Meet the teacher Monday

Tell us a little something about yourself

I am Dana  (aka GlitterQueen to my closest friends). I am the mother of twin 13 years olds and teach first grade. My life consist of work, sitting at the pool (with my competitive swimming boys, our 4 pets, and coffee. I also love coffee, Dr. Pepper, and did I mention coffee? My blog has been completely neglected these past couple of weeks....but with today being the first day of school I bet you can understand/sympathize.

How long have you been teaching?

Well I have taught 6 years, one in kinder and then 5 with my fabulous firsties! One year i kinder was all it took that 5 years olds and me probably were not the best combination. I absolutely love first!!! I just know that this year is going to be fabulous...especially with my new loft (pictures soon.)

What you may not know.

Probably alot....since I'm a new blogger (and major blog stalker). I took 13 years to finally graduate college....and love my job. I started out pre-med.  I LOVE coffee, Dr. Pepper, and mexican food! Want to go back for my masters degree in curriculum with a specialty in reading and special ed.  My boys are both Sped...due to their ADHD and learning disabilities.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Daily 5 and am excited to be starting CAFE with my class.

What are you looking forward to most?

Using my new loft for iPods/ listening to reading. Implementing CAFE. Using more technology in my classroom. Just being with my class.

What do you need to improve?

ORGANIZATION!!! I am very OCD and am never happy with my organization.  I want to be better prepared and be a leader for my team. 

What teaching supplies can you not live without?

Dr. Pepper and coffee...but then I think I've mentioned those before. Boo boo tape. The school laminator and my own laminator. Sharpies!!! New markers. My iPad. Video camera. Label maker. Hot glue gun. Lots of books. Robert Munsch books. Any book illustrated by David Catrow. Fancy Nancy books....and any other books that I can get my hands on!!

 And.......um......did I mention Dr. Pepper and coffee?  : )

The First Grade Parade: {Math} Calendar Companion, An Edited {K} download,...

I thought I was going insane. I've been so excited about all the fa-u-lous ideas that I've seen on all these blogs that I think I've slept a total of 10 hours these past three days. Today I was talking with two second grade teachers from my school and I was telling them about this math binder that I had seen and how I really wanted to implement it into my class routine this year.....well I spent 2 maybe even three hours searching for the post tonight. Oh my lamb chops I thought I had imagined the whole thing. Well I finally found it and if you have not ventured over The First Grade Parade..you must. She is fabulous and all her ideas make me with I was more creative and crafty.

The First Grade Parade: {Math} Calendar Companion, An Edited {K} download,...: "First things first. I uploaded the WRONG version of my Kindergarten “ What is My Child Learning?!” printable. Dang. Thanks for catching t..."

New, new, new!!!

I spend hours reading all these fabulous blogs and I get so inspired and excited that.....well...I've decided to try my hand at this here blogging. I mean I'm somewhat tech savvy.....so you, ok I would think that I could tackle blogging about teaching, glitter, ideas, coffee, ect. Well all I can say for certain is that I need help!