The Classroom Journey
I'm so glad you're here! In our third-grade classroom, we experience the magic of watching kids move from learning to read to truly reading to learn. I love putting my students at the heart of everything we do by mixing cool new technology with fun, hands-on activities. My goal is to create a cozy space where every child feels brave enough to be curious and supported as they grow.
Pedagogical Approach
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe, supportive, and high-tech learning environment. By integrating evidence-based strategies with modern classroom tools, I empower students to take ownership of their education. We focus on building a strong community where curiosity is celebrated and mistakes are seen as essential steps toward growth.
A strong example of student growth came during a book tasting activity where students explored and selected new independent reading books. At the start of the year, many students struggled to choose “just right” books and often stuck with familiar genres. During the activity, students showed more curiosity, tried new genres, and talked with peers about their choices. One student shared, “I didn’t think I would like mystery books, but I found one I actually want to read,” showing increased engagement and openness as a reader.
This was also reflected in students making more intentional book choices afterward. An educational leader noted that students were highly engaged in literacy instruction and demonstrated greater independence and enthusiasm when selecting texts.
Key Learning Units
Cardboard Arcade Creators
Caine's Arcade was an interdisciplinary project-based learning unit that challenged students to apply engineering design, creativity, problem-solving, math, and communication skills as they designed, built, tested, and marketed their own cardboard arcade games.
Math Detectives
Through hands-on design and construction, learners create blueprints and floor plans using straws and tape while applying geometry, measurement, and spatial reasoning skills to solve real-world design challenges.
Post-It Positivity
Through daily reflection and peer connection, learners share moments of joy through a Post-it check-in activity, building self-awareness, empathy, and a positive classroom community.
Student Spotlight
Celebrating the creativity and growth of our third graders. These examples highlight our classroom's commitment to exploring new ideas and mastering skills through hands-on projects, digital citizenship, and artistic expression.
Artistic Expression: Heartfelt Thank-You to First Responders
Digital Literacy: Data Detectives: Graph It Digitally
Scientific Inquiry: Exploring Lighthouses and Light Energy
Social Studies: Kamome Festival: Stories of Resilience Across the Pacific
Reflections on Growth
Throughout this learning experience, I have reflected on my growth as both an educator and a facilitator of student learning. I have become more intentional about designing lessons that are engaging, hands-on, and connected to real-world experiences, while also ensuring that all students have access to the content. I have strengthened my ability to use student data and observation to guide instruction and make adjustments that better support diverse learners. In addition, I have grown in creating a positive classroom culture where students feel safe to share their thinking, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Overall, this journey has helped me become more confident, reflective, and purposeful in my instructional practices.