Gift for Parents

What parent doesn't love photos of their child? Each year I have made it a point to burn all the images I took during the school year to a disc to give as an end-of-of-the-year gift to parents. I have pictures available for download all year through my class blog, but I've gotten feedback from parents that they didn't have time to download all the pictures they wanted during the year. Giving them a disc of images ensures they have their precious photos long after I've deleted them from my computer. (I also make a copy for myself each year so that I have the photos long after I've deleted them.)

I just went to Wal-Mart and bought a big pack of CD-R discs (I think it was around $13 for 20 discs), as well as a pack of cardboard sleeves (I think they were around $5 for 20). Then I printed a message to put on the front of each case. Here is how they turned out:

If you like this idea and want to pull it together quickly, click HERE for a PDF of a generic template you can use (you will have to sign your name on each one).

My New Bookshelf!

I have to give a shout-out to my very-handy husband, Shea. He made me a custom bookshelf to fit a very specific space in my room. I love it so much that I've already asked him to make me two more (one more for more books and one for my math games). Isn't it awesome!?

The Gift of Dyslexia

It has been a nutty quarter and I found that I did not get a chance to post as much as I had hoped to. Needless to say, I wanted to make it a priority to post about this book I recently read called The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald Davis. We have all had students that have either been diagnosed with dyslexia or show signs of dyslexia. And while teacher education does briefly touch on the topic, I felt like I needed to know more about this condition that affects so many students and adults. A parent of a former student recommended I read this book, and I have to admit, it is the best explanation I've ever read about dyslexia. It is written by a dyslexic man who has developed exercises to help dyslexics control their disorientations. The exercises are outlined in the book for those looking to try them. He has a successful track record of working with both dyslexic students as well as with training facilitators who then go out into the world and help others. It is a quick read and is definitely worth your time. It will give you a new perspective about what is going on in the mind of a dyslexic when they encounter confusion. I hope you find it as insightful as I did!