A Fun, Free Grammar Play from My Aunt

     When I was in school, I was fortunate to have my aunt as my 7th grade English teacher and 10th grade English teacher.  I remember keeping a writing journal in her class, hearing funny stories written by Lewis Grizzard,  and learning about the eight parts of speech.  In fact, I distinctly remember a 107-question test on the parts of speech.  Basically, my aunt had written 107 sentences and underlined one word in each sentence.  Students had to write the part of speech of that word as it was used in the sentence.  I was the only student to make a 100% on the test.  It wasn't an easy test for a 7th grader.  I chalked it up to having a wonderful teacher.  Last week, my aunt came from Alabama to visit me and for me to help her get established on www.teacherspayteachers.com.  I was so glad to help.  I would like to share with you a free product she placed on the site.  Let Me Tell You About Myself is a classroom play to increase grammar skills.  The play specifically addresses when to use myself--a word that baffles many.  I can't wait to use it with my students and I hope you feel the same way.

I Want to Be of Service to You

      First of all, I owe those of you who originally visited my blog a huge apology.  When I started this blog, I was so excited to branch into the blog world.  The only way blogs work is if they are updated "regularly."  The last time I posted, I was living in Alabama; I moved there after my husband got stationed in Japan.  Since then, I got an offer to return to my previous teaching job.  I happily returned, but between the move, getting back into my former routine, and working on my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis on the Digital Learner, I have been one busy lady.  One thing I have learned through my coursework, is that it is important to have a digital presence.  I thoroughly love following  I'm Lovin' Lit's blog.  If you're a middle school language arts teacher like me, then I highly recommend following her.  My goal is to share my teaching tips and resources with you, just like Erin Cobb (I'm Lovin' Lit's blogger) does.

Freebie: An Autobiography Project

     How would you like to have your students create an autobiography project?  This is perfect for the beginning of the year or basically any time of the year.  Students will complete the autobiography project while rotating through various centers/stations.  A rubric is included for evaluation.  Simply click on the link and download.  Enjoy!Free Autobiography Project for Students in Grades 3-6

So Many Changes...an Update

Hello!

     My daughter and I moved to Alabama (where most of my family lives) when my husband departed for Japan.  We live in a small town with no available teaching positions, so I decided to concentrate on working on my next degree (a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction), substitute teaching, and writing.  Everything has been going well!  In early June, I was contacted by the former school system where I taught in Florida; a teaching position (very similar to the one I had) has come available.  That means we will be moving back home.  I am very excited to return to the school I love as well as my family and friends in the area.  This year has been quite a roller coaster, but it has been exciting and rewarding.

Please Respond: Who Was the Best Teacher You Ever Had? Why were they so special?

      Not one teacher is made exactly alike.  Some teachers are strict, others are not.  Some teachers are organized, and some aren't.  Some teachers are energetic, while others seem tired.  I've been thinking a lot lately about my favorite teacher.
     Her name was Joanne Goodmunson.  She was my 2nd grade teacher in Minot, North Dakota.  I loved attending Mrs. Goodmunson's class every single day.  She was infectious.  When she read "The Boxcar Children" to the class, I was amazed.  I felt like I was Jesse in the story.  I truly experienced everything those children did in my mind's eye.  Another thing that I loved about Mrs. Goodmunson is how she made each of us feel so special on or around our birthdays.  If you had a birthday that month, Mrs. Goodmunson would take you to the cafeteria and help you back a small cake while the other students were at lunch or recess.  We had to move in April of that year, just before my birthday.  Mrs. Goodmunson knew how much I had been looking forward to that cake so she surprised me--"Big Time"!  While I was outside at recess, she and a few students decorated the room.  She brought in a cake, big enough for the entire class.  When I walked in the room, I spotted a giant card that said, "We will miss you!"  If that wasn't enough, she gave me a gift; it was a children's book, The Runaway Flying Horse by Paul-Jacques Bonzon.  On the inside cover she wrote, "Dear Tonya,  You will be greatly missed.  I hope you enjoy reading this book on the way to your new home in Alabama!  Love, Mrs. Goodmunson."
      I knew from the minute I was in Mrs. Goodmunson's class that I wanted to be a teacher.  I have personally tried to be a positive role model for my students like Mrs. Goodmunson was to me.  I wonder if she knows what a difference she made in my life?

--Tonya Davis

P.S.  The picture I have attached to this post is my 2nd grade school picture.  Wouldn't it be something if Mrs. Goodmunson found this blog?

     

Check Out My January Teacher Products on TpT!

    I have been busy creating some fun things for classroom teachers for the month of January.  They are available at my TpT store (http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tonya-Davis).  I hope you will check them out and leave me feedback.  See a few of the activities (January 15:  National Hat Day, January Writing Prompts:  Birthdays of the Rich and Famous, Celebrating Betsy Ross's Birthday, and Kid Inventors' Day:  January 17) listed above.  Other January activities include a Martin Luther King, Jr. Tic-Tac-Toe differentiated activity and "I Have a Dream" Word Search and Maze Fun.

One Devastated Teacher...Can't Go to Japan

      Well, one reason I started this blog was because my family was scheduled to go to Japan this month for 2 1/2 years.  My husband is in the U.S. Navy so we all supposed to move as a family.  My family was uprooted from Florida to move to California for 4-5 months to prepare for the move.  Just a couple of weeks ago, I learned that I was "denied" to move to Japan because of my asthma.  I was quite devastated because I left a job that I loved to support my husband overseas.  Now he is going to Japan alone and my daughter and I are going to be moving back east, but not to our "home city" (because our house is being rented for 2 years).  Instead we are going to be staying in a small town (near Pensacola) where most of our family lives.  After my husband returns, hopefully we can all return home.
      The good news is that I have some new job prospects--one is a possible return to the classroom and the other is working for a virtual school.  I would love to do either one and will let you know... In the meantime, my daughter and I have to prepare to move across country.  I dread saying goodbye (for now) to my husband, but I know this is going to be a great experience for him.  I will definitely fly over to visit him later this year.