Stephanie {3rd Grade Thoughts}

Hi everyone! Can I even begin to tell you how excited I am about this new adventure on Owl-ways Be Inspired? I hope you've enjoyed getting to know us and I am happy to be here today to tell you a bit about me.

My name is Stephanie and I blog all about my classroom at 3rd Grade Thoughts. I am an Ohio State grad (Go Buckeyes!) and received my Masters from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. I then picked up and moved out west to Colorado, where I have taught both fifth and third grade for the past nine years-- where did that time go?

My heart definitely lies in third grade-- it was my most favorite grade growing up and I just lovelovelove the kids and the progress they make during our year together!! Every year it is such a special gift to be able to watch them transition into independent learners and cohesive group members-- it gets harder and harder to watch them move up to fourth!

Outside of school, I stay pretty busy with my husband of five years and our sweet two-year-old daughter. She keeps us on our toes and I am getting pretty good at singing all of the Disney princess songs ;) We also have a big, sweet chocolate lab who will always be our first "baby". We love to travel, cook, and play as a family and love these beautiful summer nights near the mountains.

Some of my most favorite things include the color teal, anything chevron, Target, dangly earrings, lavender lotion, restaurants, TJ Maxx, Mr. Scentsy markers, maxi skirts, Burt's Bees, coffee!, new shoes, big watches, people-watching, and quotes :)

If follow my blog, you know that I love teaching in small groups whenever possible. Daily 5, Math Rotations and Writing Groups are my favorite parts of the day! I love how these small groups build independence, practice a ton of strategies, develop student responsibility, and allow me to get to know the kiddos on a much more personal level. We use centers quite a bit in our room and I wanted to share two (a math and a literacy center) with you today.

My freebie is a Back to School-themed center that includes making words and ways to write a number. Check it out HERE or by clicking the picture below.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me this morning and be sure to stop by my blog, 3rd Grade Thoughts for lots more ideas and ramblings :)