I'd like to thank. . . . . . .(plus a giveaway)

I can’t believe I haven’t posted in a week!  I’ve been super busy. . . . . .this last week was my final observation of the year by my principal. 

Now, I get nervous ANY time I get observed, but even more so since last year.  Last year (2010-2011) was the hardest school year yet for me.  I was displaced after 5 days, moved schools and grade-levels and had a class made up of kids that the other kinder teachers gave me (and one in particular gave me some “fun” kiddos).  Every time my principal came in they went crazy, I was off my teaching game (having to go down a grade level).   My evaluation was very bad and full of criticism.

This year however, has gone much better. . . . .I’ve worked hard, gotten routines set up and made the changes my principal suggested. We also have an Administrative Intern in our building for the next month, who is a Literacy Coach at another school in my district.  She came and observed my literacy block for 2 hours and kept asking me where I got all of my cool ideas and tricks. Do you know what my answer to her was? 

From my fellow bloggy teachers!  I’m not quite eloquent enough to express my thanks to all of you who have had a hand in forming the way I teach (and have created so many materials that my kiddos LOVE!)  So. . . . . . . . . I decided to host a little giveaway.

Here's what you could win

A copy of the book Recess at 20 Below.  This is a great book that shows what recess is like up in the frozen tundra where I live (although our threshold is -10).  It's written by a teacher and has amazing photos. (When I was back in the lower 48 last summer, I went in and read this book to students at my former school - they loved it!)

~and~

A $10 Starbucks card cause you know how much teachers need/survive on caffeine (I love a grande soy latte on a chilly morning).  

All you need to do is follow me (using that nifty little tool on my sidebar) and leave a comment letting me know you follow me, and maybe what the weather is like where you live (cause this girl needs to dream about some warmer climates).

I will choose a winner randomly (via random.org) on Saturday (so the giveaway ends Friday at midnight my time).