My philosophy in teaching, and in life, is to leave things better than you found them. Each person is placed here for a purpose and a reason. As an educator, it is my role to foster the strengths within each student and help them reach their potential. This task, while difficult, is possible through small […]
Lori H Rice
Lori Rice is a fourth-grade teacher at West Elementary in Wamego, Kansas, who has taught K-2 reading as well as kindergarten, first grade and fourth grade since 1996. She has a passion for creativity, learning, questioning and the whole child. Her classroom is a place of acceptance and celebrating differences.
Posted inFormative Assessments, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies
Through Their Eyes: Gathering Information with Formative Assessment
There is a game called Petals Around the Rose. The object of the game is to figure out the rules of the game. The rules of the game are reflected in the title. I played this game in a class composed of masters level engineer students and classroom teachers. It was interesting to observe the […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, Kindergarten, Opinion
Because We Know: The Art of Teaching
Teaching is truly a calling.  There is a part somewhere deep inside of teachers that make them a teacher.  It collects, learns and synthesizes what is best for kids.  The research, methods and strategies are only proven tools that allow the heart of the teacher to have these tools use as a vehicle to teach. Companies and […]
Posted inFeatured, Technology
EdCampKS: Professional Development for YOU
Teachers are in the field every day teaching. They use technology, adapt technology, and know what technology works with kids. So attending a conference led by teachers is empowering. Friday I attended EdCampKS. This conference was organized by teachers for teachers with presentations by teachers. The morning started with blocks of time scheduled on poster […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten, Technology
Take Your Apps Outside
I grew up in the 80’s with Atari, pong, and floppy discs. Â I learned to code on a computer that actually took a tape. Â I love technology and even though I have been in the classroom for 19 years I try to stay current. Â There is something about “old school” though. Â Holding a book in […]
Posted inFeatured, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teacher Diaries: My Wish For You
This semester flew by and it was an amazing gift to see my students through fresh eyes.  Having a student intern gave me the chance to reflect and think about my own teaching, as well as help my students in ways only possible when you have more than one adult working together in a classroom.  Having […]
Posted inParents
Homework for Summer: Talk!
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] I am often asked, “What can we do over the summer with our child?”  We know if you quit practicing any skill  you will have less success with it when starting […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured
Take Time to Reflect: Say Thank You!
My kids have had wonderful teachers, mediocre teachers, and teachers I did not agree with. Teacher Appreciation week transcends this, however, and is a time to thank all teachers for their work in one of the most important profession we have in our society today. Everyday teachers make their way into classrooms around the United […]