The countdown is on!

8 more days until the school year starts!  

My principal just emailed the results of our EQAO testing from the spring.  [For my friends outside of Ontario, EQAO is our provincial testing.  We do it in grades 3, 6, 9, and 10.]  I am VERY pleased with the results.  HUGE increase from the previous year!  (We were near the bottom.)  I taught grade 3 the last two years.  I would like to thank Chris Biffle at Whole Brain Teaching.  I think, no, I know, that implementing WBT in my classroom, greatly changed the learning outcome.  I can’t share the numbers yet; not until they are publicly announced on Sept. 17 (my birthday).

P.S.  As you know/can see, I am new to blogging.  I keep learning a little bit each day about how to use Google Blogger.  It is really cool how I can see what areas of the world people of visiting my site from (and wondering how they ever got on my site!?).  I have received 3 views from Poland!  How exciting!  Many visits from Canada and the States.  Because I am new and would like to get known, I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would follow me.  :)  It won't even cost you anything.  :P  Have a super day!

Classroom Prep

I’ve been up since 4:15ish today.  Too much in my head.  So what have I been doing at this early hour?  Cleaned off my desk (sort of), blog hopping, and creating these beautiful flower poms to hang from the ceiling in my classroom (at least until the fire inspector comes around…).  I saw these on many teacher blogs and Pinterest.

The other day I got all my book boxes and baskets washed out and ready for another year.  I have had those book boxes for quite a while now.  Yes, they are giant fabric softener containers which I cut the tops off.  Then I use coloured duct tape around the top to make it cuter, match my color scheme, and to cover up the sharp edges.  Recycle + Reuse - Environmentally friendly!  The only problem is I cannot find these large containers anymore and I really need a few more.  If anyone knows where I can get them, let me know.  I’m going to the States next week, maybe I will find some there.

First Link Up!

I am new to blogging, so be patient...
On many of my favourite blogs, I have seen the link up with Blog Hoppin' for Teacher Week.  I am not quite sure how to do the linking, but I am experimenting. 

          Who Am I?

My name is Bonnie and I have been teaching for 12 years, everything from Jk - grade 8, including Integrated Literacy, and SERT.  Teaching is my passion.  I could do it 24/7! 

I started out teaching intermediate at a Montessori School.  What a great experience!  For the past 10 years I have been fortunate to teach with a Catholic School Board.  Being able to talk about God and bring his teachings into my classroom is very important to me.

I have two wonderful daughters.  They are growing up fast.  One is already entering her third year of college.  She will be moving into her own place at the end of next week.  This is a big and exciting step for her.  My other daughter is going into Grade 12.  Two graduations next spring!

Rockefeller Christmas Tree 2013

I have a lovely, super affectionate calico cat (which has quite a life story).  She is curled up in my arm right now, purring away.  J

We live in the country, which I LOVE!  Lots of space, forest, peace.  When the lights go out, it is completely dark (no street lights).  The stars are amazing!

Welcome to Primary Ponderings!

This will be my 13th year teaching.  I have taught JK through to grade 8.  This year will be my first year teaching a grade 1/2 class.  I am looking forward to an exciting year!  Join me on my journey.  I hope to share lots of exciting activities, lessons, and 'ponderings' with you!  Many of these will be borrowed from some of my favourite teacher blogs.  I'm constantly searching for fun and exciting things to do with my students and I love sharing what I learn!  There is always something new to learn. Here's to an exciting year for all of us!