Red Stick Mom

Going back to school was something I always looked forward to every year, especially as a self-proclaimed teacher's pet.  I may have earned a few "A"s in my day by staying late to help organize or volunteering to skip recess to help grade papers.  Ethical, eh, probably not, but I sure loved it.  Now as a mom, I can't help but think of ways to make the back-to-school transition easier on teachers and fellow moms alike.  I don't have a ton of experience with school supplies as a parent, so I can only speak for the occasional item I have to label to send to daycare.  But as someone who hates her handwriting, I love the option to just...

The new school year is dawning, and many of you may already be dreading the never-ending fight of getting your children to read.  As a teacher of middle school students, I heard the frustration from many parents who were seeking to help their children to find enjoyment in their reading.  If this describes you, don't fret!  There are several things that you can do to encourage your child to enjoy reading. 1. Talk with your children about their books.  Show them that you are interested in what they are reading and that what they are reading matters.  Some great questions include:  What do you like about the main character?  Is there anything in this book that you can relate to?...

Ok ladies!  This fun and easy DIY is to show our teachers some love! As mammas, we can all probably agree that we can get wrapped up into the emotion, excitement and anxiety of the "back to school hustle."  But what some of us don't realize is that the amazing people we are sending our littles to be with all day are experiencing exactly what we are...to the second degree.  Not only are they making sure their own children will have the absolute best first day of school, but they are also showing our own the same love before they even meet them.  They are prepping and planning endless hours for the day that they meet our children and making...

Years ago, I felt called to become a teacher.  I was working full-time in the private-sector and was feeling like I needed more time at home with my son, who was not quite one yet.  In my head, this was a perfect fit, I would go into work at 8AM, be home by 3PM, and have the entire summer, as well as holidays to spend more time with my son.  What occupation could be a better balance of work and family, right? Fast-forward through six weeks of Alternative Certification Training, as well as a few weeks in Summer School as a Student Teacher, and BAM!  I’m a Teacher!  A real one, with a classroom all my own and 125+ students...

Dear Mother of my future student, Summer is drawing to an end and a new school year is upon us.  The smell of freshly waxed floors and sharpened pencils fills the air as I sit here in my classroom anticipating your little one, plus 20 something more. I'm writing this letter to you now because there are some things I want you to know. I want you to know that just like you are most likely anxious about your child's new teacher and grade, I am anxious, too.  I have been counting down the days until the pitter-patter of little feet in brand new shoes fills my room with their nervous little smiles.   I am anxious about learning what my students like to do, what...