Wednesday, December 12, 2012

It's That Time of The Year!

It is that wonderful time of the year where it becomes CRAFT SEASON! I am making sure the Dolphins get in their crafty-ness before they leave me for Holiday break. Every year the 6th grade Language Arts teachers at Cramerton hold "Craft Day" the day before we get out for Winter Break. It is an absolute blast and the students LOVE it! Here's our process:

In order to prepare the students for "Craft Day" students are introduced to the lesson by having to give oral directions. Using THIS SMARTBOARD LESSON students have to give myself, students, or Mrs. Nault (Power of 2 Teacher), step by step directions on how to create a picture. I begin by telling students I have never seen Spongebob Squarepants, a Christmas Tree, or a cat before; in my entire life (fingers crossed). The first picture we create is Spongebob Squarepants. Students give directions and I totally go crazy with them! If the "draw a square" direction is given, I draw one of two extremes. Students get either a HUGE square or tiny square drawn by yours truly. Students then get the idea that I have "no idea" what I am drawing and begin to give more specific directions. Once students have taken turns and given precise directions, we move onto the second and third pictures. Students really get the idea of how exact directions have to be relayed in order for me to draw what they are intending. I get directions that even sound like "Draw a circle on the top middle of the square that has a one-inch diameter." <~ Pretty specific!

Mrs. Nault getting directions for a Christmas Tree.



The Blue Dolphin finished tree!

The finished cat from the Blue Dolphins and Mrs. Nault!


Riley getting directions on the Gray Dolphins' tree.


Great job Gray Dolphins!

After we create all three pictures, I tell students that they are going to write an "essay" for a partner on how to make a craft that they are familiar with. Students can choose any craft! I have seen everything from Christmas ornaments, bird feeders, tie dye t-shirts, and gingerbread houses. Students then decide on their craft, give it a title, and list their supplies. They take home THIS LETTER to get parental approval for their craft, as well as a written reminder of when supplies are due.

This week we are working on our actual Craft Day essays. Students are writing an introduction about their craft, where they learned to make it, and why it is special to them. Then students list their materials along with their step-by-step specific directions. Last but not least, students finish up their essay with a conclusion paragraph about cleaning up their area and using their created craft. Students will get with their partner the last day of school before break, Thursday the 20th, share essays, and create crafts.
I am definitely sharing pictures of that day ;)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Time Is Flying!!


This year is by far the fastest year of my teaching career I believe I have had. I can absolutely not believe that this year has just flown by. I mean goodness ... It's already DECEMBER next week!!
As this 2012 year comes to a quick close out, I would like to take a moment to enjoy the Christmas lights and reflect on how this amazing year is going :)

Learner-Centered Teaching - I have absolutely loved having the laptops with my classes. They have definitely been helpful and effective in my classroom. Students have enjoyed working with Google Docs and Google Presentations. With Google Docs students have worked individually to type and finalize their Peter Pan Essays along with an Ancient Mesopotamia writing prompt. Google Presentations have gone great with both the Blue Dolphins and Gray Dolphins. Blue Dolphins have focused their attention in small groups, of four or five, with presentations on Peter and the Starcatchers. Gray Dolphins are beginning to work in partners with Vocabulary Webs in presentation on key literary terms. I definitely believe Google Apps have my students mesmerized ;)



Relation to Common Core & Essential Standard - Using technology with the new curriculum and Common Core is a BREEZE! It fits so well! Students are able to do research more regularly with technology and the curriculum, students are able to interact with text through NOOK and Kindle Apps for PC as we read as a class, all sort of goodies within the classroom! I feel like my students are using technology on a daily basis, either as a class or small group, individual work!



21st Century Skills - Students have used Google Apps multiple times throughout this year, as well as for various projects. Students have also been able to realize the difference between credible and un-credible sources through our research processes. Students are able to realize valuable websites and understand which can be factual, and which can be "useless." Students are also learning how to interact with text in a way that they have not been previous used to. Students are able to write on books (through NOOK and Kindle), highlight passages, key words, etc. Students are also using KidBlog to communicate with the entire Dolphin team in order to relate and continue classroom conversations on our content topics. Students are learning proper Blogging and communication techniques through the internet.



Student Work Samples - Click Here for Google App Wonderfulness :)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Two Day Stations

The week before the Thanksgiving Holiday break is here. What to do, what to do, with two wonderful days with the Dolphin Team?

Well, as any other teacher across the country, I am a little behind in my pacing guide. (But that's part of teaching right?) Therefore, we needed to cover A Lot (maybe an understatement) in the these precious two days before break. What better way to cover a lot of content, review, practice, and research than through STATIONS! They are a fan favorite am I right?

Here's my station break down for today and tomorrow:
Station 1: We are working on our writing prompt for the state on Mesopotamia achievements. Students picked one of the following: transportation, irrigation, or weaponry to write an essay on. Students are writing a magazine article on that topic that explains how and why it was invented, how it has influenced other civilizations and societies over time, and how it has created a lasting impact. In this station students were using articles from NC Wise Owl to gather information answering those questions.



Station 2: Basically like station one, students are gathering information using a variety of books from our lovely Media Center!




Station 3: At this station students were completing their Ancient Mesopotamian Government notes, as well as their Mesopotamia Part 2 Study Guide. We will be testing Friday the 30th!!




Station 4 (Blue Dolphins): Students were working on their Peter and the Starcatchers Google Presentations at this station. Students were logged into their Google accounts and working on their Presentation displaying characters, setting, feelings, and key words throughout the novel as we read! (They loveee the laptops!)




Station 4 (Gray Dolphins): Students were catching up on some reading in Peter and the Starcatchers. Reading chapters 11 through 14, students would have a little literature circle and work on their Character Trait worksheet. (I tweaked this page from a Pinterest site...Check it Out! Don't forget toFOLLOW ME while your there!!)


Station 5 (Blue Dolphins): Following our culture lessons on Mesopotamia, students were creating Ziggurat Pop-Up books for Ancient Mesopotamia. Students created these adorable books and then took notes from the SmartBoard in order to realize the key characteristics of Ziggurats, as well as their importance. (Too Cute Template Here!)



Station 5 (Gray Dolphins): Students have completed their Literature Circles on the novels Manaic Magee, Long Way From Chicago, The Watsons Go To Birmingham, The Bridge to Terabithia, and A Wrinkle In Time. At this station students were creating a 555 Title Page with 5 sentences, events, or unique characteristics, 5 pictures displaying those 5 sentences, and then 5 colors to make it creative. Students love making these 555 Title Pages as ways to show me that have comprehended the material and made the necessary connections.


Those stations were a hit with students! I got the classic "Class is over already?" "I love making the pop-up!" "Can we do stations again?" Well my lovely little students...the answer to the last question...Of Course!! How about TOMORROW ;)


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

What a Week!

I have to be honest! Last week was by far on the craziest weeks I've had throughout my four years teaching. Last week, as blogged about ;) , started off with an awesome Election Lesson. Students had a blast with it and absolutely were thrilled to talk about the real election results when they came back to school on Wednesday. (We were out Tuesday because of Election Day!)

Well then Wednesday rolled around and the Dolphins operated on a half-day schedule for our core classes. We did this because we rewarded our students who had nine or less demerits for the 1st nine week period. Students receive demerits for instances like forgetting materials, forgetting homework, overly talking, etc. Check out our Demerit Sheet HERE! Students were beyond excited to catch a "break" for their responsibility and relax as their reward. Students were able to bring electronics, games, sports equipment  all to enjoy during the extended reward break.

Thursday was our school-wide half day schedule because of Parent-Teacher Conferences. Students displayed their knowledge of Peter and the Starcatchers through a Character Log and only spent an hour each with me :( From noon to seven in the evening, Mr. Spargo (my teammie) and I were enjoying conferences with our wonderful Dolphin parents. We were able to discuss grades, behavior, and overall performance in sixth grade. It was awesome to see familiar faces and meet new ones for the first time! I do believe we get the chance to work with some pretty amazing parents :)

Friday was a BLAST! The 6th grade Language Arts teachers and myself were able to take the Accelerated Reader (A.R.) goal makers on a reward trip for the first nine weeks! We took all sixth grade students who made their goal to the Regal Cinemas to catch Wreck It Ralph (absolutely adorable!) and then the Franklin Square Ci-Ci's for lunch. Students had an amazing time and an absolute great time. We could not have asked for better bus drivers, movie helpers, or Ci-Ci's staff. It is definitely one of our most favorite trips of the year! We are looking forward to the second nine weeks when students' goals are increased in preparation for Kate's Skating Rink! Good Luck Readers :)







This week started off on Tuesday (with Monday as Veteran's Day). We have already worked our way through Peter and the Starcatchers events, Mesopotamia culture, and new Vocabulary lessons. I know I am super excited to see what the rest of this week holds!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Updates Updates! Read All about it!

I have to say that the month of November is definitely a crazy month! Between Election Day today (p.s. I Voted!), our Demerit Reward Day Wednesday, half-day schedule Thursday with Parent Conferences from 12-7pm, and our Accelerated Reader Reward Trip to the movies and Ci-Ci's Friday, this week is beyond exciting! I will certainly update with pictures later in the week with all of our exciting events this week...but I wanted to go ahead and get out our November Newsletter. Make sure to check it out and keep up-to-date with what's going on for the Dolphin Team this month :)



Monday, November 5, 2012

Getting Our Voting On!

I am super excited for this year to be an election year! 
This was my first year teaching during an election year and I was certain that I needed to do something special for it! First place I decided to look...of course...was Pinterest! I was super pumped for the amount of resources that were being posted dealing with the election. I found a wonderful site called Hoosier Teacher that had an amazing idea! She used Coke vs. Pepsi..but here's my twist:

First we discussed the huge event occurring tomorrow, why it is important, and why it helps America as a Republic. After discussing these topics, we looked closely at the Electoral College and how it worked. We determined the difference between Popular Votes and Electoral Votes. In order to help with their understanding, students were then given a chance for a "Mock Election." Each student was given 2 States to represent as their Electoral Votes. Then students voted for their winner of the popular M&M vs. KitKat Election. Students wrote down their vote and then we used the interactive map found linked to Hoosier Teacher's site. Check Out the Map To Use Here!

Students then casted their vote on our SmartBoard and changed the color of their state to match their choice! Students picked blue for M&M and red for KitKat. Here are some updates:




After casting our votes and coloring our map, we discussed how the various states counted differently. It was important for students to understand that Blue won very few states, but yet lost by less than 100 Electoral Votes! Students were really into the voting process as they watched their classmates color change the map. It was awesome seeing them get so excited about the whole election process and understanding what it takes to win the presidency. Students also know to watch the news tomorrow and look for the "Magic Number" 270!
P.S...Homework for the night = Go voting with parents, grandparents!!!

Check out the Dolphin Team Elections Here - 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Seasons Come To An End

Well our softball season has officially come to an end. Games are over, practices have finished, pictures have been taken, and uniforms have even been turned in. I have to say that I am beyond proud of the lovely group of girls that I had the pleasure of coaching this season. They have been the most hard-working, determined, and enthusiastic group of players I have had the chance to coach.

We had a wonderful season! Finishing off of Regular Season in second place with a record of 9-1. Only one loss to Chavis Middle School (a great team as well!). That loss was a tough one, losing 10-0...however, we were more prepared and ready the next time we saw them.We made it to the County Playoffs for the first time in my coaching career, and the first time since 2008! We played a tough Belmont team in the first round and pulled it out with a score of 2-1 in 8 innings. They definitely gave us a run and it was a nail biter through the entire game. When we met back up with Chavis in the County Championship, we were ready. We could not have asked to be up against a nicer team. We arrived at Chavis to decorated dugouts and Welcoming signs. They definitely made us feel welcomed at their field. It was also a nail biting game throughout the innings. However, one strong inning from Chavis was all that took us down. We finished 5-0 and second in the county!!

I still get teary eyed thinking about the amazing group of girls we had this season. All of them were so sweet, so in love with the game of softball, and all possessed that drive to get better everyday. We had a blast throughout the entire season and I enjoyed every minute! I will be sad to see the 8th graders move onto High School but wish them nothing but the best...I look forward to next year with my 7th graders as we look to take it one step further next season!





On the ride home from the County
Championship game with our
glowsticks! 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Blogging Slacker Means Pinky Promises

So I've been slack again...Ok maybe not slack considering the amount of things going on currently; but definitely lower status in the blogging world. I have now making a Pinky Promise with myself. This pinky promise is to blog weekly. Yes! Weekly! I know, I know..it is intense considering my previous history of roughly approximately two blogs per month. I'm bringing my full game-on mode for blogging. I feel that it is very beneficial and absolutely love making blog posts. I feel as though they help me reflect on my teaching, our lessons, and things we are doing throughout the classroom and Cramerton Middle. By making this pinky promise to myself, you may get overwhelmed with my blog posts, but they will be helpful, influential, and beneficial to myself and hopefully some other teachers, educators, community members!

This blog post is focusing on the technology being used within my classroom currently. Some slight, teeny-tiny actually, hiccups that I've come across thus far involve the Flip Camera and My new *5* Laptops. The Flip Camera, as I noticed in it's first few uses, is extremely sensitive in picking up sound! A small sneeze across the room can be picked up. I just realized the importance of video recording in secluded spaces away from distractions and everyday classroom noises. The Laptops, as seen through their first uses, have a shorter battery life than expected. In direct response to the lower battery life, there are not enough usable outlets in my classroom for them to be plugged back in! I have solved this by simply gathering some extension cords and surge protectors in order to make sure there is the available outlet when laptop batteries die. Below are some of my amazing students using the laptops and computers within the classroom to research their hometowns and evaluate the information in relation to the 5 Themes of Geography. (Check Out The Project Here!)






Until next time, most likely later this week...There are so many updates to fill in between this post and the previous post. The pictures from our Book Drive, as well as updates on my amazing softball team are yet to come this week ;)


Thursday, October 4, 2012

A Little of This...A Little of That.

It has been far too long since the last time I have blogged. I can truly say that I have missed it and missed simply being able to update our progress throughout this year. It's about time!

Here is the new October Newsletter for the Dolphin Team. We are looking into our Language Arts curriculum and studying the 8 Parts of Speech, 5 Parts of a Sentences, Phrases, and Clauses. We will also be starting one of my FAVORITE novels later this month and reading Peter and the Starcatchers. Students always love this novel; especially after reading Peter Pan to begin with! For Social Studies we will begin our exploration into Ancient Civilizations and Mesopotamia.

*Speaking of beginning Peter and the Starcatchers...Here's a glimpse of the Dolphins completing Venn Diagrams with the novel by J.M. Barrie and the Play with Cathy Rigby. Check it out on Amazon




Bragging Just a Bit....
After spending countless hours on Pinterest (by far one of my most favorite sites!!), I found a very inspiring way to create my Accelerated Reader Board for this year. Since all my students have varying goals, it was important for me to keep track of their progress, not necessarily their current point total. Here's my adapted version... **Have to say....I'm pretty impressed with myself! :) **



Finally here is our updated BOOK DRIVE totals. Our drive ended at the end of September. This was our first annual book drive that we can up with for the September 11th Act of Service. We set our team goal at 200 Books. We ended up with over 1100!!! We could not be more impressed with our school, community, and students who donated these wonderful books. I can not wait to donate them and get books to those in needs! I will post pics as the books are donated. Well...Having a wonderful week! Everyone have an amazing Friday ;)

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Update Central

Well we are onto Week 5 of the 2012-2013 school year and I could not be more pleased. I have some amazing students in my room, some wonderful girls on the softball team, and some fantastic colleagues to work with on a daily basis! 

Updates for the last couple of weeks have gotten totally crazy! Beyond the most exciting, and honestly unexpected, are the updates for our Book Drive. The last I updated was on Wednesday because of my out-of-town-ness on Friday. The latest I knew we were up to 243 books! That already passed the high goal we set of 200 Books as a Dolphin Team. This is our first ever Book Drive at Cramerton and I was beyond excited to lead it and help the Dolphin Team organize this fascinating drive! After today's round up we are looking at ...... DRUM ROLL PLEASE ....... 699 BOOKS!
I can not express my gratitude to the students, teachers, and administrators at Cramerton to help make this so successful! We are still 3 days away from the end and looking forward to what we can reach. I'm currently searching for the best places for these books to be donated. Please let me know of any suggestions or places currently in need. Below are pictures of Wednesday's update as well as today's update!




Along with an amazing Book Drive, I tried a Pinterest reference on Friday while I was out of town. Students were to complete a writing assignment about why I was absent for the day. Students were not told ahead of time that I would be absent, and then had to use their imagination as to why I was not there. Some of the responses were beyond what I could have ever imagined. Between being sick, robbing banks, visiting the spa, visiting a magical land of unicorns and softball players, I was blown away by the creativeness my students displayed. I've attached below a picture of my favorite response. I wouldn't mind a day of sickness if Mr. Stadler gets to bring me soup to feel better ;)
FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST: Pinterest Crazy!!




Friday, September 14, 2012

Book Drive Week 1 Updates!

Our Dolphin Team kicked off a new Annual Book Drive this week to remember and participate in the September 11th Act of Service Day. We made a team goal of collecting 200 books for the community in which we live. We are going to donate those books to those around us in need. There are requests from elementary schools, Boys & Girls clubs, Support Group, etc.

Today was the first Pick-Up Day for our Book Drive at Cramerton. The Dolphin team is more than excited to visit the classrooms around the school and collect books for the community. We went to all Connections Teachers classrooms in order to pick-up their donations. Today was a slow start, but yet a positive one! We collected a total of 12 books today; not counting the Dolphin Team donations :)

Our running totals by Connections Teachers can be found HERE! It is definitely going to get interesting within the next two weeks because our principal, Ms. Holbrook, has agreed to put some healthy competition into the mix. We are able to reward our Connections class that donates the most books with a Breakfast Party! We will provide the class with donuts, juices, and other breakfast treats. We are really expecting some major books to come in now.

Our current toal..after one week of our 1st Annual Book Drive is (drum roll please...)...... 82 Books! Way to go Eagles! Let's keep up the generous donations and support our community :)

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Penguin Crazy!

Well today was our annual Magazine Fundraiser kick-off! The students are beyond excited to sale some magazine subscriptions, collect some penguins, and raise some money for the school! Here are the excited teams listening to all the prizes: 


They could not be more excited! After being Magazine Subscription queen on the 6th grade hall for the last two years...I am beyond excited to get my little kiddos pumped again this year. I have high hopes for my magazine sellers. I believe this enthusiastic one is going to be my highest earner.... :)


Here we go Dolphin Team! Let's collect ourselves some Penguins and show the other 6th grade classes who has the best selling power!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Act of Service

Today was a very influential day within the United States and the world. I remember exactly where I was eleven years ago when I was told about the attacks in New York. I was at lunch at Butler High School in Matthews, North Carolina. I had walked into lunch and heard other students talking about planes flying into buildings. I had no clue what they were talking about. Only then, once I sat down at my table, did I find out about the horrible events I had missed earlier in the day. After lunch I went to my Economics class where my teacher told the class we were "too young" to witness the events unfolding through the day. I did not catch a glimpse of the attacks, towers, planes, etc. until I went home for the day around 2:15pm. Our softball practice that evening was cancelled in order for families to spend time together during this difficult time in America.

I do wish my Economics teacher would have allowed us to witness the historical, and horrifying, events of 9/11/01. I believe it is important for students to understand what happens within their daily lives, whether local communities, or the world as a whole. Therefore, I feel like it is my position as a teacher within the classroom to revisit this influential event in American history and allow the younger generations to realize how this has shaped the world we are currently living in. This year we quickly revisited, through THIS VIDEO the events of the day, along with key terms, and explanations of why these events happened. The Dolphins and I then discussed the importance of the day, how it has shaped us as citizens currently, and how 9/11 has turned into an Act of Service Day. 

As our Dolphin Team Act of Service we are organizing a Book Drive for our school. We are asking teachers and students to bring in books that they no longer read, want to keep, or would like to donate. We will collect books throughout the entire month of September and then donate them to organizations, schools, and places that are not as fortunate as we are at Cramerton Middle School. If you would like to donate books to our Book Drive please message me on TWITTER and we can get it arranged! Thank you so much and of course I'll update on our progress :)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

August-September Classroom Newsletter

Good Evening!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I certainly did :)
Saturday morning was awesome at Appalachian State University in Hickory meeting with some wonderful classmates in Successful Schools for Young Adolescents. We discussed the early founders of the Middle School Movement and how their impact has continued into the middle schools we are seeing currently. Then I attended a great bridal shower for a fantastic friend. She is getting married in October in Ohio (Go Buckeyes!) and we could not be any happier for her and her soon-to-be husband.
Today was full on getting materials, lesson plans, and minor changes ready for a wonderful week with my Dolphins. I am pumped to dive deeper into Vocabulary, Wordly Wise, 8 Parts of Speech, Geography, and even Peter Pan this week!
Here is the monthly newsletter I am anticipating on sending home monthly. This is intended to keep parents and students up-to-date on the content, material, reminders, etc. that we are working on for that month.
August-September 2012 are together because of the short time in August this year! Enjoy :)

Friday, September 7, 2012

Week 2 And Rolling

It has been an amazing start to the school year! After a total of 9 days with my lovely kiddos, I am beyond excited for this year to really get underway. This week we were able to move from the icebreaker activities that we covered last week and into some actual content materials. Here's our weekly breakdown:

Language Arts -
We reviewed the 8 Parts of Speech and took a deeper look at Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives. The Dolphins have absolutely done wonderfully with these parts of speech. We have taken down multiple sentences and we have dominated the three important parts. We have also rocked out to School House Rock and loved them! Our favorite of the week has definitely been the Pronouns. Check It Out
Also in L.A. we worked on our first units of Vocabulary and Wordly Wise. Through Vocabulary we reviewed the basics of prefixes, base words, and suffixes. Within the next couple of weeks we will focus on specific prefixes for various words and learn to use them regularly.

Social Studies -
We began our study of what Geography is. We learned the definition after brainstorming ideas and led into various landscapes. We distinguished the differences in human and physical characteristics in diverse landscapes and even gave our own examples. We have also ventured into the wonderful career of Geographers and how they gather their information as Scientists and Social Scientists.

This has been an awesome week and I can not wait to be back Monday morning! Everyone have a fantastic weekend :)
-Mrs. Stadler


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Welcome Back!!

I am beyond excited to say that I absolutely love my new kiddos! They are the best in the 6th grade and they  have made me smile daily since I've met them. 

I have a classroom full of excited students who are beyond ready for school to start. They are very eager to learn and are pumped to get this school year going. We have done so much within the first three days. Things that I actually planned for the first five...we are slightly ahead of schedule! (I'll take it!) We have done multiple introductions, tours of the school and our classroom, procedures, Codes of Conduct, all the basics. We've also done a reflection of our thoughts beginning the school year and beginning sixth grade. We took an amazing Pinterest idea and used it within the classroom. I found it on Pinterest, and pinned it (Follow me! @SStadler20) in order to try it. We put up 4 Sticky Notes around the room:
1 - School is important because...
2 - Our classroom should be __________ everyday. 
3 - Overall School Year Goals 
4 - What can Mrs. Stadler do to help you learn better?

The kiddos absolutely loved it! Everything from the expected...Fun, Exciting, Interesting, classrooms everyday; to Saying things twice, Not rushing, Allowing creativity, as ideas for me to do as a teacher! I loved it and didn't even think I would learn as much as I did with my students. They were super open and super supportive of what they needed within the classroom. I would definitely recommend it! 

I am beyond excited to see what this year has in store and can not wait to get to know my kiddos even more, and give them what they need in the classroom :)



Thursday, June 28, 2012

21st Century Teacher vs. Pinnacle Leader

After reading Josh Stumpenhorst's post about what is needed for a 21st Century Teacher, I believe there are multiple similarities with the expectations of Pinnacle Leaders. I believe that first and foremost both 21st Century Teachers and Pinnacle Leaders need to be a connected master of technology. In order to reach our students and allow them to learn at their maximum potential, it is important that we as role models exhibit the continuation of learning. It is critical that we stay connected, in the 21st century through technology, to teachers, ideas, new technology, etc. through PLN's. These are super easy to become a member of; things like Twitter, Pinterest (my all time fav.), Blogs, etc. As leaders we are no longer limiting ourselves to simply the people we come in contact with daily, but rather opening our networks to other states, nations, and across the world.


I also believe that we have similar characteristics as Pinnacle Leaders to Teachers of the 21st Century by needing to be a reflective practitioner. If something does not work, technology wise especially, it is important as teachers and Pinnacle leaders to tweek it and improve it for the next go round. Also, two years from now, two months from now, even two weeks from now, it is important to reflect on how technology was used and determine if there is something "newer" and more influential for a particular lesson.


The final characteristic of the 21st Century Teacher, according to Stumpenhorst, is what I believe is the most important. It is not typically discussed in Pinnacle, because we are already super excited about our jobs, positions, and overall position in the education field. This trait is to be an advocate for teachers. I strongly agree with Stumpenhorst that teachers need to be proud of what they are doing, proud of who they are in children's lives, and proud of their profession. There are countless teachers who complain and gripe daily about their jobs and things they go through. However, it is important that instead of being Debbie-downers, teachers change their outlook, change the way they teach, change their classroom, and attempt to tackle new risks and challenges in order to flip their overall outlook of their position. (I'll get off my soapbox now...)


I feel that there are many links and similarities between the 21st Century Teacher and the expectations of Pinnacle Leaders. Through this connection and relationship, it is important that we, as Pinnacle Leaders, serve as role models, advocates, and LEADERS for our peers. :)
See what I mean ----> Stumpenhorst's Blog

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

"New Blog"

Hi! Let me officially introduce myself. I am Sarah Gardner; a 6th grade Language Arts & Social Studies teacher at Cramerton Middle School. Cramerton is right outside of Gastonia, North Carolina. Coming this August I will be beginning my 4th year; all at Cramerton and in 6th grade. However, I will be Mrs. Stadler by the time school starts ;)

I went to Belmont Abbey College and graduated with an Elementary Education (K-6) Degree in 2009. Since then I have gotten my Academically & Intelligently Gifted Certificate through University of North Carolina @ Charlotte, as well as passed Middle Grades Language Arts, Science, Math, and Social Studies Praxis II. I am starting my Middle Grades Master's Program in August 2012 and am super excited. I feel like I'm not doing anything right now with not being currently enrolled in courses. I'm a nerd, I know...but I admit it!

I am in Pinnacle through Gaston County Schools, which is a fabulous technology program for teachers in our county. That is where I first learned about Blogger, and am vowing to Blog and keep track of my survival in the 6th Grade World; which many refer to as the "Special Age." I love this age of students and enjoy every minute of it. This is my attempt to keep my head above water, help my peers, and share my ideas :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Twitter InfoGraphic


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 My Professional Twitter Infographic: This infographic says that I definitely need to get my professional tweets on! I am setting a goal to become more of a Twitter Teacher and have more of a presence in the Educational Twitter world. I am really wanting to become more of a global teacher presence by sharing, gathering, and collaborating with educators around the world. :)