Bloggers Take San Antonio!
        • The Big Phonics Bundle! {Purposeful Word Work}
        • My Coin Crew!
        • Spring Break Vacation and New Products Posted
        • Spring Forward with Motivation!
        • Spelling Ideas!
      • ►February
        • Workshop Talk!
        • All About Guided Math
        • Making Sight Words STICK!
        • All About Math Journaling
        • A Box of TREAT!
        • Mastering Measurement!
        • February Journal and My Throne of Lies...
      • ►January
        • Take off One Shoe...For Fractions!
        • Oh For The Love of Math!
        • Guided Reading and Guided Math Essentials
        • First Grade Texas Conference RECAP!
        • CENTER of Attention!
        • A Little Motivation Never Hurts...
    • ►2013
      • ►December
        • Happy New Year 2014!
        • Winter Math Goodies!
        • Five for Friday
        • Parent Gifts and a Little Math Journal
        • Two Literacy Lifesavers!
        • Iced In at a National Conference in Dallas
        • Cyber Monday & Tuesday
      • ►November
        • Guided Reading Goods!
        • Prepping for December
        • December Math Journal
        • Nerdy Birdy! Turkey FACTS
        • Activities Like... {with a freebie too}
        • Scattered Recap...
        • Purposeful Word Work -- Blends!
        • Guided Math in First Grade
      • ►October
        • Trick or Read! Door Decorating, Freebies, and More!
        • Place Value Ideas and Rise and Shine Update!
        • The Time and Prep Factor
        • Critical Writing & Art with Columbus
        • Sounding Off....freebies and EMO.
        • Plenty Of Pumpkins and Other Fall Fun!
        • No Mayhem Monday!
      • ►September
        • This Week's Math: Resources and Freebies!
        • Five For Friday!
        • Guided Math Freebie and Sight Word Tracking
        • Making Ten Freebies and Our Self Portrait Gallery
        • Shaky Shaky Drop---Ten Frames
        • Highlights of our Learning Launch!
        • Math: How Do We Fit it All In?
        • Classroom Systems That Work!
        • O"FISH"ally in School....and a little bit of life...
      • ►August
        • Day 2 Breaking News...
        • Ready or Not...Meet the Teacher!
        • Back To School--It's NO JOKING MATTER!
        • Data and Learning Portfolio For Young Learners
        • Classroom Tour 2013-2014
        • Teacher Week! Let's Talk about Me!
        • Classroom Organization in Pictures
        • Must Haves for My New School Year
      • ►July
        • FUNdamentals and Friendships
        • Class Pet Writing Journal
        • Organization and Reteach!
        • Guided Reading-Transitional Readers Cheat Sheet!
        • How to Implement the Rise and Shine Binder {and a freebie}
        • Rise and Shine Binder
        • School Beginnings Update
        • Oh Good Graph!
      • ►June
        • A Teacher's Math Resource Units 1-6 Complete!
        • Meet Ups & Updates
        • A Teacher's Math Resource!
        • Big News!
        • Road Trippin' Without Falling Down
        • Chalky Classroom Garden Decor
        • A New Adventure in Professional Development!
        • Adding Tape Math
        • The Last Day...
      • ►May
        • Mark and Sally Learn To Tally!
        • The Last Week Of School Survival
        • Sliding Out of Town and Into a New Decade
        • Win a CUTE T-Shirt!!!
        • Five for Friday!
        • Classroom Details! {the nitty gritty}
        • Mother's Day
        • Math Center Ideas and a Sale
        • I Have News!
        • Five for Friday! Holla!!!
      • ►April
        • It's Official. I am a hoarder. Oh, and a Farm Freebie.
        • Book Reviews and SSSSSScenters
        • Fighting Bone Cancer
        • Hap Palmer CD Winner!
        • Math and Technology
        • Snake Safari!
        • Blog Stalker Bffs and Fraction Freebies
        • Catching up. A Freebie. Some Video.
        • Fly on the Wall Linky
        • Symmetrical Salad, 2-D Desserts, and My Fight with Siri
        • Math is a Picnic...in the Classroom!
        • Feelings and Rocks
        • Literacy Picnic In the Classroom!
      • ►March
        • Spring Daily Math and Language
        • Five For Friday
        • How Do You Spell......?????
        • Crunchin' Numbers! {Freebie}
        • My Year In Bulletin Boards! {Teacher Eye Candy}
        • St. Patrick's Day Sale!
        • My Spring Fling with Captain Obvious!
        • Riveting Reading Instruction
        • Five for Friday
        • Psst! Hey You!! Want a Freebie?
        • Unicorns...What Else?
        • Testing My Limits and Linky Visual Plans
      • ►February
        • Full Speed Ahead!
        • Looking Back and Heading Forward
        • Hall Pass Linky!
        • President's Day Visual Plans, Freebies, & Finds!
        • Sunday Funday!
        • Five For Friday!
        • All You Need Is LOVE!!!
        • Valentine's Day Week!
        • *Not Teaching Related! Boo-RAH!!!
        • February Math Centers!
        • Techy Teacher Tuesday! Free App and Literacy Activity!
        • Prepping Penguins!
        • Visual Plans and I Dyed My Hair!
      • ►January
        • Swimming With Sharks...and a little Claustrophobia!
        • Visual Plans and 100th Day Freebie
        • Sight Words and Thinking Maps!
        • Balance-Updates-and Lesson Plans
        • Dr. MLK Jr. Day!
        • Puppy Love Literacy!
        • Pinterest killed my Mojo
        • Visual Plans and Highlights
        • Home Office Makeover Reveal
        • Mega-Mode in January!
        • Visual Plans And New Year's Freebie
        • Classroom Pictures-Ready for January!
        • Mailbox Station
    • ►2012
      • ►December
        • Look Away- I'm Hideous!
        • Jam Packed January and an Office Make-Over!
        • Texas Blogger Meet Up!
        • Sound Science
        • Parent Gift Factory...
        • Visual Plans For a Busy Week
        • Silence for Sandy Hook
        • Just 24 Hours Ago...
        • Making Reindeer Food Meet the Standards!
        • I met Kim Adsit!!!
        • Plans, Crafts, Parent Gifts, and Let's Meet!
        • Tech the Halls!
        • Monday Made It Freebies!
        • Visual Lesson Plans For Gingerbread Week
        • It's Gingerbread Week!
      • ►November
        • Techy Santa!
        • Visual Plans and Estimate to Win Today!
        • Run Turkey Run!
        • Attack Attack! Calling for Reinforcements!
        • Let's Get Real Personal Post.
        • Products and My Daily Schedule
        • Visual Plans...and life!
        • Veterans Day Unit UPDATE!
        • We've all Gone MAD!
      • ►October
        • Spooky Fact Families Freebie
        • Pumpkins and Common Core... What More?
        • Pumpkin Week & Visual Plans
        • Wrapping Up the Week
        • Our Bat Book Study
        • Top Ten Blogging Side Effects...
        • Bats, Stellaluna, and Visual Plans!
        • Spider Art and Writing
        • Don't Call the Exterminator!
        • Keeping Writer's Workshop Alive!
        • Spider Week and Visual Plans
        • Freebies and Pumpkin Estimation Winner
      • ►September
        • Week 6 Plans and Writing Lesson
        • What's Working?
        • How I Run my Math Block
        • October Math Centers
        • Teaching Writing Ideas and Plans
        • Fall Sale and a Funny!
        • Word Work, Apples, and Caterpillars...
        • Visual Lesson Plans with Links!
        • Skip Counting Freebie and My Week in Pictures
        • Whatever Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning...
        • Pests or Pals?
        • Top Ten, Freebies, and Plans
      • ►August
        • First Week's Fun
        • Surviving the First Day!
        • Reading Lesson Anchor Charts
        • Where I Teach Wednesday
        • Are You Ready to Expo?
        • My Visual Lesson Plans!!
        • Mouse Pad Makeover
        • Sneak a Peek at My Purchases
        • Odds and Ends
        • Anchor Charts For You
        • On Your Mark,Get Set,GO!
        • Special Delivery!
        • New Awards For Students
        • Classroom Tour 2012-2013
        • Titles, Questions, and Tutorials
        • Classroom Progress 2012
      • ►July
        • Heading in to School Today!
        • Feelin' Texan
        • Fall Art and Writing Projects
        • Tell Me More!
        • Pixy Stick Birthday Makeover
        • 10 Lessons for Teaching Reading
        • Pinterest Inspired Crafts
        • Back To School Prep!
        • Teach Like A Theme Park?
        • Surprise Vacation!
        • Old School New School
        • Back To School 10 Math Centers {&Freebie}
        • Nerd Alert!
        • Currently Burn Ban!
        • Motivating Students with Props from the Dollar Store!
      • ►June
        • WHAT DID SHE SAY?!
        • Check Check...Is This Thing On?
        • Dancing and Math
        • I Messed Up!
        • Summer Laziness????
        • A Year Of Daily Math!
        • Best Summer Ever!
        • Flipping Out for Freebies!
        • Daily Math Requests
        • Texas Sized FUN at the blog meet!
        • Currently Redecorating!
      • ►May
        • Our Last Day in Pictures
        • End of Year Freebies
        • Surviving One More Week-IDEAS!
        • Crafts, Chefs, and Spaghetti!
        • Oh Momma--It's Coming!
        • Read to Puppy!
        • Currently Moooo-ing!
        • Don't Judge and Freebie!
      • ►April
        • Academic Awards for Elementary Students
        • Farm Fun and Freebie
        • Candy Awards
        • Oh Momma!
        • Are My Kids Still Chasing Me?
        • Bulletin Boards & BFFs
        • Dear Teacher Diary...
        • Four Friday Freebies!
        • Skyping Good Time!
        • We Ate a Frog Today!
        • Snack Sized Learning and a Letter Writing Freebie!
        • Today Rocked!!!
        • Spring Daily Language Review and A Couple Pictures
        • The Bunny
        • Math Math Math!
        • Shhhh Don't Tell My Diet.
        • Spring Daily Math
      • ►March
        • This Week's Pictures
        • Lunch Linky and The Daily Five Update
        • Science Freebies
        • Dumpsville- Population Zero!
        • Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
        • First Grade Fashions and Academics Too!
        • The Real Rocks of Limestone County
        • Gone Buggy Unit for Free
        • Planning With Ryan
        • Bloggers GONE WILD--Spring Break Meet Up!
        • Morning Work Freebie and a Linky Party!
        • Elmer and A Sale!
        • Teaching Writing and Life Lessons
        • I Think I Can! I Think I Can!
        • Reference Wall Freebies
        • No More Word Verification!
        • Lenny the Leprechaun
        • We Looked for A Leprechaun!
      • ►February
        • Write on the Money?
        • Feels Like a Monday!---and a freebie!
        • Giant TPT LINKY PARTY!
        • Looking For A Leprechaun
        • Today I Celebrate Being in Remission!!!
        • Feeling Super Presidential!
        • I think I am global.
        • Do You Feel Lucky?
        • Rowing my Boat. Keeping Afloat.
        • Happy Valentine's Day! Freebie
        • March Math Centers!
        • Shock and Awe
        • Penguins and Polka Dots
        • Giraffes in Antarctica!
        • Currently Contemplating...
        • My February Lesson Plans and Winners!
        • I hope this is Freeze Tag.
        • Build A Graph Freebie and Celebrating The Non-Fiction Superbowl!
      • ►January
        • Grab a snack it's a long post!
        • Daily Language Work
        • Goats, Trolls, and a FREEBIE!
        • Do You Speak Blog?
        • Mid-Week Pick Me Up
        • Dream Squashing In Full Effect!
        • This Little Piggy
        • San Antonio Texas Blogger Meet Up!
        • Daily Warm Ups for Math and Language!
        • Math Centers!
        • I'm Baaaaack...{from the salon}
        • Catching Up!
        • Currently, MLK, and Other Assorted Topics (HAIR)
        • Writing and Centers
        • My Friday Fix!!
        • What to Do with Ten Extra Minutes...and more
        • Geometric Quilting Update
        • Highlights of the Last 2 Days!
        • 2012 Morning Work Freebie and Another Top Ten!
    • ►2011
      • ►December
        • New Year's Sale!
        • Build a Pizza Math Center!
        • Monster Game Freebies!
        • Coziness, Confessions, and Lesson Plans!
        • 11 in 11 Linky FUN
        • I promise I know how to count...really...Free Reading Logs Updated
        • Bulletin Boards for Winter!
        • Merry Christmas!
        • Holiday Identity Crisis.
        • How Do Penguins Drink Their Soda?
        • The Emperor's Egg
        • My Pastor Ate Baby Jesus
        • Currently... Laughing
        • Top Ten Reasons I know Christmas is Near...
        • Sock Snowman Gift and Merry Christmas Splat the Cat!
        • All Aboard The Polar Express
        • Arrrrg!
        • Freebie, Giveaway, and a Recipe!
        • Cookies and Pepcid for Dinner
        • No More Reindeer Games!
      • ►November
        • Dream Squasher
        • In Charge of Chocolate and Cuteness
        • Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale!
        • Rudolph the Chip-Nosed Reindeer & a Freebie
        • Christmas Art Projects!
        • Thankfully Giving!
        • Writer's Workshop Pet Edition
        • Not a DULL moment!
        • Daily Calendar Freebie and a mess of other ideas
        • Veteran's Day is Next Week!
      • ►October
        • November Unit Update!
        • 7 Things you'll wish you could forget
        • Bats, Phonics, and My Friday Fix!
        • Pumpkin Glyph Bulletin Board Freebie
        • Math Quilts
        • Halloween Dress Up Linky!!
        • Harry the Dirty Dog
        • Stellaluna Book Study!
        • Jack O Faces FREEBIE
        • Framed!!
        • Read on Little Dudes....Read on...
      • ►September
        • Oh Good Graph!
        • I Have Officially Spread Myself Too Thin
        • Fun with Fiction
        • Indoor Recess? Problem SOLVED!!
        • Totally Bugged.
        • You are the Wind Beneath My Wings...
        • Math Tubs
        • Writer's Workshop
      • ►August
        • Number Bracelets!
        • Breakfast in my Classroom {horrors}
        • Meet The Teacher Night
        • Things I have been working on...
        • Gone Buggy!
        • Top Ten Reasons You Know it is BACK TO SCHOOL time!
        • Classroom Pictures Part 2. D-O-N-E!!!
        • Classroom Tour 2011-2012 Part One
      • ►July
        • Book Barn!
        • Shape Up!
        • Teacher Feature
        • Writer's Workshop
        • Classroom Labels
        • I am a R-O-B-O-T
        • Vowels Visual
        • Monster Math Tubs
        • Can O' Worms
        • Earbud Storage
        • Discovery Bottles
        • WORD DOCTOR
      • ►June
        • Teacher Tipster...My NEW BFF!
        • Back to School....and writing...
        • Lovely Labels!
        • Classroom Organization
        • Minute to Win It
        • Teacher Song!
        • June Joy!
    • ►2010
      • ►August
        • Classroom Details
        • Back To School 2010-2011
        • Classroom 2010- 2011
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    Math fact fluency is important because we want stu Math fact fluency is important because we want students to be able to compute complex problems without laboring through every step. 

+ Fact fluency empowers students with a strong foundation of understanding in number relationships. 

+ Being able to spit out the correct answer is helpful in the process of solving a long multi-step problem. 

+ Just as important as knowing the answer is to build the conceptual understanding of combining numbers through addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 

Link to sets for grades k-4.

https://www.tunstallsteachingtidbits.com/2017/07/math-fact-fluency.html
    “EYE” can’t believe the miracles performed b “EYE” can’t believe the miracles performed by our skilled veterinarians. This little spitfire pup should be missing her right eye, but through the miracle of gifted doctors she appears to have full functionality of her eye. Swipe to see more pictures here and get the full story in...well...stories ☝🏻
    ❄️Snow in San Antonio❄️ ❄️Snow in San Antonio❄️
    It’s a big day for our daughter, @matunstall . It’s a big day for our daughter,  @matunstall . All of the hard work that got her to this point, plus the work to come, rolled up in gold on her little finger. 👍🏼 We are so proud of her!
    Opinion writing and Groundhog Day make mini-lesson Opinion writing and Groundhog Day make mini-lesson magic! 
Eight writing mini-lessons alleviate some of the Fury of February.  K-2 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Mini-Lessons-February-2959867
    Picked up a new rug for my office. I told husband Picked up a new rug for my office. I told husband it was a business expense (obvi 🤷🏼‍♀️). I kept asking myself: does it match my math manipulatives? 🤓
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