Math and Life Lessons

Today was one of those days in the classroom where you feel fulfilled and like you're doing exactly what you were meant to do.  Let me explain. 

Our math lesson today was a review of matching quantities and numerals, as well as some more addition practice.  I don't usually give the kids a whole page of problems to do, but we have been working on addition for a while and some wanted to see how far they could get!  So, we get to work, and three different but equally amazing things happen.   First, the kids were SO excited to "show off" a little on their math work that the classroom was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop!  If you know my class, we are a chatty bunch.  This dedication and focus was really cool!  Second, a little person comes to show me this amazing work and is so excited to tell me he made sure to circle and draw lines to the problems that match so I knew that!  It was adorable. 

  

Third, the super heart melting moment.  A kiddo I've really been building a relationship with in order to help with behavior was at the absolute TOP of his game today.  We connected all day about how awesome he was.  During math, I offered that if students wanted to work alone, they could do so, but if they needed help they could go grab a clipboard and come sit by me at the circle.  I had a few takers that I was guiding.  This particular kiddo is sitting at his table spot but keeps looking over to see what I'm doing.  He shyly comes by and asks if I could help him.  No problem, I ask him to grab a clipboard and have a seat.  He plops down RIGHT next to me, cozies in, and begins working on 2+3.  He asks for help.  Now this is a kiddo who likely could do 325+491 completely in his head.  However, in this moment, he needed me more than he needed math.  Math was just the avenue that brought us together today and that was all that mattered in that moment. 

So many great things happen in a day in the classroom.  Sometimes negative situations take over and it's too hard to remember all the positive things we do in a day, together, as a team. So today, we were awesome.  :)

Tournament of Books!

March quickly becomes my favorite month of the year.  From celebrating Dr. Seuss, to leprechaun shenanigans and March Madness, Kindergarten is action-packed.  However, the March Madness Tournament - book edition rises to the top of the list! While this is not my original idea, I've been doing a March Madness Tournament of Books for 6 years! Each year, I pay careful attention to favorite picture book read-alouds as the year goes along. When March arrives, I pick the top 16 to enter the Tournament of books! This year, the line up is extra spectacular. Each vote so far has been a nail-biter! The winning book has been chosen by just a few votes. 

The books that make the Sweet 16 are some of the ones that the fans (my kinders) rave about during the school year.  Some are favorites because of the lovable characters.  Some are favorites because the author's purpose was to make us laugh.  Some are favorites because they made us think a little harder and be a little more kind.  No matter the purpose for the book, we are so excited to read them over and over. 

Stay tuned to the blog to find out what's happening in Kindergarten this week!

We can't wait to see which book wins the 2018 book of the year! Do you have a favorite? Mo Willems holds a special place in my heart.....we shall see what the fans (my kinders) choose!

Welcome!

Welcome to Mrs. Fadden's Kindergarten!

Thank you for following me!  I've made a few attempts at getting a blog off the ground to showcase everything that happens in my classroom, but I'm committing to making this one a go!  I want to introduce myself and give you a little peek into who I am as a teacher, a wife and mom, and an aspiring school leader.  I hope you'll join this great learning adventure!

I'm currently a Kindergarten teacher and have been for the past three years.   Before that, I spent 6 years in first grade.  I thought after teaching first grade that I couldn't love another job as much, but Kindergarten has stolen my heart!   Someone knew just what I needed and the challenge of Kindergarten has me learning, growing, and seeking out more opportunities all of the time!  I've held many leadership positions in both of my teaching positions, but I've always had my sights set on something bigger.  My most favorite leadership roles have been instructional coaching and mentoring student teachers.  Both of those positions have brought up the hard questions about education, allowed me to share so much joy, and have really encouraged me to reflect on what I'm doing and where I'm going.   I'm currently working on my Ed.S. degree through MSU-Moorhead.  I'm really motivated by all I'm learning so far!  

I live in Le Sueur with my husband Roscoe, step-daughter Mackenzie (10) and dog, Nikki.  They bring me the biggest portion of my JOY.  

An avid love for the outdoors makes up a big part of my JOY too!  My outdoor love began growing up on my family's dairy farm.  Now, I have a fabulous husband who LOVES to hunt and fish - a passion we share together!  Ice fishing is my favorite - most recently we just spent our entire Christmas break fishing.  -49 windchill on Lake of the Woods was an adventure, but one that yielded a lot of fish!  Summer fishing is fun too.  We enjoy a lot of time in the Crosby area at our land in the summer and fall. 

My hope for this blog is to engage with other teachers, teacher-leaders, and education lovers!  I see so much hope in our school districts and my wish is to help them succeed - whether that be in my Kindergarten classroom or as a teacher-leader.  

The switch to teaching Kindergarten came just at the right time and has taught me so many life lessons.  One of my favorite lessons is summed up in this quotation:

I've known since I was 5 that I was going to be a teacher.  Here I am, but I'm happy to say that I'm getting better at enjoying the little things, striving for big goals, and loving what I do along the way.  I'm excited to reflect, learn, and collaborate!

I'm pretty active on social media and have updated a few things.  Feel free to follow me there too!
Facebook:  Mrs. Fadden's Kindergarten
Twitter:  @mariafadden
Instagram: mariafadden87

Enjoy your day!