The Beginning

Hi, teacher friends! 

This is my first foray into the blogging world! Let me begin by telling you a little about myself.

I am the wife of a wonderful husband and the mother of three beautiful children. In short, I am blessed way beyond what I deserve! My oldest is about to be a Junior in High School (sniff!), my middle child is going into eighth grade, and my baby is going into second grade. (Yes, they are pretty spread out, age-wise!) The oldest two attend public school, but we have pulled our youngest out to homeschool him for now. I have a degree in early childhood education, and have not been happy with the trend away from developmentally appropriate instruction in the early childhood years.  I am NOT a fan of Common Core, especially when it comes to the little ones! I decided I wanted to give him the benefit of an early childhood education that is developmentally appropriate instead, and I am loving every minute of it! (So is he, I might add!)

My professional experience has been a little of everything! I have taught kindergarten, first grade, and preschool (2's, 3's, and 4's). In addition, I have worked at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama (where I live) in the Education Department as a curriculum specialist. Finally, I have about 10 years of experience as a freelance writer for The Mailbox Magazine, though I have not been active with them in about two years. I have spent most of the past 17 years as a stay-home mom, however, with the magazine work providing a little extra income, and with a few years of preschool experience interspersed here and there.

My passion is teaching, specifically thematic teaching.  I don't know if it makes me old, or just old-fashioned, but I truly believe that is the best method of educating young children!  I try to integrate as many skills as possible into my themes.  It makes learning more fun for both me as a teacher, as well as for the children!

This blog is an attempt to share some fun ideas with other teachers and homeschool moms....anyone who is teaching young children! I hope, if you are reading this, you will enjoy the trip as I take you along on the journey of a homeschool mom! 

Blessings,
Laurie